5 Shocking Reasons Why Loki Is The Next Straw Hat Pirate (And 3 Reasons He Can’t Be)

The question of who will be the final member of the Straw Hat Pirates crew has dominated the One Piece fandom for years, but a recent, viral fan theory has put an unexpected character at the center of the debate: Loki. As of December 15, 2025, discussions are at an all-time high following the character's full introduction in the manga, suggesting that the Giant Prince of Elbaf is not just an antagonist or an ally, but Monkey D. Luffy’s next—and possibly final—crewmate. This deep dive explores the compelling evidence and the counter-arguments surrounding the possibility of Loki, the so-called "Accursed Prince," sailing under the iconic skull and crossbones.

The core of this theory hinges on the narrative parallels, the significance of the upcoming Elbaf arc, and the established archetypes within the Straw Hat crew. Is this a farfetched crossover or a brilliant piece of foreshadowing by Eiichiro Oda? The clues are hidden in plain sight, connecting the Giant Kingdom of Elbaf directly to the crew's quest for the One Piece.

Loki: The Accursed Prince of Elbaf (One Piece Character Profile)

Before diving into the theories, it is crucial to understand which "Loki" the fandom is discussing. This is not the God of Mischief from Marvel, but a central, powerful figure in the world of One Piece.

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• Full Name/Title: Loki, Prince of Elbaf.
• Affiliation: Royal Family of Elbaf (The Giant Kingdom).
• Epithet: The Accursed Prince, The Shame of Elbaf.
• First Mention: Chapter 858 (during the Whole Cake Island Arc).
• Full Appearance: Chapter 1130, titled "The Accursed Prince."
• Key Connections: He was the former arranged fiancé of Charlotte Lola, one of Big Mom's daughters, a key political connection that Big Mom failed to secure.
• Known Abilities: As a Giant, Loki possesses immense natural superhuman strength and durability. Recent theories suggest he may possess "Godly Abilities" or a powerful form of Haki, making him one of the most physically formidable characters introduced.
• Current Status: His full debut in the manga presents him as a powerful, intimidating, and potentially antagonistic figure whose actions have caused great distress among his people.

5 Compelling Reasons Why Loki Could Be the Final Straw Hat Crewmate

The "Loki is the Next Straw Hat" theory is one of the most persistent and detailed in the One Piece community. Proponents cite narrative parallels, the crew's structure, and the significance of the Elbaf arc as undeniable evidence.

1. The Elbaf Arc's Inevitable Alliance and Narrative Parallels

Elbaf is the land of the Giants and has been foreshadowed as a critical location since the earliest arcs, particularly with Usopp's dream of visiting the warrior village. The Straw Hats always forge a deep alliance in major arcs, and Loki, as the Prince, is the most important political figure.

More importantly, the theory suggests Loki’s character arc mirrors that of other Straw Hats. Zoro was introduced tied to a post, and Loki has been portrayed as an outcast ("The Shame of Elbaf") who needs to escape or be redeemed from his current circumstances.

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2. The "Monster Trio" Shift and Power Scaling

The Straw Hat Pirates are known for the "Monster Trio" (Luffy, Zoro, Sanji). Adding a character of Loki's immense power—a Giant with potential "Godly Abilities"—would significantly shift the crew's power dynamics, preparing them for the final war against the World Government. Loki's strength, which some believe could "destroy Elbaf," makes him a necessary force for the final saga.

3. Loki as the "Warrior of Elbaf" Archetype

Every Straw Hat member fulfills a specific role (Musician, Doctor, Shipwright, etc.). While many believe Usopp will become the "Warrior of Elbaf," the theory posits that Loki will be the actual, physical embodiment of the "Warrior" role, with Usopp serving as his narrative foil or inspiration, much like how he inspired the Giants Dorry and Brogy. Loki, as the Giant Prince, is the ultimate warrior of the land.

4. Parallels to Existing Crew Members' Backstories

The theories highlight specific, deep-cut parallels between Loki and the current crew:

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• Luffy: Both were inspired to become great by a powerful figure (Shanks for Luffy, possibly a different Giant for Loki).
• Sanji: Both are "Princes" who had difficult relationships with their royal families and were seen as a "shame" or disappointment.
• Usopp: Some theories suggest Loki's potential Devil Fruit power is directly tied to Usopp’s long-running gag that "his lies always come true," making Loki the physical manifestation of Usopp's ambition.
• Nami/Robin: Similar to Nami and Robin, Loki has a dark past and is currently on the run or imprisoned for a crime he may have been framed for, known as "The Accursed Prince."

5. The Narrative Need for a Giant on the Crew

The Straw Hats are a crew of diverse races, but they lack a full-fledged Giant. Given the immense importance of Elbaf in the story's final saga—a place steeped in ancient history and connections to the Void Century—having the Prince of Elbaf on the crew would grant Luffy unparalleled access to knowledge and military strength, crucial for the final conflict.

3 Reasons Why The Loki Straw Hat Theory Might Be Wrong

Despite the compelling evidence, several factors strongly suggest that Loki will not become the tenth or final Straw Hat member. These counter-arguments often rely on the established patterns of the creator, Eiichiro Oda, and Loki's current role in the narrative.

1. Oda's Pattern of Introducing Crewmates

Oda has a consistent pattern for introducing new crewmates: they are often alone, have a deep personal dream, and their introduction involves a significant, isolated adventure with Luffy. Loki, however, is a royal figure, the Prince of Elbaf, with immense political responsibility. It is highly unlikely he would abandon his entire kingdom to sail the seas, especially when his character arc is poised to make him the "Hero of Elbaf."

2. The "Accursed Prince" Villain Archetype

Loki's introduction in Chapter 1130 frames him not just as a conflicted character, but as a potential antagonist. He is called "The Accursed Prince" and is shown to have used his power to torment other Giants. While redemption is a common trope, Loki's current portrayal is far more intimidating and villainous than any other character immediately before they joined the Straw Hats. He may serve as a major ally after an initial conflict, but not a permanent crewmate.

3. The "Lola Connection" and Political Entanglements

Loki's initial mention was entirely political: he was Charlotte Lola's fiancé, a marriage that would have given Big Mom an alliance with the Giant Kingdom. This deep political entanglement with a Yonko and his royal duties makes him an unsuitable candidate for the free-spirited, non-political pirate crew. The Straw Hats tend to recruit people who have severed ties with their past or who have no major political responsibilities, such as Nico Robin or Franky. Loki's destiny is likely to be the King of Elbaf, not a pirate.

Loki's Role: Ally, Antagonist, or Final Crewmate?

The viral theory that Loki is the next Straw Hat Pirate is a testament to the depth of foreshadowing and world-building in One Piece. While the narrative parallels are compelling and Loki's power level fits the needs of the final saga, his political status as the Prince of Elbaf and his current anti-hero/antagonist portrayal make a permanent recruitment highly improbable.

The most likely outcome for Loki is that he will become a crucial, temporary ally to Monkey D. Luffy and the Straw Hat Grand Fleet during the Elbaf arc. He will likely undergo a redemption arc, shedding the title of "The Accursed Prince" to become the true King and protector of Elbaf, fulfilling a role similar to Vivi (Princess of Alabasta) or Momonosuke (Shogun of Wano). Whether he joins the crew or not, Loki's presence in the final saga is a game-changer, guaranteeing that the highly anticipated Elbaf arc will be one of the most significant and explosive adventures in the history of One Piece.