Eiichiro Oda has a fantastic ability to craft deeply emotional backstories that resonate profoundly with fans. After pulling at our heartstrings with Kuma’s tragic narrative, Oda shifted gears to unveil another heartbreaking tale in the Elbaf arc, focusing on Loki, the Accursed Prince. As we delve into Loki’s history and his connection with the residents of Elbaf Island, the parallels between his backstory and that of Naruto, a legendary anime character, become strikingly evident.
Loki and Naruto’s Backstory Share More Similarities Than You Think
Naruto’s backstory is often hailed as one of the most impactful in anime, striking a chord with audiences across generations. A key similarity between the childhoods of Naruto and Loki is the pervasive loneliness that shadows them from birth.
Naruto was left orphaned as a baby and shunned by the village due to Kurama, the Nine Tails, sealed within him. In a similar vein, Loki was labeled a demon because he was born with the eyes of the devil. This stigma followed both characters before they could show their true selves.
While Naruto experienced the loss of his parents shortly after birth, Loki’s situation is even more tragic. Estrid, Loki’s mother, attempted to kill him just after giving birth because of his devilish appearance, ultimately abandoning him and branding him as a curse for their land.
The most unfortunate of all creatures is the one whose very existence is denied by its mother in the moment of its birth. – One Piece Narrator
In the aftermath, Loki faced disasters in Elbaf, unjustly blamed as the primary cause. Both he and Naruto were ostracized and longed for recognition from someone, anyone.
Despite the torment in his life, Naruto harnessed his struggles, channeling them into positive actions. Lok, however, took a darker route, leading him toward destruction.
Another poignant resemblance is seen in their longing for parental affection. Both characters are scarred by the lack of love from their parents. While Naruto found solace in his friendships and eventually pursued his dreams, Loki, driven by despair, attempted suicide. Yet, his innate strength pulled him back from the brink.
Looking Forward to Loki’s Path to Redemption in One Piece
Unlike Naruto, who transformed his pain into motivation, Loki’s redemption arc is being crafted through chaos. With Elbaf facing chaos from God’s Knights and Imu, there’s an urgent need for Loki to rise and protect his village.
We anticipate that, much like Naruto at the end of the Pain’s Assault arc, Loki will eventually be recognized as a hero by the very people who once deemed him an outcast.
The villagers who shunned Loki due to his eyes will one day come to appreciate his true self. Luffy has already recognized Loki’s genuine spirit, inviting him to join the Straw Hat Pirates. This acceptance may prompt Loki to pass his claim to the throne to his brother, Hajrudin, helping him realize his dream of uniting the giants.
Loki’s narrative is reminiscent of Naruto’s, amplifying the emotional stakes significantly. Oda has held nothing back in crafting Loki’s past, and we look forward to discovering more about his beginnings as the story unfolds. Share your thoughts on Loki’s tale in the comments—we’d love to hear from you!
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