8 Mystical Facts About Joy Boy in “One Piece”

After being introduced in Chapter 628, Joy Boy remains one of the most mysterious and key characters in “One Piece.” Despite his pivotal role, we still don’t know much about him. This is typical of Mr. Eiichiro Oda, who is known for creating mysteries and suspense. However, it is even more interesting that One Piece fans enjoy guessing about these mysteries, even though Oda often creates something unexpected.

Joy Boy
Nico Robin reading Poneglyph ch 628 (Image via Quora)

In Chapter 628, we first hear the name Joy Boy when Nico Robin, the archaeologist of the Straw Hat Pirates, reads an 800-year-old poneglyph and tells us about a promise between a person named Joy Boy and Poseidon. As the story progresses, we get more clues and hints about him and speculate that our protagonist Luffy might be his reincarnation. 

Here are 8 mystical facts about Joy Boy, derived from the story and some speculations.

But before digging into these mystical facts and connecting them with the story, let’s recall what we know about Joy Boy from various parts of the series.

Who is Joy Boy?

Joy Boy’s speculated image

According to the poneglyph read by Nico Robin, Joy Boy lived over 800 years ago. This period is known as the Void Century, which is why we have very little knowledge about him. As One Piece fans, we are familiar with the Void Century.

The World Government in the One Piece world ruined every piece of information and past connected to the Void Century. Therefore, almost everything is ruined apart from the poneglyphs. Thanks to Robin, the only person in the entire One Piece world who can read poneglyphs, we learn about a promise made by Joy Boy to Poseidon on Fishman Island.

Poseidon is a mermaid princess and one of the three ancient weapons whose power is always reincarnated through the Fishman royalty of Fishman Island. Poseidon’s power currently belongs to the mermaid princess Shirahoshi, whom Luffy rescued during the Fishman Island arc. Another thing we know about him is that he was partners with Zunesha, a giant elephant. It’s intriguing that 800 years after the Void Century, Zunesha is still alive and has even communicated with Luffy.

We also know that the One Piece treasure that the Pirate King Gol D. Roger told the world about was left behind by Joy Boy. At the end of his journey, Roger discovers the truth of ancient history and the Void Century and wishes he could have been alive at the same time as he. The mysterious treasure that he left behind made Roger laugh like crazy, prompting him to name the island Laugh Tale. Roger also disclosed that for some reason, he arrived at Laugh Tale too early.

It is not clear why Roger arrived too early, but it is likely because of a prophecy about Joy Boy’s return. According to this long-held prophecy, he would be reincarnated 800 years after the Void Century or 20 years after Roger reached Laugh Tale. Kozuki Oden, the former shogun of Wano Country, already knew this prophecy, so he aimed to open Wano’s borders to welcome Joy Boy back 20 years later.

8 Mystical Facts About Joy Boy

1. Joy Boy is the Haitian God

Haitian God (Image via Mythical encyclopedia)

Eiichiro Oda might have drawn inspiration from mythology while crafting this character. Joy Boy’s character could be based on a Haitian god named Joy Boy, who is associated with hope and music. It is believed that this god of happiness and music spread laughter and joy through drumming and dancing. This connection aligns with the concept of the drums of liberation in One Piece.

The Haitian god likely originated in Africa and was brought to the Caribbean during the slave trade. Enslaved people saw this Hiatian God as a symbol of hope, much like the Sun God Nika in “One Piece,” who also represents hope for the enslaved.

In the Skypiea arc, the Shandorans worship a sun god. The giants also revere a sun god, and the Sun Pirates, formed by former slaves, bear a sun mark on their bodies. This suggests that slaves prayed to the sun god Nika for freedom. All these oppressed groups anticipate the beginning of a new world, which can only come with the arrival of the sun.

Thus, Joy Boy might be the Haitian God who spread joy and happiness in the world of One Piece.

2. Joy Boy Also Wears a Straw Hat

Straw Hat (image via One Piece Wiki)

The giant straw that is kept in Imu’s frozen basement in Marijoa, the capital of the World Government, is one of the biggest mysteries in One Piece. This enormous hat might have once belonged to Joy Boy.

We have seen the Straw Hat worn by Luffy and his mentor Shanks. This hat might have been a legacy that has been passed down from Gol D. Roger to Shanks and finally to Luffy from their first predecessor Joy Boy. It represents the dreams and will of these legendary pirates. 

3. Joy Boy is the Ruler of the Ancient Kingdom

Joy Boy
Ancient Kingdom (image via one piece wiki)

A theory suggests that Joy Boy might have been the ruler of a powerful and advanced ancient kingdom. Now in the Story, it is revealed that the kingdom, which existed around 800 years ago, was known for its advanced Technology.

