While Poseidon is not a central character, its significance within the series is undeniable. Throughout the One Piece anime and manga, powers have constantly emerged to challenge the status quo. Recently, we analyzed the timeline regarding the Poneglyphs; ancient stone tablets made up of unknown materials that render them virtually indestructible. These Poneglyphs (some of them) describe three great weapons: Poseidon, Pluton, and Uranus. The latter will be the subject below. So, let’s talk about One Piece’s Ancient weapons. More specifically, let’s talk about the story of Poseidon, its current owner, and its impact on the broad storyline.
Shirahoshi: Who Currently Wields Poseidon in One Piece?
Poseidon, whose real current name is Shirahoshi, is a giant mermaid princess hailing from the underwater kingdom of Fish-Man Island. Shirahoshi, as Poseidon, is a gentle and kind-hearted character. She has a distinct appearance, standing at an enormous height even among the merfolk, with flowing pink hair and a captivating, ethereal beauty. Her size and her fish-like lower body, common among the merfolk, make her instantly recognizable. However, Shirahoshi’s defining characteristic is her relationship with the Sea Kings, which is a closely guarded secret due to the incredible power it represents.
The Power of Poseidon
Born with an extraordinary and mythical power, Poseidon possesses the ability to communicate with and control the ancient Sea Kings, colossal sea creatures that roam the deepest depths of the ocean. These Sea Kings are unlike any other creatures in the One Piece world, as they are both immensely powerful and deeply fabled, with some being hundreds of times larger than the average ship around the calm belt.
This is undeniably an immensely potent weapon, given the Sea Kings’ capacity to effortlessly submerge entire islands, a feat that is profoundly fearsome. Think oceanic nuke multiplied by 1000. The ability to harness such a force is widely apparent as one of the most formidable talents in the world. As stated in the series, when directed by the pure force of love, it holds the power to rescue countless lives, but when wielded with malevolent intent, it possesses the potential to consign everything to the depths of the ocean. With this power in the wrong hands, the world of one piece could simply cease to exist.
Achieving a Dream: Where Does Poseidon Come From?
The legend of Poseidon goes back centuries within the One Piece world. Poseidon existed during the enigmatic Void Century, forging a pact with Joy Boy. In this alliance, she agreed to employ her formidable abilities to summon the Sea Kings, directing them to raise the colossal ship known as Noah to the surface, with its true purpose to be unveiled upon activation. Regrettably, Joy Boy ultimately reneged on his commitment to Poseidon for reasons shrouded in mystery. Also, there was a letter left apologizing for the event.
As stated throughout, it is revealed that Poseidon is one of the three ancient weapons, alongside Pluton and Uranus, that have the potential to reshape the world. Shirahoshi inherited this power from her mother, Queen Otohime, who was deeply committed to maintaining peace between humans and the fish-men of Fish-Man Island. Otohime’s dream was to see her people and humans live in harmony, and she believed that the ancient weapon Poseidon could play a crucial role in achieving that dream.
The Straw Hats Meet Poseidon
The revelation of Shirahoshi’s true identity as Poseidon becomes a significant plot point when it is discovered by the Straw Hat Pirates, the series’ main protagonist group, during their adventures in the New World. The Straw Hat Pirates, led by Monkey D. Luffy, learn about Shirahoshi’s power and the potential consequences of it falling into the wrong hands. The World Government, a powerful and secretive organization in the One Piece world, also seeks to control these ancient weapons, and Poseidon is no exception.
The World’s interest in Poseidon stems from their desire to maintain or acquire dominance and control over the world’s seas. The Sea Kings, under Poseidon’s command, could easily disrupt the global balance of power. Recognizing the threat that Shirahoshi’s power poses, the government and others aim to capture her and seize control of the ancient weapon. This sets the stage for a series of intense conflicts and dramatic confrontations throughout the One Piece storyline.
Character Development: What Happens to Shirahoshi?
As the story progresses, Poseidon’s role in the narrative evolves. Shirahoshi, initially a timid and sheltered character, gradually gains confidence and begins to embrace her identity as Poseidon. She realizes the importance of her power in achieving her mother’s dream of peace between fish-men and humans. In many ways, Shirahoshi’s character development is a testament to Eiichiro Oda’s storytelling skills, as he often transforms seemingly minor characters into key figures in the series’ overarching narrative.
The Changing of The Guard
Throughout the series, the Straw Hat Pirates become allies and protectors of Fish-Man Island, and by extension, Poseidon herself. Their mission is to prevent the World Government and other malevolent forces from capturing Shirahoshi and harnessing the Sea Kings’ destructive potential. This alliance between the Straw Hat Pirates and the people of Fish-Man Island leads to numerous epic battles and emotional moments, as they face formidable adversaries who seek to exploit Poseidon’s power.
Constant Struggle: What Happens During The Fish-Man Island Arc?
One of the most memorable confrontations involving Poseidon occurs during the Fish-Man Island arc. Shirahoshi’s power reached its complete awakening during the intense battle against the New Fish-Man Pirates, a development that Neptune recognized as less than favorable.
Nevertheless, this awakening resulted in a crucial outcome as the Sea Kings intervened, preventing Noah from crashing onto Fish-Man Island. Certainly, when Caribou eavesdropped on a conversation between Nico Robin and King Neptune, which centered on the topic of Ancient Weapons and Shirahoshi’s identity as Poseidon, he promptly attempted to abduct her, recognizing the cataclysmic potential of her abilities. However, he’s quickly subdued by the intervention of the Straw Hat Pirates. It’s pretty comical.
The Turning Point
The climax of the Fish-Man Island arc showcases Poseidon’s true potential when Shirahoshi, with the support of Luffy and her friends, uses her power to summon the Sea Kings to aid in the battle against Hody Jones and his forces. The sheer size and power of the Sea Kings are awe-inspiring, and their arrival turns the tide of the conflict in favor of the Straw Hat Pirates and their allies. This moment highlights the significance of Poseidon’s abilities and her willingness to use them to protect her people and achieve her mother’s dream.
A Layered Story
While Poseidon’s primary role in the One Piece story revolves around her unique power and its consequences, her character also delves into themes of identity, responsibility, and the weight of legacy. Shirahoshi grapples with the immense pressure placed upon her as the wielder of an ancient weapon and as the heir to her mother’s dreams. Her journey from a timid princess to a confident and determined guardian of her people is a central narrative thread that resonates with readers and viewers alike.
The Price of Power: What is Posiedon’s Impact In One Piece?
Poseidon’s power is legendary. In many ways, it firmly symbolizes the balance between nature and its not-so-humble inhabitants. Plus, Shirahoshi’s character arc, from a timid princess to a confident guardian of her people, is a compelling element of the story. Poseidon’s power and the universal interest in wielding it drive the plot forward, leading to epic battles and dramatic moments. As the series progresses, Poseidon’s role in the One Piece world may continue to evolve, making her a character of enduring importance. At least, we can only hope that’s the case.
