ONE PIECE Analysis! – Summary of Zunesha! Does “Naitamie-Norida” Mean a Space Elephant? Is Its True Identity an Ancient Weapon? Who Was Its Owner 1,000 Years Ago? What Is Its Sin? What Is the Model? (Zou Elephant Lord) (Mokomo Dukedom) - Manga Analysis

The popular battle manga ‘ONE PIECE,’ with a total circulation approaching 500 million copies, is known for its numerous mysteries. One of the biggest enigmas in the series is the creature called “Zunesha.” It’s worth noting that it is not read as “Zushinya.” In the world of ONE PIECE, it’s often abbreviated as “Zou” or “Elephant Lord,” but this article will consistently refer to it as Zunesha.

As can be seen from standing on the sea surface, Zunesha is colossal, though detailed size will be discussed later. After first appearing following the Dressrosa arc of Doflamingo, a former member of the Seven Warlords of the Sea, Zunesha did not appear again until it finally arrived at Wano Country.

This time, we delve deeply into the “true identity of Zunesha (Elephant Lord).” Is it modeled after Dali’s oil paintings? The god Ganesha? What is the shocking meaning hidden in the scientific name “Naitamie-Norida elephant”? What is its purpose for wandering the world for over 1,000 years?

Table of contents

On Zunesha’s back thrives the Mink Tribe’s “Mokomo Dukedom.”
Is Zunesha guarding the Road Poneglyph?
Is Zunesha over 1,000 years old? Is its wandering a punishment?
Is Zunesha’s size over 20 km?
Is Zunesha a long-legged version of an elephant?
Zunesha’s model is Ganesha
Space Elephant Naitamie-Norida Elephant Meaning is Salvador Dalí?
1. Zunesha as a Harbinger of Dawn?
Why Can Kozuki Momonosuke Command Zunesha?
Can Luffy also control Zunesha?
1. Could Luffy’s Roc Gun be a foreshadowing of the arrival of Zunesha in Wano Country?
Was Joy Boy the original owner of Zunesha? Was it kept in Laugh Tale (the Kingdom of D)?
Is Zunesha the Ancient Weapon Uranus?

On Zunesha’s back thrives the Mink Tribe’s “Mokomo Dukedom.”

First, let’s examine the “characteristics” of Zunesha.

The most striking feature is undoubtedly the vast city called “Mokomo Dukedom” that exists on Zunesha’s back. Due to its massive scale, it’s hard to realize that this is actually Zunesha’s back at first glance.

The Mink Tribe, a race of beastmen, has lived in this Mokomo Dukedom for nearly 1,000 years. There is a gate near Zunesha’s tail to enter Mokomo Dukedom, with the capital located in the central part of its back and the Whale Forest near the top.

The Mokomo Dukedom is surrounded by walls to prevent external intrusion, making it a nearly impregnable city. Notable members of the Mink Tribe from Mokomo Dukedom include Pekoms from the Big Mum Pirates and Bepo from Trafalgar Law’s crew. Generally, the Mink Tribe is assumed to originate from Zunesha.

Additionally, Zunesha uses its trunk to spray seawater onto its back about twice a day. The vast amounts of seawater released like a volcanic eruption are known as “eruption rain,” which enriches the nature of Mokomo Dukedom, signifying a symbiotic relationship between Zunesha and the Mink Tribe.

Although Zunesha draws up seawater, the trees within Mokomo Dukedom do not wither. In the real world, trees like palm trees and mangroves can grow in seawater, so the Whale Forest might be covered with such types of trees.

Is Zunesha guarding the Road Poneglyph?

On the other hand, there was a factional dispute within Mokomo Dukedom until recently.

During the day, Duke Inuarashi governed the country, and at night, Master Nekomamushi took over, a practice that had been ongoing for a while. Both were Minks who protected Kozuki Oden and were part of the Nine Red Scabbards. Before them, it was governed by a sheep elder known as Duke Hitsugisukan.

However, their primary objective is to protect the “Road Poneglyph” hidden by Zunesha. The Kozuki family and the Mink Tribe were once close allies. About 800 years ago, the stonemasons of the Kozuki family, who could create Poneglyphs, entrusted one of them to the Mink Tribe for safekeeping, leading to the current situation.

