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Discover who among Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger is One Piece’s most influential figure. Additionally, explore the reasons why.
The world of One Piece is shaped by rich lore and legendary figures whose influence has spanned several generations. These characters have greatly contributed to the mysteries of the series but have also inspired pirates, marines, revolutionaries, and several more groups.
While there is no shortage of such monumental individuals in history, two often dominate discussions – Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger. Despite being from different generations, both pirates have left an indelible mark on One Piece. Their actions have brought about a new era of piracy while also signaling a large change in the world. However, between Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger, who is One Piece’s most influential figure?
Based on all the information revealed in the series so far, Gol D. Roger’s accomplishments place him one step above Joy Boy in terms of influence. However, this is a complex area of discussion since Joy Boy is a god-like individual who has remained an enigma for most of the story. Whereas Gol D. Roger’s contributions have been much more direct, allowing us to view their tangible effects. Here is a closer look at this.
Who Are Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger in One Piece?
Joy Boy is an ancient and almost mythical figure in One Piece who is classified as the very first pirate in history. He possessed the powers of the Sun God Nika, believed to be his second coming, while traversing the seas during the Void Century.
Over the course of his life, Joy Boy engraved different Poneglyphs at separate locations. One of these contained an apology to the Fish-Men, and others had information regarding the Ancient Weapons. He was also a member of the Ancient Kingdom, which had immense power during this period. However, his tale came to an end due to the alliance between the Twenty Kingdoms, going on to form the World Government.
Gol D. Roger, on the other hand, is a pirate who came long after Joy Boy. He is the only documented person in the series to have conquered the Grand Line and reached Laugh Tale. While most information regarding Joy Boy was erased by the World Government, Roger’s history is well-known due to his heroic deeds with the Roger Pirates.
He protected the residents of God Valley against the Rocks Pirates and came to be known as the one and only Pirate King. Due to his failing health, he disbanded his crew and surrendered to the marines. During his public execution, he changed the landscape of One Piece forever through his declaration. By indicating that the One Piece was real, his final words challenged everyone to find his treasure. This began the Great Pirate Era.
Joy Boy’s Significance in One Piece
Joy Boy is a divine-like individual in One Piece who is simply passed down through word of mouth and ancient texts. He was a comrade of Zunesha and Emet, who keep carrying on his will in the current timeline.
Similarly, his bond with the Fish-Men and his Poneglyphs also ensures his place as a looming presence after centuries. Most importantly, the One Piece treasure that every pirate in the world seeks is Joy Boy’s treasure and his knowledge, left there when he visited Laugh Tale.
Hence, when Roger did discover his existence, he lamented the fact that he could not meet him. Due to this, Joy Boy is connected to every single important element in One Piece. His sole existence created the World Government, which had to unite to extinguish him.
Symbolically, Joy Boy represents a prophecy in One Piece. For a long time, several groups were awaiting the return of the Sun God Nika, who would bring about liberation for the world. Those such as Zunesha called it “Joy Boy’s return,” bringing an end to the oppressive regime ruling the world.
However, it must be stated that Joy Boy’s significance in One Piece is also paradoxically uncertain. A large portion of his impact is hidden, while others are simply assumed by fans. He is a figure of reverence, but he also remains a rumor for most of the world.
Gol D. Roger’s Significance in One Piece
Unlike Joy Boy, whose existence is surrounded by an air of mystery, Roger is a flesh-and-blood legend. His presence is felt in all parts of the world, with allies and enemies alike speaking tales of his adventures.
Roger explored every nook and corner of the Grand Line while gaining the respect of the citizens and even most marines. He brought an end to dangerous groups such as the Rocks Pirates and the Golden Lion Pirates on his quest to find the greatest treasure of all.
Finally, his message to the world cemented his legacy in One Piece. Roger pushed forward the new era of piracy, motivating everyone from Emperors, Warlords, and the protagonist to take to the seas. His proteges, such as Shanks and Buggy, as well as his former rival Whitebeard, have also become some of the most important figures in the series.
Roger, much like Joy Boy, symbolized freedom and the resistance against injustice. He did not openly revolt against the World Government but refused to be tied down by their restrictions. As a result, he has motivated many more to follow in his footsteps, which has completely overturned the power structure in One Piece.
Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger’s Connection to Luffy
A major contributor to Joy Boy and Roger’s significance in One Piece is their connection to Luffy. All three of them share similar traits, being charismatic, independent, and fighting against tyranny. Additionally, there are more subtle and distinctive similarities.
Joy Boy possessed the Hito Hito no Mi, Model: Nika, the same Devil Fruit that Luffy has. He was the Sun God’s representation in his era, while Luffy carries it forward in the current story. In addition, one of One Piece’s most awaited reveals was the return of Joy Boy, which finally happened in Wano.
With Zunesha’s triumphant announcement, Luffy unlocked Gear Five and, in essence, became the next Joy Boy. Roger was also aware that Joy Boy would return in the future but realized he was too early to witness it.
Nevertheless, Luffy’s journey across One Piece has constantly mirrored the Pirate King. Oda has often compared their actions, personalities, and even the moments before their execution. In addition, Roger’s crew has played an immeasurable role in Luffy’s life.
The protagonist would have never become a pirate without Shanks, wearing the iconic Straw Hat that once belonged to Roger. Luffy would have also faced an early death if it wasn’t for Rayleigh’s interference, saving him in Sabaody and even teaching him Haki during the timeskip. In Elbaph, Luffy has met Scopper Gaban, Roger’s left-hand man.
Therefore, both Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger have special connections with the protagonist. Joy Boy’s is more metaphysical whereas Roger’s has a more personal element.
Who Is One Piece’s Most Influential Figure?
When considering the direct impact on the world of One Piece, Gol D. Roger stands above Joy Boy in terms of influence. His execution directly led to the Great Pirate Era, changing the entire course of history. Roger’s adventures, alliances and even enemies shape the world’s current power structure, while also immensely contributing to Luffy’s growth.
Joy Boy, while foundational, remains shrouded in mystery. His influence can be attributed to his prophecy over direct actions. His adventures during the Void Century are known by very few, most of whom are part of the antagonistic World Government.
Roger’s influence is more immediate, shaping the actions of those who seek the One Piece, while Joy Boy’s legacy remains a whisper from the past, waiting to be fully uncovered.
Conclusion
In the grand scheme of One Piece, both Joy Boy and Gol D. Roger hold unparalleled influence, but in different ways. Roger is the immediate force that reshaped the world, while Joy Boy is the long-term catalyst of change. While Roger’s influence is clear and present, Joy Boy carries an air of mystery.
Nevertheless, as One Piece heads towards its conclusion, fans are eager to discover more about these legendary characters. Their actions have impacted the current state of the world, and their mark on the series is everlasting.
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