Scattered all over the world of One Piece, Giants are both comical and terrifying.
With mysterious origins and towering physique, the Giant race is a hot topic in the One Piece universe. There are layers of diversity in this particular aggregation, and they also possess some fun personalities. It’s quite difficult to pin exactly who the Giants are in One Piece. As the manga and anime progress, these massive figures continue to wow us with their surprisingly varietal spread. From the Elbaf crew to the Marine-based Squad, there is a lot to learn about our gargantuan friends.
The Role of Giants In One Piece
In the vast and captivating world of “One Piece,” created by the renowned manga artist Eiichiro Oda, giants play a significant and intriguing role. These colossal beings, both in size and significance, add depth to the narrative and contribute to the rich tapestry of the series’ lore. Across the Grand Line and the Four Blues, giants stand as enigmatic figures, shaping the story’s progression and leaving an indelible mark on the imagination of fans worldwide. Giants in the world of “One Piece” are not merely oversized humans; they embody unique cultures, histories, and aspirations.
Throughout the series, giants are not confined to a singular role; they occupy various positions and professions, showcasing their versatility and integration into the diverse world of “One Piece.” Hajrudin, a former slave who rose to prominence through his participation in the Corrida Colosseum tournament. Giants like this exemplify the resilience and determination of giants. Importantly, the theme of diversity and acceptance is interwoven into the narrative of giants within “One Piece.” Despite their imposing stature, giants often face prejudice and misunderstanding from smaller races. The bond formed between the Straw Hat Pirates and giants, such as their alliance with the aforementioned Oimo and Kashi, highlights the series’ underlying message of unity and friendship, transcending differences in size, appearance, and background.
In order to understand such diversity. Let’s dive into a few notable tribes and the characters that make them so unique.
Who Are The Elbaf Giants?
Elbaf, functioning as a kingdom, operates under the governance of a monarch. They are among the most commonly known in the world of One Piece. Within this realm, Prince Loki enjoyed the unique privilege of proposing marriage to one of the daughters of Charlotte Linlin (better known as “Big Mom”) She is a widely despised figure within the giant community.
Renowned for their formidable might, Elbaf’s military is esteemed across the seas. Faced with the prospect that Elbaf might marshal their forces and engage in a potentially catastrophic war to avenge the execution of their Giant Warrior Pirates members, the Marines choose a course of caution. In a striking departure from their stance during the conflict with the entire Whitebeard Pirates a century later, the Marines, driven by apprehension, promptly released their captives. This should already be enough evidence to represent the Elbaf Giants’ power. Without getting too caught in the weeds, let’s address a few characters that make Elbaf so special.
John Giant
As one who earned the title Vice Admiral and the first Giant to ever join the Marines, John Giant symbolizes the Marines’ authority and power. Standing out due to his imposing size and strength, he embodies the might of the organization. John Giant is notably seen during key moments in the series. Unfortunately, his potential is essentially snuffed out after his fight with Whitebeard.
Dorry
Hailing from Elbaf, Dorry, known as the Blue Ogre, stands as a giant of considerable stature and significance. He assumes a leadership role as one of the co-captains of the Giant Warrior Pirates, sharing this position with his counterpart, Brogy. Notably, Dorry forms an alliance with the Straw Hat Pirates during the events of the Little Garden Arc. This underscores his pivotal involvement in the unfolding narrative.
Brogy
Similar to Dorry, Brogy embodies a kind-hearted giant, though his unwavering pride occasionally influences his actions. Rooted deeply in the traditions of his homeland, Brogy staunchly upholds the customs of combat with great reverence. This can be quite obvious when looking at his Viking garb. His commitment to these principles remains steadfast, even in the face of grave injuries. It illustrates his unyielding dedication to his beliefs. Also, he plays a solid role in the Little Garden Arc as well, being a useful ally to the Straw Hat Pirates.
Who Are The Ancient Giants?
The Ancient Giant Tribe in One Piece is a long-lost race of colossal beings predating modern giants. Revered as ancient giants, they left their legacy through giant structures like the Bridge of Hesitation. Although we are only made aware of a set of characters forming this tribe, the Ancient Giants are worth mentioning due to a few quirks. For starters, they are significantly larger than the other giants, reaching heights as great as 60 meters or 200 feet.
These enigmatic giants’ existence hints at a rich history that adds depth to the world’s lore, evoking curiosity about their role in shaping current events and their possible connections to other mysteries in the series.
Oars
Oars is a massive, animated giant corpse manipulated by Gecko Moria’s powers. Later, Oars’ history unveils a tragic tale of displacement and manipulation. He symbolizes Moria’s ambitions and the Straw Hat Pirates’ resilience, reflecting themes of power and camaraderie. Oars’ colossal form and poignant narrative contribute to the series’ captivating exploration of life, death, and the influence of individuals on the world’s course. Although long dead, he shows how immensely capable this race once was in the One Piece universe.
Little Oars Jr.
Little Oars Jr. in One Piece is a giant who seeks to fulfill his captain’s dream of seeing a world of dreams. Formerly a member of the Whitebeard Pirates, he shared a deep bond with Ace, whom he sought to rescue from execution. His towering presence, noble intent, and willingness to sacrifice himself for a friend highlight his loyalty and bravery. Little Oars Jr.’s role amplifies themes of friendship, sacrifice, and determination in the series.
Who Are The Giant Squad?
The Giant Squad comprises notable giants who united to join the Marines during the Marineford War. Led by Vice Admiral John Giant demonstrated their strength and loyalty on the battlefield. Their involvement significantly impacted the conflict’s dynamics, until Little Oars Jr. came into play. This alliance of giants showcased the Marines’ diversity and their willingness to accept beings of various races and sizes. The event emphasizes themes of unity and shared purpose amidst the chaotic backdrop of the war. That said, we don’t really know many names. Perhaps we’ll get the chance before our beloved journey ends.
Lacroix
Recently highlighted in a discussion about Vice Admirals, LaCroix has had a few moments to showcase his strength. As stated, he has an oddly normal complexion compared to other giants. He does, however, have the signature bulky belly Giants possess. So far, we know he’s capable of surviving gun/cannon fire, so we can’t wait to see what’s next.
Lonz
At the moment, Lonz is a bit mysterious, wearing a medieval helmet and wielding a battle-axe. We also don’t know how much he subscribes to the Marine code of loyalty. It’d be cool to see a Giant Marine officer with inner conflict.
Larger Than Life
The giants in “One Piece” hold significant value within the narrative, enriching the world’s depth and themes. As iconic characters, they represent diversity and cultural complexity, showcasing unique traditions, histories, and viewpoints. Giants like Dorry and Brogy highlight honor and loyalty through their millennia-spanning feud, emphasizing the power of camaraderie.
Elbaf, the land of giants, offers a glimpse into a mythical society, promising potential revelations about their origins, societal structures, and interactions with the world. Giants like Oimo, Kashii, and Hajrudin demonstrate the potential for personal growth and change, transcending stereotypes and prejudices.
Furthermore, giants influence key events, such as the Marineford War, where the Giant Squad’s involvement shifts the tide of battle. The sacrifice of Little Oars Jr. underscores friendship and loyalty, accentuating the emotional impact of the characters’ choices. Overall, giants in “One Piece” embody themes of unity, sacrifice, and acceptance. Their diverse roles, relationships, and cultural richness contribute to the series’ narrative complexity and philosophical depth, reinforcing the idea that size and appearance do not define a character’s worth or potential.
