Summary
In the vast world ofOne Piece, the founding families hold a significant place in the intricate tapestry of power and history. These founding families, also known as the Celestial dragons, were the architects of the World Government, the governing body that rules over the world.
These royal families' lineage traces back to the mysterious Void Century, and they wield immense authority and privilege. Their importance to theOne Pieceseries transcends their aristocratic status, as they guard the truth of the world’s concealed history (the Void Century) and cast a looming shadow over the characters and events that shape this story. Their importance to the series lies in their role as the embodiment of corruption, privilege, and the struggle for justice.
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The Celestial Dragons
The Celestial Dragons, also known as the World Nobles, are a group of nobles who enjoy a distinct and exalted status within the World Government. These noble families are descendants of the original twenty kings who were instrumental in establishing the World Government duringthe mysterious Void Century. The Void Century, an era that remains concealed and hidden from the general populace, is the foundation for much of the intrigue and conflict in the series. It is believed to hold vital secrets about the world’s history and the formation of the World Government. The Celestial Dragons' lineage is their claim to power and privilege. They are seen as the direct descendants of these founding kings, and their status as celestial reflects their lofty heritage. As a result, they are placed at the pinnacle ofthe World Government’shierarchy, affording them immense authority and influence. These world nobles reside in the Holy Land of Mariejoise, an affluent city on the Red Line, one of the four seas encircling the world.
The royal families of Maryjoise embody the dark side of authority and power. They regularly indulge in acts of cruelty, treating commoners as mere playthings and slaves. Their control over the slave trade is notorious, and they view human lives as disposable commodities. The Celestial Dragons' whimsical and sadistic behavior has earned them disdain and fear from the general population. They live in luxury, are immune to prosecution for their actions, and have the power to demand anything they desire. This privilege has led to many tyrannical behaviors,the events at the Reverie, Sabaody, and many others. However, while many of the other Celestial Dragons exert significant influence through their wealth and status, a particular group known as the Five Elders performs a much greater purpose and shapes policies and decisions that impact the entire world ofOne Piece.These Five Elders' voices carry immense weight, often leading to decisions that serve their interests rather than the greater good.
The Founding Families Mentioned In The Series So Far
InOne Piece, several lineages of families connected to the original founding families have been revealed. So far, these families have played a significant role in the series and will all be crucial in the future of One Piece. One of them is the Donquixote family, who once ruledthe Kingdom of Dressrosaand used to be a part of the Celestial Dragons. However, Donquixote Homing decided to relinquish his status as part of the World Noble to live among the common people. The decision ended tragically for him and even incited the hatred of one of his sons, Doflamingo. After losing his noble status,Doflamingo harbored deep resentmentand a desire for revenge against the world that rejected him. He sought to regain power and control by establishing his own pirate crew, which rose him to the status of Schibukai. Donquixote reclaimed the Dressrosa Kingdom before he was defeated by the Straw Hat pirates. His actions as a former Celestial Dragon, along with his criminal activities, shape the narrative and drive conflicts within the series. Doflamingo’s storyline delves into themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of privilege.
Likewise, the ruling family of the Alabasta Kingdom, the Nefertari Family, will play a crucial role in shaping the future ofOne Piece. The events during the Reverie at Mariejoise with King Cobra and the disappearance of Princess Vivi still reverberate in theOne Pieceworld. While the family has a connection tothe mysterious “D” namein the series, the exact reason why Nefertari Lili not joining the Celestial Dragons is not yet explicitly stated. However, it is implied that the Nefertari family values the well-being of their people and their kingdom. They have a sense of duty and a commitment to protecting and governing Alabasta. Probably, they did not want to abandon their kingdom and subjects to become part of the oppressive and corrupt Celestial Dragon class. Coupled with that, the role of Vivi is intertwined withthe great mistake Lili committed, as mentioned by the mysterious Imu.
Also, the Figarland family are the recently unveiled Celestial Dragons in the series. The recently released chapters of the manga revealed how the Figarland family is entwined with the events that unfolded at Gods Valley among the World Government and the Rocks Pirates. Also,red-haired Shanks’s connection with the Figarland familyis greatly theorized, but this theory is not yet certain. Moreover, the Five Elder families, Saint Marcus Mars, Saint Topman Warcury, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, andSaint Jaygarcia Saturn, serve as the highest governing body within the World Government.
They make important decisions, set policies, and have the final say on matters concerning the world ofOne Piece, and they’ve been pulling the strings for so long in the shadow. However, the tumultuous events and the current havoc on the sea have made them appear more in the manga and the anime. Even one of them, Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, had to intervene inthe recent events at Egghead Island. The Five Elders, the pinnacle of power and decision-making within the government, answer only to their one true king, Imu. The enigmatic character, Imu, belongs to the Nerona dynasty, also one of the 20 founding families of the World Government.Imu is shown to be the true ruler of the world, even above the Five Elders, and his identity remains unknown. As different tumultuous events unfold in the series, the role of Imu in the overarching narrative ofOne Piecehas yet to be revealed.
One Pieceis available to stream onPrime Video.
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