One Piece Chapter 1170 Review: The Tragic "Reverse" of Elbaf

Chapter 1170 of One Piece, ominously titled "Reverse," is not merely a transitional chapter—it is an emotional sledgehammer that shatters our understanding of the Elbaf royal line. From the shocking sentient nature of a legendary weapon to a father-son tragedy that echoes the complexities of Greek tragedy, Eiichiro Oda proves once again why this arc is shaping up to be legendary.

Score: 9.8/10

Pros: Innovative weapon lore with the Ragnar Hammer, massive lore drops regarding Shanks and the God Knights, and a gut-wrenching emotional climax.

Cons: leaves us desperate for more details on the God Knights' past attempts to capture Shanks.

The Beast Within the Metal: Ragnar's Awakening

The chapter opens with a high-octane ambush in the treasure vault. We witness the Ragnar Hammer—a weapon feared throughout Elbaf—turn on Loki with terrifying speed. But this isn't just a cursed object; in a classic Oda twist, it is revealed that Ragnar is a weapon that "ate" a Devil Fruit, specifically a Squirrel Zoan type.

For hundreds of years, this sentient hammer has refused to acknowledge any wielder, guarding the legendary Elbaf Devil Fruit. The revelation that weapons can possess such distinct personalities and wills adds a fascinating layer to One Piece's weapon lore, reminiscent of Lassoo but on a divine scale. Loki’s ability to dodge its assault using high-level Observation Haki immediately establishes his combat prowess before he even touches the fruit.

The Red-Haired Mystery: Shanks and the God Knights

Perhaps the most intriguing lore expansion comes from Gaban’s exposition. We learn about the Knights of God and their terrifying regenerative abilities—powers that can only be countered by attacks coated in Advanced Conqueror's Haki.

Crucially, a flashback reveals that the Knights of God repeatedly attempted to snatch a young Shanks from the Roger Pirates, driven by his "origin"—hinting at his Celestial Dragon lineage. This segment also deftly addresses a long-standing fan debate: Shanks is confirmed to be left-handed, and the loss of his dominant arm is explicitly cited as the reason Mihawk lost interest in their duels. It’s a melancholic reminder of the sacrifice Shanks made for the new era.

The Meaning of "Reverse": A Tragic Farewell

The core emotional weight of the chapter lies in the confrontation between Loki and his father, Harald. The title "Reverse" plays a dual role here. On the surface, it could refer to the reversal of fortunes or power dynamics. However, the true meaning is far more heartbreaking.

As Loki, consumed by rage and the need to claim power, strikes down his father, we expect a curse or a final act of defiance from Harald. Instead, the situation reverses. Harald, momentarily breaking free from Imsama's control, catches Loki not in an attack, but in an embrace. His final words—"I love you"—are a stark contrast to Loki’s screams of vengeance. It recontextualizes the entire "patricide" narrative from a power grab to a mercy kill requested by a father to save his soul from total corruption.

Mythological Echoes: Nika vs. Nidhogg

With the Ragnar Hammer finally acknowledging him, Loki consumes the Legendary Devil Fruit. While we only see a silhouette, the features—sharp claws, elongated neck, and a spined back—heavily suggest a transformation into Nidhogg, the dragon of Norse mythology that gnaws at the roots of Yggdrasil.

This sets up a titanic duality for the endgame: Nika (Luffy), the Sun God representing liberation, versus Loki (Nidhogg), the serpent of destruction. Are they destined to destroy the World Government together, or will they clash over the fate of the world?

Final Thoughts: The Storm Has Arrived

Chapter 1170 is a masterpiece of pacing and revelation. It balances action, lore, and raw emotion in a way that only One Piece can. The tragedy of Harald and Loki adds a Shakespearean weight to the Elbaf arc that elevates it beyond a simple adventure.

What do you think about the Nidhogg theory? Is Loki destined to be Luffy's ally or his final hurdle in Elbaf? Let us know your theories in the comments below!