Symbolism and Esotericism in “One Piece” Volume 22: Towards the Conclusion of the Arabasta Saga
In the twenty-second volume of “One Piece”, the Arabasta saga reaches some of its most critical and symbolic moments. This phase of the story is not only a crossroads for the protagonists but is also rich in elements that refer to symbolic and esoteric concepts. Let’s analyze some of these key aspects.
Spoiler Alert. Even though this volume dates back over 20 years, there might be someone who has started enjoying the work recently, so be cautious if you decide to read further. I believe these articles can be interesting for both long-time fans and new enthusiasts alike.
The Intrinsic Duality of Humanity
The arrival of Kosa at the royal palace and the discovery of Crocodile’s machinations unveil not just political plots but also the complexity of human nature. The presence of Baroque Works men infiltrated in both camps is emblematic of human duality and complexity. This situation reflects the esoteric idea that good and evil can coexist, blurring the boundaries between friend and foe and highlighting the difficulty in clearly distinguishing between right and wrong.
Water as a Symbol of Purification
The epic battle between Luffy and Crocodile reintroduces water as a key element for victory. In esotericism, water symbolizes purification and renewal. Luffy’s ability to overcome the corruption embodied by Crocodile through the use of water evokes the theme of purification from negative influences, emphasizing the power of the water element as a force for spiritual cleansing and renewal.
The Search for Hidden Knowledge
The moment Nico Robin takes the king to the cemetery to reveal the Poignee Griffe opens up reflections on esotericism and hidden knowledge. This gesture symbolizes the search for enlightenment and buried truth, central elements in esotericism. The revelation of ancient secrets and forgotten truths is a call to the thirst for profound knowledge that goes beyond the boundaries of common understanding.
Free Will vs. Destiny
The narrative intertwines the fight against preordained destiny, represented by Crocodile’s plans, with the protagonists’ exercise of free will. This conflict reflects a common esoteric theme, where destiny and free will constantly confront each other, questioning our ability to influence the course of events through our choices.
Sacrifice as Redemption
Finally, Pell’s sacrifice, offering to carry the bomb away from the city, is a powerful symbol of redemption and rebirth. This action evokes the concept of death and rebirth, a recurring theme in esotericism, where self-sacrifice can lead to spiritual rebirth, symbolizing the continuous cycle of death and regeneration that pervades the universe.
In conclusion, Volume 22 of “One Piece” turns out to be a work dense with symbolism and esotericism, where every narrative and symbolic element contributes to weaving a story that goes beyond the simple pirate adventure, touching on deep and universal themes. These layers of meaning enrich the work, offering readers points of reflection that surpass the boundaries of the manga itself.
