7) When history meets fiction: Oda and his historical influences

Introduction: One Piece Characters and Reality

In the rich and abundant universe of One Piece , Eiichiro Oda has created unique characters, full of complexity, depth and often inspired by historical and cultural figures. These heroes, pirates and antagonists go through trials that resonate not only in the fictional world of Grand Line, but also with our reality, where emblematic figures have marked History with their ideals, their struggles and their journeys.

This article is the result of a personal reflection, a study on Oda's possible inspirations for his main and secondary characters, which, in my eyes, find echoes in historical figures. It is important to emphasize that this analysis has no other pretension than to share a personal vision, and I do not claim to hold the absolute truth. Only Oda, creator of this masterful work, knows the true inspirations behind his characters. Nevertheless, I believe it is interesting to undertake this reflection and explore the possible links between these fictional characters and those of our real world, a reality that, perhaps, could have influenced the author in his creations.

1. Shanks

Inspiration: Sir Francis Drake

• Similar features:
  • Leadership and Charisma: Shanks is an extremely respected and powerful pirate, but does not seek domination at all costs. In this regard, he is similar to Sir Francis Drake, an English pirate and privateer in the service of the crown, who possessed a keen sense of diplomacy and strategy, while being an outstanding warrior.
  • Relationship with other characters: Shanks is also a character who avoids direct conflict, preferring a more diplomatic approach. This is reminiscent of how Drake juggled the role of pirate and diplomat, while remaining a man of action.

2. Kaido

• Analysis :
  • Genghis Khan : This is an obvious comparison. Genghis Khan was a ruthless conqueror, but also a brilliant strategist who united many tribes under a common banner. Kaido, with his desire to annihilate others and fight for world domination, is like a more "mythical" version of Genghis Khan.

3. Newgate (Whitebeard)

• Analysis :
  • Monk Saitō Musashibō Benkei : A Japanese warrior monk known for his strength and dedication. This could fit Whitebeard's image as a protector and sage among pirates, but also a reference to how he embodies a spirit of "respect" and "loyalty" in his subordinates.

4. Big Mom

• Inspiration: Bipolar (Marie-Antoinette + Caroline Bonaparte)

Similar features:

• Destructive energy and excess:
  • Marie Antoinette, the last queen of France before the Revolution, is famous for her extravagant opulence and excesses. She was seen as detached from the realities of the people, seeking to maintain her power through excessive luxury.
  • Big Mom, as a figure of power, reflects this idea of ​​excess. She seeks to build a kingdom through a tyrannical and devouring monarchy, similar to that of Marie Antoinette. Her impulsive actions, her excesses in food and her quest for power through domination symbolize this link with royal extravagance.
• Preference for sweets:
  • Marie Antoinette was known for her love of pleasure, and her favorite dish was supposedly strawberries with whipped cream, a rich, sweet dessert that symbolized the opulence of the court at Versailles.
  • Big Mom shares this love of sweets, being obsessed with candy and pastries. This not only highlights her penchant for delicacies but also the relationship with overconsumption and excess, similar to that of Marie Antoinette.
• Number of children and dynasty:
  • Caroline Bonaparte, Napoleon's sister, played an important role in Napoleonic politics. She had a large family and was known for her ambition and strategic role in the French Empire.
  • Big Mom also has a large family with many children, reinforcing the idea of ​​dynasty and family control. She seeks to maintain her power and influence through her offspring, much like Caroline Bonaparte cultivated alliances and power relationships through her family.
• Rapid and impulsive changes of opinion:
  • Caroline Bonaparte showed great flexibility and an ability to adapt to circumstances, sometimes changing her loyalties depending on political events.
  • Big Mom, with her capricious nature, often changes her opinions and decisions impulsively, which is a common trait with Caroline. This political and personal volatility is another striking link.

5. Wapol

• Analysis :
  • Napoleon : This is an interesting idea. Wapol seems to embody a figure who, despite his small size and flaws, believes himself to be superior and is obsessed with power. His tyrannical attitude and his delusions of grandeur may well echo Napoleon, especially in his periods of decline.

6. Yamato

• Analysis :
  • Khautalun : A legendary Mongolian warrior, strong and respected for her fighting skills. Yamato could very well be inspired by this figure, especially in her desire to prove her worth and protect her "legacy". This ties in with the idea of ​​Yamato seeking to embody her father Kaido's legacy, while being different.

