The Poneglyphs in One Piece are a mysterious and integral element of the series, serving as both key plot devices and sources of world-building.
The Poneglyphs are massive stone slabs engraved with inscriptions in a unique, indecipherable script known as the “Ancient Text.” These inscriptions are not only written in a language that very few people can read, but they are also written in a way that is almost impossible to decipher without the proper knowledge and tools. So, when asking what the Poneglyphs are, this is no easy task. However, with the limited knowledge we have, we are going to try!
A Complicated History: Who Made The Poneglyphs
Eight centuries ago, within the realm of Wano Country, an esteemed lineage of stonecrafters, the Kozuki Family, revolutionized the art of record-keeping. They ingeniously crafted impervious, block-shaped monoliths. These holding the sole purpose of etching crucial historical accounts onto them while safeguarding this knowledge from obliteration.
Intriguingly, Imu, a shadowy figure we’ve been covering, has hinted at an event that transpired post-Void Century. This involving an enigmatic individual named Nefertari D. Lili. This mysterious incident resulted in the dispersal of the Poneglyphs far and wide. Thus casting a veil of obscurity over their origins and purpose.
A Radical Response
The World Government, staunch guardians of the hidden truths of the Void Century, responded with an iron fist. To suppress any attempts to unearth these concealed histories, they declared the study and deciphering of Poneglyphs a heinous offense, carrying the gravest of penalties—execution. This draconian measure underscored the government’s determination to maintain its monopoly on historical narratives, preserving their version of events while suppressing any alternate perspectives that the Poneglyphs might unveil.
Are There Different Types of Poneglyphs?
The short answer is: Yes. Poneglyphs are colossal, cubic monoliths crafted from an as-yet-unidentified, virtually impervious stone. These enigmatic stones bear inscriptions in an ancient script meticulously etched onto one of their six surfaces. Poneglyphs exist in three distinct forms, dispersed throughout the world: Historical Poneglyphs (revealing historical information regarding ancient peoples and practices), Instructional Poneglyphs (include a series of indicators that can direct you towards Historical Poneglyphs), and Road Poneglyphs (detailing a location).
Historical Poneglyphs
As stated, Historical Poneglyphs are revered as the custodians of the world’s forgotten past. During the Void Century, a potent alliance known as the World Government orchestrated a massive campaign to expunge all records and knowledge of this epoch, rendering it a historical void. However, Historical Poneglyphs serve as a defiant testament, preserving valuable information that has been lost to time. They are the key to rekindling the world’s true history.
These Poneglyphs are scattered across the vast expanse of the world, often found in secluded and remote locations. Their concealment reflects the significance of their content, as they contain insights into the true rulers of the world during the Void Century, the emergence of the World Government, and the involvement of powerful entities known as the Celestial Dragons. If you’ve been keeping up with our content, you’ll know a lot about these characters already.
The Void Century And Revolution
The revelations hidden within Historical Poneglyphs have the potential to reshape the world order. This knowledge can serve as a catalyst for revolutionary movements and uprisings, challenging the oppressive rule of the World Government and its manipulation of history. This makes the Historical Poneglyphs a potent symbol of resistance.
Reading the Ancient Text engraved on Historical Poneglyphs requires a rare skill possessed by very few individuals. Nico Robin, a member of the Straw Hat Pirates, is one such person. Her ability to decode the Ancient Text is pivotal to uncovering the secrets of the Void Century and the world’s concealed history. As such, she becomes a target of the World Government, which seeks to suppress this knowledge.
What Is Nico Robin’s Relationship With The Poneglyphs?
Nico Robin possesses a unique and extraordinary ability—the power to read the Ancient Text inscribed on the Poneglyphs. This talent, known as the “Devil Child’s” ability, sets her apart from virtually all other characters in the One Piece world. It makes her an invaluable asset to anyone seeking to decipher the Poneglyphs and unlock their secrets.
Tragedy of Ohara
Robin’s affinity for the Poneglyphs is rooted in her traumatic past. As a child, she was part of the Ohara Island archaeological community, which possessed extensive knowledge about the Poneglyphs and the Void Century. When the World Government learned of Ohara’s research, they executed a brutal Buster Call, destroying the island and massacring its inhabitants, including Robin’s mother, Nico Olvia. Robin was the sole survivor, and her mother’s dying wish was for her to continue the search for the True History contained in the Poneglyphs. Unsurprisingly, Ohara wasn’t the only group searching for the truth. There have been others.
Gol D. Roger and The Poneglyphs
Roger’s journey to become the Pirate King was marked by his extraordinary ability to uncover the Poneglyphs’ significance. Nearly four decades in the past, the legendary Gol D. Roger and his intrepid crew arrived at Lodestar Island, located at the culmination of the treacherous Grand Line. It was here that they stumbled upon the tantalizing revelation of the Poneglyphs’ existence, setting in motion a quest to seek out these stone tablets scattered throughout the world’s vast expanse.
The Search Continues…
More than ten years after this fateful discovery, during an encounter with the formidable Whitebeard Pirates, Roger crossed paths with the enigmatic and knowledgeable Kozuki Oden. It was Oden who possessed the rare ability to decipher the cryptic inscriptions etched into the Poneglyphs. Recognizing the immense value of Oden’s expertise, Roger fervently implored Whitebeard to permit Oden to join his crew, a plea that Oden ultimately acceded to, forever altering the course of their intertwined destinies.
Did Gol D. Roger Discover The Truth About Poneglyphs?
As per Oden’s journal, their voyage led to the revelation of profound truths concerning the enigmatic Void Century, the enigmatic “Will of D,” and the existence of the formidable Ancient Weapons. Furthermore, they stumbled upon a long-lost treasure left behind by the enigmatic figure known as Joy Boy.
Upon finally reaching their sought-after destination, an overwhelming sense of euphoria overcame the Roger Pirates, resulting in hearty and contagious laughter. It was in the midst of this jubilant moment that Gol D. Roger christened the island “Laugh Tale,” a name reflective of the joyous camaraderie shared among the crew. Word of this triumphant achievement swiftly disseminated across the world, heralding Roger as the revered “Pirate King,” a title that would forever echo through the annals of history.
The Legacy of The Poneglyphs: What’s Next?
In a nutshell, the Poneglyphs in One Piece are stone tablets that hold the key to unlocking the world’s deepest secrets. Hopefully, readers have learned the following today: They are symbols of the past, present, and future, with the power to reveal the true history of the world, the locations of the Ancient Weapons, and the way to the legendary treasure, One Piece. The pursuit of these inscrutable artifacts drives the actions of pirates, revolutionaries, and government organizations alike. Like any source of immense power, motivations for gathering such things vary wildly.
Currently, fans are seeing Vegapunk’s involvement with the Poneglyphs in the Egghead Arc. It will undoubtedly illuminate much more about these mysterious pieces of preserved knowledge.