Since the location of Laugh Tale can only be determined by gathering all four Road Poneglyphs, hiding one on the ever-moving Zunesha makes it almost impossible for anyone to reach Laugh Tale.

When Jack, a subordinate of the Four Emperors Kaidou, attacked, Zunesha alerted Luffy and his crew by roaring. Ultimately, it used its trunk to drive away Jack and his men. The eruption rain also effectively prevents the intrusion of Devil Fruit users.

Zunesha is truly an impenetrable fortress.

Is Zunesha over 1,000 years old? Is its wandering a punishment?

As a living being, Zunesha continues to walk across the sea while carrying the Mokomo Dukedom on its back.

Moreover, Zunesha has been walking for “over 1,000 years.”

Since the Mink Tribe began living on Zunesha’s back about 1,000 years ago, it implies that Zunesha existed before then. This suggests that the Mink Tribe discovered Zunesha wandering the seas and later settled on its back.

The Void Century occurred “between 800 and 900 years ago,” so Zunesha has been wandering the seas since before the defeat of the Family of D by the Celestial Dragons. Although the Kozuki family chose to hide the Road Poneglyph on Zunesha, what is its connection to the Family of D?

Another mystery is that Zunesha has been wandering the seas as “punishment” for a crime committed long ago. According to Zunesha, “due to a sin committed in the distant past, it is still not allowed to do anything but walk.” From the context, it appears Zunesha is searching for a specific place.

This suggests that Zunesha might have been “kept by a powerful person in some country.” Moreover, the bond between Zunesha and this owner must have been extremely strong. Otherwise, it would not have loyally followed orders for over 1,000 years.

Is Zunesha’s size over 20 km?

Given that a huge city exists on its back, it’s understandable that Zunesha is enormous, but its size is even more astonishing when expressed in numbers.

Specifically, Zunesha’s total length is “over 20 km (20,000 meters).” Although Mokomo Dukedom appears small, it actually has a diameter of about 10 km. It’s a scale that dwarfs even the world of ‘Attack on Titan.’

With its feet reaching the seafloor, Zunesha’s height is even more impressive. From images, its height is estimated to be “about 40 km.” Tokyo Skytree is 634 meters tall, so Zunesha’s height is easily over 60 times that.

Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain, is 8,849 meters high. If Zunesha stood on land instead of in the sea, it would pierce through the clouds. It’s impressive that Luffy and the Straw Hat Pirates managed to climb up to Zunesha’s back.

Zunesha’s weight is unknown, but it likely exceeds 1,000 or 2,000 tons. Zunesha’s size is unimaginably vast.

Is Zunesha a long-legged version of an elephant?

Moving such a gigantic body must be extremely challenging, so Zunesha’s “body structure” is somewhat unique.

For example, Zunesha’s legs have “two joints,” resembling a long-legged version of an elephant. Using these multiple joints flexibly allows Zunesha to walk without resisting the ocean currents. While the logic is unclear, it supposedly enables it to move its massive body efficiently.

Even so, living requires a vast amount of energy. Zunesha’s favorite foods are “Sky Island apples” and “giant seaweed.” Giant seaweed might be harvested from the sea, and Zunesha’s trunk might reach Sky Island. Its scale is truly extraordinary.

Zunesha is also known scientifically as the “Naitamie-Norida elephant.” Initially, this seemed like a strange name, but it turns out to be a significant clue. More on that later.

Additionally, Zunesha’s eyes are “sapphire-colored.” The significance of this eye color is unknown, but it might hold a key to understanding Zunesha’s true identity. Interestingly, Imu, who appears to be the final antagonist in ONE PIECE, has eyes that resemble Zunesha’s, but this might be overthinking.

Zunesha’s model is Ganesha

Next, let’s analyze “Zunesha’s Model.”

Zunesha’s Model is Ganesha.

Ganesha is a deity in Hinduism, known as the god of “wealth” and “prosperity” who brings material benefits. Ganesha is frequently mentioned in dramas, novels, and self-help books. His appearance is exactly like an “elephant.” Due to the similar sound, it is almost certain that Zunesha’s model is Ganesha.

What exactly are the treasures in the world of ONE PIECE?