So If he was the Ruler of such an advanced kingdom then there is no doubt that the Other Ruler would have been jealous of him. So taking this advanced technology under his Rule 20 kingdoms might have made the world Government.

4. Imu was a Crew Member of Joy Boy Who Betrayed Him

Joy Boy
Imu and the giant straw hat (image via One Piece wiki)

According to this theory, Imu and the Five Elders (Gorosei) might have once been part of Joy Boy’s crew. Imu might have created the Gorosei and become a trusted crew member of his ancient kingdom. Over time, Imu and the Gorosei are believed to have betrayed him, driven by a desire to seize power for themselves.

Gorosei which is currently part of the World government is 800 years old and his kingdom was also 800 years before. On the other hand, All Gorosei’s names are taken from planets like Saturn and Jupiter, and Joy Boy is like Sun God. So Gorosei might be connected in this way with him and Imu as well.

Also Read: One Piece: How Will the Straw Hat Pirates Confront Imu?

5. Joy Boy is the Creator of the Ancient Weapons

Joy Boy
Ancient weapon Poseidon (Image via OnePiece wiki)

The ancient weapons—Uranus, Pluton, and Poseidon—are renowned for their immense destructive capabilities. They were part of the advanced technology and strategic arsenal of the ancient kingdom, which Joy Boy is speculated to have ruled. If Joy Boy was indeed responsible for creating these weapons, it would highlight his significant influence and the advanced nature of his kingdom.

However, this theory faces some challenges. Joy Boy’s personality, marked by a carefree and adventurous spirit similar to Luffy’s, seems at odds with the idea of him meticulously crafting such powerful and potentially destructive tools. His character, often associated with joy and freedom, might not fit the image of someone who created weapons for warfare.

6. Joy Boy is Connected with Ancient Technology

Joy Boy
Giant Robot “Emith” from Ancient Technology (Image via Toei animation)

The Giant Robot is one of the most intriguing pieces of ancient technology in One Piece that assaulted Marijoa 200 years ago. This robot, was a powerful weapon, showcasing technology that seems to have been lost over time. Joy Boy might have been involved in creating or controlling this kind of ancient technology in his advanced civilization.

Additionally, Vegapunk’s research into ancient technology has revealed insights into the power sources and mechanisms used by the ancient kingdom. Joy Boy’s connection to these technological marvels suggests he might have had a hand in their creation or utilization. This connection helps explain why the World Government would want to suppress its history.

7. Joy Boy is the First Pirate King

Joy Boy
Pirate of King Gol D. Roger (Image via Toei animation)

According to an interesting theory, Joy Boy might have been the first pirate king and a leader who fought against the early World Government. He could have tried to bring together various oppressed groups, standing up for those who were being mistreated.

The World Government, in response, might have banned piracy not just as a rule but to wipe out his legacy and erase him from history. This could be why the Government has worked so hard to make sure no one knows about Joy Boy and why they have made pirates look like bad guys in the One Piece world.

Also Read: Top 10 One Piece Pirates Real-Life Value

8. Joy Boy has the same dream as Luffy

Joy Boy
Luffy and Joy Boy

Joy Boy shares the same dream as Luffy. Just like Luffy, Joy Boy’s mission was to unite oppressed individuals and fight against discrimination. It is believed that Joy Boy, possibly the first pirate king, challenged the early World Government, leading them to ban piracy and erase his existence from history. This could explain why the Government portrays pirates as villains in the world of One Piece, ensuring his legacy remains hidden.

Luffy also have a dream to spread Joy and freedom in all over the world. He always helps weak and suppressed people wherever he goes.  Furthermore, after Luffy’s final awakening Zuenisha, the giant elephant says that he can hear the drums’ liberation which seems to refer to Luffy’s heartbeat. Finally, he announced that Joy Boy had returned in the form of Luffy.

Now it may be possible that Luffy will make the promise that Joy Boy broke 800 years ago. On the other hand, it may be more than a coincidence that Luffy’s shadow ended up being inside oars like him.

Final Thoughts

Currently, One Piece is in its climactic stage as Oda announces the final saga. Consequently, all the mysteries will soon be revealed. However, as dedicated One Piece fans, we still enjoy speculating about the true identity of key characters such as Joy Boy. It is worth noting that Oda has a penchant for unveiling mysteries in unexpected ways. Therefore, let’s observe how Oda has developed this character in the series and whether any theories align with reality. Until then, stay tuned to One Piece and continue to speculate. Feel free to share your thoughts and theories if you appreciate this blog.

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