One Piece: How Harald May Actually Be The Greatest King In History

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In almost every One Piece storyline, a significant character type is the ‘benevolent’ monarch. This narrative frequently explores the misuse of power and distinguishes between a just ruler and an unjust one. The benevolent monarchs, who often stand among the most influential characters in the series, are some of the most memorable side characters, demonstrating what makes a good leader in this story.

Among the most striking instances are King Cobra, Riku, and Neptune, who rule over potent nations with a fervent desire for their people to thrive. Despite their admirable qualities, it appears that a new character has been introduced in the Elbaf arc of One Piece, which could potentially be the most impressive king among them all. Therefore, let’s delve into why this might be the case.

King Harald Is The Greatest Ruler That Has Ever Been Introduced

The Greatest King of Elbaf

First Appearance One Piece, Chapter 1136, “The Land That Awaits The Sun”
Story Arc Elbaf

In the heart-pounding moments of the Reverie, my admiration for the exemplary leaders in the One Piece universe was undeniably reinforced. The esteemed King Cobra and King Riku stood tall in this gathering, championing a cause to dismantle the World Government’s Warlord system – a system that had left deep scars on them at the hands of Crocodile and Doflamingo. Their virtues as kind-hearted and compassionate monarchs have always been evident, as they strive for justice and peace in their respective realms.

Another way to phrase it could be: There are more instances where good leaders come to mind, such as Dalton and King Neptune. Both have demonstrated a knack for putting the needs of their subjects before their personal desires, making them excellent rulers over their respective lands. Brook even hinted that the Nefeltari dynasty is known for its benevolence in Alabasta, with their people never expressing any dissatisfaction. However, among all these well-crafted characters by Oda, King Harald stands out as the most exceptional ruler overall.

This is a depiction of King Harald, renowned for his efforts to establish peaceful relationships with other lands. Known as one of Elbaf’s mightiest rulers.

This painting shows King Harald, the man known for fostering peace with foreign lands. He’s said to be one of Elbaf’s most powerful kings.

By birth, Harald belonged to Elbaf’s royal family, initially characterized by his hot-headedness and indifference towards the vulnerable. Yet, an encounter with a foreign Giant named Ida transformed his worldview. Ida enlightened him that those he perceived as weak possessed hidden depths and capabilities beyond sheer strength. This revelation broadened Harald’s mindset, leading him to understand that the strength he thought he had was merely inherited, and that its absence does not diminish a person’s worth.

From this point onward, Harald dedicated his entire existence to transforming Elbaf’s reputation, as its inhabitants shared a similar mindset to what he once held due to their natural superiority over other global races. He advocated for mutual trade and diplomatic ties with neighboring nations, aiming not only to ensure peace within Elbaf but also to secure aid during critical times of need.

Over time, the hard work would bear fruit. Following Loki’s birth, Elbaf endured an unusually harsh winter that lasted for several years, causing widespread destruction of crops and social structure within the island. This prolonged cold snap triggered a civil conflict, as people scrambled to secure resources, resulting in chaos, violence, and widespread fear. Some even suggested sacrificing Hajrudin, blaming his brother Loki for the misfortune.

After numerous years of learning from others and providing assistance to foreign residents, Harald’s diplomatic efforts proved successful. In their moment of utmost need, all of Harald’s allies responded generously by sending a multitude of supply-laden ships to Elbaf. This action served as a testament to the exceptional ruler that Harald was. Throughout his reign, he has been recognized for his desire to transform Elbaf into a peaceful and collaborative nation with its surrounding regions, dedicating his entire life and achievements exclusively to the betterment of his country rather than accumulating power for personal gain, which is unfortunately common among many rulers.

The Tragic End Of The Greatest Monarch That Elbaf Ever Had

Imu’s Influence Was Too Great

  • Imu most likely played a direct part in Harald’s death.

King Harald’s demise remained largely enshrouded in mystery. It is undisputed that he was an exceptional ruler for Elbaf, yet the predominant theory surrounding him is that, at some point, he encountered Imu. With the release of Chapter 1155, it has essentially been confirmed that Imu probably manipulated Harald and Elbaf into joining the World Government. However, it’s also suggested that Imu always sought control over the Giants because of their immense potential as a strategic asset in the upcoming Great War.

Observing the situation, it seems clear that Harald might have suspected this manipulation, prompting him to detach Elbaf from its control for the well-being of his people. Unsurprisingly, Imu didn’t appreciate this move and likely dispatched the Gods’ Knights as a response. At present, the details surrounding Harald’s demise are shrouded in mystery, but the fleeting glimpse suggests that perhaps Imu employed Domi Reversi on the royal guards, causing them to turn against Elbaf’s most revered king and ultimately take his life.

One Piece can be streamed on Crunchyroll.

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2025-07-21 17:34