The artistic creativity of the author Eiichiro Oda is always held in high regard, particularly for what he has accomplished in the manga One Piece. Creating a work of such magnitude is a challenge, and maintaining it over a long period is an entirely different matter. However, Oda has managed to achieve both by transforming One Piece into a magnificent manga and anime phenomenon that continues to thrive today.
In addition to its storyline and distinctive style, what captivates and impresses fans the most about One Piece is its unique and engaging characters. At the forefront of this remarkable cast is the main character, Monkey D. Luffy.
Luffy is a shōnen protagonist like no other, as his personality has remained largely unchanged throughout the series until now. This is quite unusual for a shōnen main character. However, like many iconic characters in various manga and anime genres, Luffy has been recognized as a source of inspiration for a popular figure.
There are theories suggesting that Luffy draws inspiration from the deity Hanuman. He is a central figure in two of the most revered epics in Indian literature, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.
Who is Hanuman?
Hanuman is a highly revered character in Hindu mythology. Hanuman is one of the most respected deities, admired for his unwavering loyalty and incredible strength. According to the mythological texts of the Ramayana, Hanuman is depicted as a divine being, the son of the male deity Shiva and the female deity Parvati.
Hanuman is portrayed as possessing extraordinary powers, with the ability to transform and an intellect that is unparalleled.
There are compelling reasons to believe that Luffy is modeled after the deity Hanuman, given that both characters share several similar traits. For instance, both exhibit a carefree, adventurous spirit, and neither shies away from challenges while pursuing their respective quests.
Similarities Between Luffy and Hanuman
It is not difficult to notice that Luffy shares many comparable traits with Hanuman, including their remarkable strength. Both characters, in their youth, displayed extraordinary energy, resilience, and supernatural abilities.
While Hanuman is consistently portrayed as a divine being, Luffy seems less concerned with romantic pursuits and does not focus on attracting any female characters around him.
There are theories suggesting that Hanuman is the son of the wind god Vayu, while Luffy’s father, Monkey D. Dragon, is speculated to possess the power to manipulate the weather, including control over winds.
Both Luffy and Hanuman share a unique connection with the sun deity within their respective worlds. Luffy’s rebellious nature often draws comparisons to the sun deity Nika, while Hanuman is known to be an ardent devotee of the sun god Surya and has frequently been depicted as a devotee of that deity.
Most importantly, Hanuman symbolizes intellect, strength, unwavering loyalty, and dedication. In the world of One Piece, Luffy embodies similar traits of strength, loyalty, and the potential to become a brilliant figure in any situation.
Furthermore, Hanuman is also recognized as a figure capable of dispelling negativity and transforming the hearts and minds of individuals. Luffy, too, can create connections with the people he meets on his journey to becoming the Pirate King.
Is Luffy Inspired by the Deity Hanuman?
Fans of One Piece have speculated that Luffy’s character is inspired by the deity Hanuman. However, not all aspects align with this theory. Some fans have suggested that Luffy is based on the character Son Goku from the Dragon Ball series.
Nevertheless, after years of speculation and debate among One Piece fans on various social media platforms like Reddit, Oda has indirectly confirmed the source of inspiration for Luffy. In episode 1074 of the One Piece anime, Luffy uses a new attack called Bajrang Gun against Kaido.
While attacking Kaido, Luffy shouts the name of his new attack: Bajrang Gun. Bajrang or Vajrang is a combination of two Sanskrit words: Vajra meaning ‘thunderbolt’ and Anga meaning ‘body’, which signifies an indestructible form akin to Hanuman. Bajrang Bali (Bajirang) is another name for the deity Hanuman.
Although Oda has not explicitly stated that Hanuman is the direct source of inspiration behind Luffy, the reference to the deity in the Wano arc has indirectly confirmed this idea.
Source: Gamerant