Without a doubt, they are the “ONE PIECE.” In fact, Zunesha was guarding one of the Road Poneglyphs. This suggests that Zunesha might have been a “means to reach Laugh Tale.”

At the very least, knowing that the name model is Ganesha will prevent mispronunciations like “Zushinya.”

By the way, Ganesha derives from the Sanskrit words “Gana” (crowd) and “Isha” (lord), meaning “Lord of the Crowd.”

Space Elephant Naitamie-Norida Elephant Meaning is Salvador Dalí?

However, Ganesha is only the name model. Zunesha’s exterior design also has a model.

The key is the scientific name “Naitamie-Norida Elephant.” When read backward, this playful name translates to “Dalí Emulates This” in Japanese. This Dalí refers to the Spanish painter Salvador Dalí, a leading figure in Surrealism.

One of Dalí’s works, ‘The Elephants,’ completed in 1948, features an elephant with a design strikingly similar to Zunesha: an enormous body with long, multi-jointed legs. Moreover, the elephant carries an obelisk on its back.

Salvador Dalí was apparently fond of elephants, as evidenced by his visits to the Arc de Triomphe on elephants and similar depictions in multiple works. This explains Oda’s use of the term of Japanese “like a Darino-emitaina.”

In short, the scientific name “Naitamie-Norida” was too straightforward.

Zunesha as a Harbinger of Dawn?

In ONE PIECE analysis circles, the painting ‘The Elephants’ is often referred to as ‘Space Elephant.’ However, ‘Space Elephant’ actually refers to a bronze sculpture created by Dalí in 1980. The analyzed image is an oil painting, so it is not directly related to the ‘Space Elephant’ sculpture. Nevertheless, there remains a possibility that Zunesha foreshadows the post-final chapter space arc of ONE PIECE.

Indeed, Zunesha has more hidden clues. The obelisk on the elephant’s back in Dalí’s painting is a “symbol of the sun god” and a “symbol of sun worship.” Similarly, Zunesha is designed as a harbinger of dawn, akin to the Family of D.

Thus, Zunesha might have been inhabited not only by the Mink Tribe but also by the Sun God Nika in the past. Since the Mink Tribe likely descended from the moon, the relationship between the sun and the moon opens up many imaginative possibilities.

Why Can Kozuki Momonosuke Command Zunesha?

Next, let’s consider the relationship between Zunesha and the Kozuki Family (Road Poneglyph).

Kozuki Momonosuke is the only one who can command Zunesha. In the depicted scene, Zunesha asks Momonosuke for permission to defeat Jack.

Moreover, Zunesha can transmit visual information to Momonosuke’s mind, suggesting a “master-servant relationship” between them. Momonosuke seems capable of treating Zunesha like a robot.

It feels like Zunesha could be used as a weapon, but the connection between Zunesha and the Kozuki Family appears to be stronger than expected. When his father Kozuki Oden boarded Zunesha, he vaguely sensed its presence but did not directly communicate with it.

Why can only Momonosuke command Zunesha?

The simplest explanation is that Zunesha’s former master was a noble or royalty close to the Kozuki Family. Alternatively, if the Kozuki Family were Zunesha’s original owners, it makes sense that Zunesha would obediently follow Momonosuke’s orders.

However, there is a notable 200-year gap between the “time when the Kozuki Family created the Poneglyphs” and “the time when Zunesha was punished to walk.” It might have been better to have Zunesha fight against the Celestial Dragons to protect them even before the creation of the Poneglyphs.

Can Luffy also control Zunesha?

Similarly to how certain members of the Will of D can communicate with the Sea Kings, Luffy and a few others from the Family of D, like Kozuki Momonosuke, can also communicate with Zunesha. Although Zunesha never initiated a conversation, it’s likely that Gol D. Roger, the Pirate King, could have communicated with Zunesha if he had tried.

However, as of now, Kozuki Momonosuke is the only one who can command Zunesha. Nonetheless, it seems possible that Luffy might also be able to give direct orders to Zunesha.

The key to this lies in Luffy’s new technique, the Gum-Gum Roc Gun, which was the finishing blow that defeated one of the Four Emperors, Kaidou, at the end of the Wano Country arc. This technique first appeared in ONE PIECE Chapter 1000, and it was originally named Red Roc in its initial concept stage, but was deliberately changed.

