Hello there! I’m KENTA, a manga-loving Japanese fan! Today, we’re diving deep into the long-standing mystery of Shanks’ true identity—finally revealed in the Elbaf Arc of One Piece! We’ll explore the secrets behind his left arm, his connection to the Celestial Dragons and the Figarland Family, and the astonishing fact that he may have once returned to Mary Geoise. Let’s break it all down, based on the latest chapter!
1. Is Shanks a Celestial Dragon?! The Truth About the Figarland Family
One of the biggest shocks is the confirmation that Shanks is a member of the Celestial Dragon bloodline—the Figarland Family. Hints from Film Red, earlier foreshadowing, and recent developments in the Elbaf arc have solidified this fact.
- Shanks’ full name is revealed to be “Figarland Shanks.”
- The appearance of his older brother, Shamrock, confirms their father is Saint Figarland Garling.
- Garling is not only the head of the Holy Knights, but is also suggested to be on track to become a member of the Five Elders.
This positions the Figarland Family—and by extension, Shanks—among the highest-ranking Celestial Dragons. But this raises a question: Why would someone with such a noble background choose the life of a pirate?
2. The God Valley Incident and Shanks’ Fateful Encounter with the Roger Pirates
Shanks’ destiny was altered forever 38 years ago during the God Valley Incident:
- As the Roger Pirates defeated the Rocks Pirates, they discovered a baby Shanks hidden in a treasure chest.
- Roger took the child in and raised him aboard the Oro Jackson.
- Shanks journeyed with Roger until the Pirate King’s execution about 24 years ago.
This pivotal encounter turned Shanks away from the path of the Celestial Dragons and set him on the course to become a pirate.
3. The Two-Year Void: Did Shanks Return to Mary Geoise?
Between the dissolution of the Roger Pirates (24 years ago) and the formation of the Red-Haired Pirates (around 22 years ago) lies a two-year gap in Shanks’ life. Many believe he returned to Mary Geoise during this period.
What supports this theory?
- Shanks did not accompany Roger to Laugh Tale
- The mysterious and emotional conversation he had with Roger upon his return
- A clear change in Shanks’ behavior and worldview afterward
It’s likely that during this gap, Shanks saw the dark truth behind the World Government and the Celestial Dragons, which shaped his resolve and future actions.
4. The Mystery of the Left Arm: Revealed at Last?
In Chapter 1152, we finally see a flashback of Shanks with a black tattoo-like mark on his now-missing left arm. This moment raises massive questions.
- The mark appears during a flashback bath scene with Jaban
- It closely resembles the Abyss symbol used by the Holy Knights and Celestial Dragons
- It’s suggested this mark grants access to Mary Geoise and allows instant teleportation via “Abyss”
This could mean the mark is proof that Shanks returned to Mary Geoise—and possibly even played a role within the Celestial Dragon hierarchy for a time.
5. Did Shanks Choose to Lose His Arm?
Until now, we believed Shanks lost his arm protecting Luffy in Chapter 1. But what if that wasn’t the full story?
- Did he sacrifice the arm to erase the mark?
- Was it a symbolic break from his Celestial Dragon heritage?
- Could it have been an intentional act to reject the summons of the World Government?
If this turns out to be true, the very first chapter of One Piece might have been a hidden piece of a 30-year-long masterplan by Eiichiro Oda.
6. The 3 Theories Behind Shanks’ Left Arm Mark
As of now, there are three main theories about the mysterious symbol on Shanks’ left arm:
6-1. The Abyss Mark Theory (Most Popular)
- Used by Celestial Dragons and Holy Knights
- Grants access to “Abyss” — a teleportation system linked to Mary Geoise
6-2. The Celestial ID Chip Theory
- A unique symbol granted to nobles like those of the Figarland Family
- Indicates a direct connection to the World Government’s highest echelon
6-3. The Rebellion Symbol Theory
- Like the “Reverse Crescent Moon” used by rebels in Wano
- A custom mark showing Shanks’ rejection of his Celestial Dragon roots
- Each theory reveals a different layer of Shanks’ character—his position between worlds, and the heavy burden he might be carrying.
7. Who Is Shanks? And Where Is He Headed?
Shanks is a man who:
- Was born into the ruling class
- Raised by the Pirate King
- Possibly still connected to the World Government’s elite
- Watches over Luffy’s growth from afar
- And now, actively seeks the One Piece
Is he trying to change the world? Or is he the guiding hand of the new era? The truth has yet to be revealed.
Summary: Shanks’ Identity & Left Arm Mystery Are Core to One Piece’s Endgame
Here’s what we’ve uncovered in this analysis:
- Shanks is a Celestial Dragon from the Figarland Family
- He was found during the God Valley Incident and raised by Roger
- He may have returned to Mary Geoise during the two-year void
- His left arm bore a symbol tied to his noble origins
- He possibly sacrificed that arm as a symbol of freedom and resistance
At MangaZamurai, we deliver in-depth analyses of Japanese manga to fans around the world. From mysterious characters like Shanks, to breakdowns of One Piece’s deepest lore, to explorations of Naruto, Jujutsu Kaisen, and more—we’ve got your manga curiosity covered!
If you enjoyed this post, be sure to check out our other articles. Let’s keep diving into the hidden truths of your favorite stories. See you in the next deep dive!