We are now deep into the Final Saga of One Piece, where pieces from decades ago are falling into place in astonishing ways. Do you remember chapter 287? Back then, on the sky island of Skypiea, the Shandia tribe mentioned four gods during a sacred ceremony.
At the time, most thought it was just background lore for the tribe’s culture. But with the shocking events unfolding in Elbaph and the recently revealed Harley carvings, these four names have suddenly become the center of countless theories. Let’s revisit the four gods named in the Skypiea Arc and explore their significance in this final era!
1. Sun God
Among the four gods, the Sun God holds the highest status. When Mousse, Kalgara’s daughter, was taken as a sacrifice to the giant serpent Kashigami, she comforted her mother by saying she would “go meet the Sun God.”
This connection truly exploded centuries later when Luffy, wielding the power of the Sun God Nika, freed Skypiea from Enel’s tyranny. This detail has fans convinced that Oda seeded the concept of Nika from the very beginning, linking it to hope and freedom for oppressed tribes.
2. Forest God
The Forest God was the next name called out during the Shandia ceremony. Interestingly, this concept has reappeared on the Harley carvings at Elbaph, but in a much darker light.
According to ancient texts, the Forest God is a “tamer of demons.” Many theories suggest a close link between the Forest God and Imu. When Imu appears at Elbaph, the surrounding trees grow faces and emit sounds, as if he can control the wood element. If the Five Elders are considered demons (Yokai), could Imu be the Forest God commanding them?
3. Earth God
Also mentioned in the Harley texts about the “first world,” the Earth God is described as far from peaceful. The text states:
“Within the Earth lies fire. Humanity touched the forbidden sun. The Sun God appeared in response to prayers, but the Earth God grew angry, covering the world with death and darkness through hellfire serpents.”
The image of hellfire serpents immediately brings to mind ancient weapons or colossal creatures from prehistoric times. If the Sun God symbolizes salvation, then the Earth God represents destruction, bringing ruin to the world.
4. Rain God
The final god mentioned in chapter 287 remains the biggest mystery. Unlike the other three, the Rain God hasn’t clearly appeared or been referenced again in the Harley texts.
However, with the recent introduction of the Rain God Zaza in the latest chapters, it seems Oda is preparing a crucial role for this entity. Will the Rain God be a hidden ally or another calamity the Straw Hats must face?