Donquixote Homing is possibly the most enigmatic Celestial Dragon in One Piece. Also known as Saint Donquixote Homing, this figure’s legacy is often overshadowed by the violence of his successors. There are legendary families that were snuffed out by oppressive forces or genetic hiccups, but seldom do we see people relinquish titles and fame for normalcy. In order to better understand who Don Quixote really is, we’re going to have to analyze all of the available information. One more thing though! If you are new to One Piece, understand that there will be spoilers! Let’s get this show on the road.
A Promising Start
Homing was born into the prestigious Donquixote clan, one of the twenty founding families of the World Government. As a member of this influential family, he enjoyed the privilege of living life on his terms. Eventually, Homing entered into matrimony, and 41 years prior to the current storyline, he and his spouse welcomed their first son into the world, naming him Doflamingo. Two years later, their second son, Rosinante, was born. While Rosinante inherited his parents humility and modesty, Doflamingo exhibited a stark contrast, aligning himself more with the demeanor of the World Nobles, indulgent and unkind.
Privilege Saved For Kings
In the One Piece world, the World Nobles, also known as the Celestial Dragons, wield immense power and privilege, making them one of the most influential and feared groups within the World Government. Their authority is a central aspect of the series. These qualities showcase the stark disparities and injustices that exist within the series. We go deep on the Celestial Dragons in another segment, but this is a fair synopsis of their role.
Being a World Noble afforded Homing the privilege of acting with impunity, shielded from the grasp of the law. Homing’s political clout was monumental, allowing him to command the presence of a Marine Admiral if he perceived any threat or faced an attack. He basked in immense wealth and wielded significant political sway on a global scale. It was found surpassing even the influence of royalty together at the Levely.
Donquixote Homing vs World Nobles
In stark contrast to the customary demeanor of World Nobles, Homing displayed none of the usual arrogance or cruelty associated with his status. He considered himself a regular human being, sharing the same humanity as ordinary people. His humility and extraordinary kindness set him apart, as he aspired to lead a simple life among the commoners. Unfortunately, this decision would be the literal death of him.
Homing remarkable benevolence made him an anomaly among Celestial Dragons. His peers chastised him for what they deemed blasphemous, equating himself with the rest of humanity. His perception would prove to be quite costly.
What Happened To The Donquixote Family?
Confronted with discrimination and anger from the victims of World Nobles, he came to a harsh realization of his own arrogance, having been unaware of the deep-seated hatred and resentment that commoners harbored towards individuals of his status. In the face of this hostility, they sought refuge in an obscure junkyard. Even at this point, he tried to remain grateful, but the weight of these decisions soon endangered his family.
Tragedy Strikes
The other World Nobles had once regarded Homing as an equal, albeit with some unease due to his unique attitude towards commoners. However, their respect for him turned into disdain when Homing openly declared his desire to renounce his World Noble status and proclaim his fundamental humanity. Tragedy struck when his beloved wife fell seriously ill, and he found himself powerless to provide any assistance.
Homing soon realized the gravity of his mistake in leaving his family exposed to the anger of the local populace. Desperation compelled him to beg his former peers for help, even offering to have only his wife and sons returned to Mary Geoise, as he believed they shouldn’t suffer the consequences of his choice to resign. Regrettably, the Celestial Dragons had cast him aside as a traitor, and his pleas fell on deaf ears.
The Death of a Good Man: What Happens to Donquixote Homing?
Newfound power via pistol allowed Homing’s son Doflamingo to incapacitate the citizens who attempted to continue their abuse towards the Donquixote Family. The young boy felt real power for the first time and didn’t want to lose it. With a deadly weapon in hand, Doflamingo made a fateful decision to use it against his own father, intending to present Homing’s severed head as a grim offering to the World Nobles.
The Birth of a Villain
Homing’s final words were marked by a melancholic smile, expressing his heartfelt apology to his sons for his perceived failure as a father.
Doflamingo, now wielding his father’s severed head, journeyed back to Mary Geoise in a desperate bid to reclaim his lost status as a World Noble. However, the World Nobles, determined to disassociate from a “family of traitors,” categorically rejected his plea. Faced with this harsh reality, Doflamingo was left with no choice but to flee what he once called home. The patricidal maniac would be forever severed from the privileges he once enjoyed. Homing’s family would forever be disgraced on the world stage.
The Price of Arrogance
Like Christopher McCandless, Donquixote Homing believed that he could shake the shackles of a pampered life. The rich often live a paradoxical existence. We ironically thrive when we experience suffering. Therefore, we romanticize what it means to struggle when hardship doesn’t exist. For those who have never known a cold night, they often find themselves playing pretend. They idolize the average Joe, who pinches pennies for the nightly dinner. The grass always seems greener.
Homing tried to live the life of the Buddha essentially. However, he landed on the ugly side of poverty, unable to care for his wife and children. It was a lovely thought to go out into the world as an equal, but this storyline shows us that he didn’t really know what “equal” meant. The narrative of Homing is heartbreaking, but also quite possibly the most authentic portrayal of wealth inequality in the One Piece series.
