The World Government's Founding Families in One Piece: A Comprehensive Guide

Article Key Points

The Celestial Dragons, also known as the World Nobles, are the direct descendants of the original rulers who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the World Government in the enigmatic Void Century. These noble beings wield unparalleled authority and exert significant influence within the government structure.

The Celestial Dragons are notorious for their brutal mistreatment of ordinary people, engaging in acts of sadism and regarding human lives as expendable commodities. They lead lives of opulence and enjoy complete immunity from legal consequences, resulting in their tyrannical behavior and sparking conflicts throughout the series.

The series uncovers several bloodlines associated with the original founding families, such as the Donquixote and Nefertari families. Their choices and actions shape the overall storyline, delving into themes of power, corruption, and privilege. The Five Elders, the highest governing body in the World Government, ultimately answer solely to their enigmatic sovereign, the character known as Imu, whose true nature and purpose are yet to be fully disclosed.

The vast world of One Piece is home to the influential founding families, also known as the Celestial dragons, who play a crucial role in the intricate power dynamics and rich history. These families were instrumental in establishing the World Government, the ruling authority that governs the entire world.

With their lineage tracing back to the enigmatic Void Century, these royal families possess immense authority and privilege. Beyond their aristocratic status, they hold a significant place in the One Piece series as they safeguard the hidden history of the world (the Void Century) and cast a looming shadow over the characters and events that shape this epic tale. Their significance lies in embodying corruption, privilege, and the ongoing struggle for justice.

The Celestial Dragons

The Celestial Dragons, also referred to as the World Nobles, hold a position of high prestige and authority within the World Government. Descended from the original twenty kings who played a pivotal role in establishing the World Government during the enigmatic Void Century, these noble families possess a lineage that grants them immense power and privilege. The Void Century, a concealed era shrouded in secrecy, holds crucial secrets about the history of the world and the formation of the World Government. Residing in the opulent city of Mariejoise, situated on the Red Line that encircles the globe, these world nobles are regarded as celestial beings and occupy the pinnacle of the World Government's hierarchy. Consequently, they yield substantial influence and authority.

However, the royal families of Mariejoise embody a dark side of authority and power. They frequently engage in acts of cruelty, treating commoners as nothing more than toys or slaves. Their involvement in the slave trade is notorious, viewing human lives as mere commodities. The whimsical and sadistic behavior of the Celestial Dragons has earned them widespread contempt and fear among the general population. They live lives of luxury, immune to any legal consequences for their actions and possessing the capability to demand anything they desire. This privilege has given rise to tyrannical behavior, evident in the events at the Reverie and Sabaody, among others.

While many other Celestial Dragons exert considerable influence through their wealth and status, a specific faction called the Five Elders plays a more significant role in shaping policies and making decisions that have far-reaching consequences in the world of One Piece. The voices of these Five Elders carry immense weight, often prioritizing their personal interests over the greater good.

The Founding Families Mentioned In The Series So Far

In One Piece, multiple families connected to the original founding families have been uncovered. These families have played significant roles in the series and will continue to be pivotal in the future. One notable family is the Donquixote family, who once ruled the Kingdom of Dressrosa and belonged to the Celestial Dragons. However, Donquixote Homing made the decision to relinquish his World Noble status and live among the common people. Tragically, this decision led to his downfall and sparked hatred in one of his sons, Doflamingo. Losing his noble status caused Doflamingo to hold deep resentment and seek revenge against the world that rejected him. He created his own pirate crew and became a Schibukai to regain power and control. Donquixote eventually reclaimed the Dressrosa Kingdom but was ultimately defeated by the Straw Hat pirates. His past as a Celestial Dragon and his criminal activities greatly influence the story and fuel conflicts within the series. The storyline surrounding Doflamingo explores themes of power, corruption, and the consequences of privilege.

Similarly, the ruling Nefertari family of the Alabasta Kingdom will play a crucial role in the future of One Piece. The events at the Reverie in Mariejoise, involving King Cobra and the disappearance of Princess Vivi, continue to have echoes throughout the One Piece world. While the Nefertari family's connection to the enigmatic "D" name remains mysterious, the exact reason why Nefertari Lili did not join the Celestial Dragons has not been explicitly stated. However, it is suggested that the Nefertari family prioritizes the welfare of their people and their kingdom. They have a strong sense of duty and are committed to protecting and governing Alabasta. It is likely that they chose not to abandon their kingdom and subjects to join the oppressive and corrupt Celestial Dragon class. Furthermore, Vivi's role is intertwined with a grave mistake committed by Lili, as alluded to by the mysterious Imu.

The Figarland family is now known as the newly revealed Celestial Dragons. Recent chapters of the manga have shed light on their involvement in the events at Gods Valley, where the World Government and the Rocks Pirates clashed. The connection between red-haired Shanks and the Figarland family is widely speculated but remains unconfirmed. Additionally, the Five Elder families, consisting of Saint Marcus Mars, Saint Topman Warcury, Saint Ethanbaron V. Nusjuro, Saint Shepherd Ju Peter, and Saint Jaygarcia Saturn, hold the highest governing authority within the World Government. They make crucial decisions, establish policies, and possess ultimate authority in the world of One Piece. Despite operating in the shadows for a long time, they have become increasingly prominent in the manga and anime due to the chaotic events occurring on the sea. Saint Jaygarcia Saturn even had to intervene in recent events at Egghead Island. Only their one true king, Imu, holds power over the Five Elders. Imu, a mysterious character from the Nerona dynasty, one of the World Government's founding families, is revealed to be the true ruler of the world, surpassing even the Five Elders. However, Imu's identity remains unknown as the series gradually unveils the role they play in the overall narrative of One Piece.

One Piece is available to stream on Prime Video.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about the founding families in One Piece. On the one hand, I am intrigued by their history and the role they played in shaping the world. On the other hand, I am appalled by their cruelty and their treatment of ordinary people.

I think it is important to remember that these families are not representative of all of the people in the One Piece world. There are many good people who are fighting for justice and equality, even within the World Government. I believe that eventually, these families will be overthrown and a more just and equitable world will be created.