Therefore, as the story of ONE PIECE approaches its climax, there might be significant meaning hidden in the term “Roc Gun.”

In fact, in the Middle East and Asia, there is a legendary giant white bird known as the Roc, which appears in One Thousand and One Nights and is synonymous with the phoenix. When describing the size of the Roc, it is often said to carry away three elephants to feed its chicks.

Interestingly, the Roc is also known by another name, “Rukh,” which sounds similar to “Luffy” in Polish. This could symbolize Luffy’s technique.

Could Luffy’s Roc Gun be a foreshadowing of the arrival of Zunesha in Wano Country?

In other words, there seems to be a strong connection suggested between Luffy (Roc Gun) and Zunesha (Zunisha).

Shortly after the introduction of the Gum-Gum Roc Gun, Zunesha actually arrives in Wano Country. Although author Eiichiro Oda sidesteps the question of the name’s significance, could it be that Luffy controlled Zunesha to bring it to Wano Country?

In the fight against Kaidou, it is suggested that Luffy’s Gum-Gum Fruit had awakened. Did he unconsciously bring Zunesha to Wano Country using this ability? Or did Zunesha sense the awakening of the Gum-Gum Fruit and head towards Wano Country in response?

However, this would undermine the role of Kozuki Momonosuke, so it seems more natural to think that the arrival of Zunesha in Chapter 1000 was just a foreshadowing.

Incidentally, some brilliant ONE PIECE theorists propose the “twin Zunesha” theory, based on Salvador Dali’s painting of two elephants. Personally, I find the twin theory less convincing, as it seems unlikely that there are two identical giant elephants.

The more likely explanation is that Zunesha and Kozuki Momonosuke are uniquely connected.

Was Joy Boy the original owner of Zunesha? Was it kept in Laugh Tale (the Kingdom of D)?

Next, let’s consider the origin of Zunesha. Before questioning its crime, we should consider who originally commanded Zunesha.

In conclusion, I believe that Zunesha was kept in Laugh Tale over a thousand years ago.

Laugh Tale is said to be the final destination in ONE PIECE, and it likely corresponds to the “Great Kingdom” described by Professor Clover. This Great Kingdom was likely ruled by the Family of D, who opposed and were defeated by the current World Government.

Therefore, it is highly possible that Zunesha’s original owners were members of the Family of D. This explains why characters with the initial D, like Luffy, can hear Zunesha’s voice. Given Oden’s death scene, it seems probable that the Kozuki family also has D lineage.

Zunesha’s continued march across the sea could be because those who punished it—the rulers of Laugh Tale—were defeated 800 years ago, and the commanding D king died or vanished.

Thus, Joy Boy was likely Zunesha’s original owner.

The significance of Joy Boy has been increasingly emphasized since the Wano Country arc. Both Kozuki Oden and Kaidou eagerly awaited Joy Boy’s return. With the awakening of the Gum-Gum Fruit, Zunesha appeared in Wano Country to assist Luffy, who had become Joy Boy.

Is Zunesha the Ancient Weapon Uranus?

Next, I want to consider the theory that Zunesha might be the Ancient Weapon Uranus.

Even if Zunesha was owned by Joy Boy and the Family of D, it’s unclear why only Kozuki Momonosuke can command it. However, if Kozuki Toki, Momonosuke’s mother, used the Time-Time Fruit to escape from the near destruction of Laugh Tale to the future, she might be a real-time member of the Family of D, making her lineage the strongest at present.

This lineage would make Momonosuke uniquely able to command Zunesha.

This suggests that Zunesha’s role extends beyond just being a giant creature. Its connection to the Mink Tribe and the Kozuki family and its role as a location of a Road Poneglyph suggest more significant uses, possibly as an Ancient Weapon.

Just as Princess Shirohoshi, the Ancient Weapon Poseidon, can communicate with the Sea Kings, Momonosuke can communicate with Zunesha. Zunesha’s ability to link with Momonosuke’s vision indicates it has even more functionality as a weapon than Shirohoshi.

Personally, I think the Ancient Weapon Pluton is the Noah in Fish-Man Island. If we consider that Ancient Weapons are “large objects,” then Zunesha might be the likely candidate for Uranus by process of elimination.