One Piece Explores Skypiea's Ancient Mysteries
One Piece delves further into the mysteries surrounding Skypiea – the cloud-bound sky island with powerful ties to the Void Century. Home to the Skypieans, a fascinating people with a rich history, the island’s scope only grows in scope as the story shifts its focus there. The Legend of the Vearth promises to introduce some exciting new elements to the series and allow One Piece to expand its universe as it crosses new boundaries.
When the Straw Hat Pirates first arrived in Skypiea, they were surprised to discover such a unique people and culture. The Skypieans have an ancient history that includes an intriguing and ironic twist – they immigrated from the Moon to Earth, though the remnants of this age still remain.
The legend of Vearth involves a mythical land said to lie somewhere below the clouds. The Skypieans still hold strong to the belief that this land exists and are continually trying to find it. With no conclusive evidence to suggest whether or not Vearth even exists, the people of Skypiea cling to this story with stubborn determination.
The history of the Skypieans and their migration from the moon carries a majesty and gravity that lends itself well to the lore surrounding the Void Century. The mysterious events that took place during that era left behind a trail of unanswered questions and the Skypieans' origins could be tied to that specific timeframe.
The fall of Shandora – another location in Skypiea – is a sobering reminder of the ramifications of war and the potential they hold to affect the present and future. The ruins of Shandora serve as a somber reminder of its former splendour, just as the golden cities of Vearth charm with their promises of a forgotten past.
The rich history of Skypiea and its mysteries both add intrigue to its culture and foreground the weighty stakes that exist throughout the One Piece world. The Skypieans’ belief in Vearth and the strong convictions that cause them to search for it reflect their determination in the face of their own mysterious origins and the secrets surrounding the events of the Void Century.
Likewise, Shandora's ruins serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of war. It remains to be seen what role its downfall may have played in the hidden history that has so greatly shaped the events of the series – though with every turn, it seems that there are further pieces to the puzzle to uncover.
While the treasure-hunting and silliness of the One Piece anime and manga can be fun, there’s also a wealth of substance that a perspective viewer or reader can gobble up if they wish. Exploring Skypiea and its mysteries provides new and uncharted territories that allow One Piece to expand its universe and introduce new elements to keep us invested and engaged. With endless turns shrouded in mystery, it seems the secrets of Skypiea – and its link to the Void Century – will continue to unravel the rich lore of One Piece for us to enjoy.
If you’re looking to expand your own knowledge of the enigmatic world of Skypiea, take a look at our breakdowns of Shandora and Skypiea to get more of a sense of both places. For everything else One Piece, check out our list of the best pirate games.