7. Black Beard

• Analysis :
  • Blackbeard (Edward Teach) : Blackbeard is a character based on the real-life figure of Edward Teach, known for his cruelty, audacity, and willingness to manipulate others to gain power. His philosophy of "gaining power" by using the weaknesses of others is a defining trait in Blackbeard's story.

8. Luffy (see chapter on this subject)

• Analysis :
  • Monkey King Sun Wukong : This is an obvious influence. Luffy, with his carefree nature, ability to defy rules and rebel against authority, is clearly inspired by this character.

9. Eustass Kid

• Inspiration: Bartholomew Roberts (Black Bart)
  • Similar features:
    • Uncompromising Pirate Personality: Kid is a bold and ruthless pirate, seeking to crush his enemies without remorse, making him a sort of "brutal" version of Bartholomew Roberts, an extremely aggressive and ambitious pirate. Roberts was also a pirate who wanted to dominate the seas, much like Kid, who sees himself as one of the future Emperors of the Seas.
    • Violent and vengeful story: Kid, like these historical pirates, is a character who feeds on violence and destruction. He has no finesse in his actions, but he is ruthless and motivated by the will to make a name for himself through fear.

10. Joy Boy

• Inspiration: Prometheus
  • Similar features:
    • Sacrifice and Heroic Failure: The concept of Joy Boy echoes the myth of Prometheus, who sacrificed his freedom to offer something to humanity, but failed in his endeavor. Joy Boy, although he seems to be a central character in the story of Laugh Tale Island, did not accomplish what he wanted, creating great disappointment. He is the tragic hero who fails, just as Prometheus was punished for trying to free humanity.

11. Buggy

• Analysis : Calico Jack is indeed a good inspiration, especially in the way Buggy navigates between being a comedian and a feared pirate. The symbolism of Papu Legba could be interesting, because Buggy always seems to find himself at the center of events by luck or chance.

12. Imu

• Inspiration: Emperor Tiberius
  • Similar features:
    • Secret and Hidden Power: Imu, as a secret entity and leader of the occult forces of the World Government, is reminiscent of Tiberius, the Roman emperor who, despite taking power after Augustus, remained a shadowy and ruthless figure. Tiberius, who ruled in the shadow of his predecessor, sought to control the fate of the empire with an iron fist, while remaining discreet. Imu, like Tiberius, represents an invisible and terrifying power.

13. Zoro

• Inspiration : Miyamoto Musashi
  • Reason :
    • Miyamoto Musashi : Musashi, a famous Japanese swordsman, is an obvious influence on Zoro. Musashi is a master of the sword, solitary and rigid, much like Zoro, who strives to be the greatest swordsman in the world.

14. Nami

• Inspiration : Anne Bonny
  • Reason :
    • Anne Bonny : Anne Bonny, a legendary 18th-century pirate, embodies Nami's boldness and cunning. Like Anne, Nami is a strong, intelligent, and independent woman.

15. Usopp

• Inspiration : Don Quixote
  • Reason :
    • Don Quixote : Usopp is reminiscent of Don Quixote , a man who embarks on epic adventures, often ridiculous but always determined, seeking to honor his ideals.

16. Nico Robin

• Inspiration : Hypatia of Alexandria
  • Reason :
    • Hypatia of Alexandria : Robin, as a scholar and brilliant woman, could also be compared to Hypatia of Alexandria , the ancient mathematician and philosopher who lived in the Library of Alexandria and was feared by the government due to her knowledge.

17. Hancock

• Inspiration: Cleopatra
  • Reason :
    • Cleopatra : Boa Hancock embodies a regal femininity and fatal beauty who, like Cleopatra , the Queen of Egypt, uses her charm and power to rule and manipulate like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony .

18. Garp

• Inspiration : Admiral Yi Sun-sin ,
  • Reason :
    • Admiral Yi Sun-sin : Garp embodies the idea of ​​the legendary admiral in military lore, much like Yi Sun-sin , a Korean admiral who repelled Japanese invasions in the 16th century. Yi was respected for his tactics, bravery, and determination.

19. The 5 Elders (Gorosei) see subject

Inspiration : The Five Confucian Sages , The Illuminati , The Jesuits, The Vatican and the Popes, European Royal Families, Large International Corporations and Banks, The Rothschilds, David Ben Gurion.