It’s fascinating how the people from Elbaf seem to label beings as “gods” in a way that mirrors what we saw in Skypiea/Jaya. In the latest chapter, there’s mention of an “ear god” (a giant rabbit) and the sun god. But what’s interesting is that the sun god isn’t just a large animal—it’s expected to respond to reports, suggesting intelligence and influence.
We know the Elbaf warriors revere the Sun God Nika, so it’s strange that this figure would either be an impostor or, as you suggest, perhaps something even more literal—like a sun itself.
Your theory about Pandora, the sentient sun-like homie created by Mother Carmel during Linlin’s flashback, really adds depth to this idea. Pandora seemed to disappear after that incident, and if Big Mom is truly dead (even though we can’t be entirely sure), there’s a chance that her homies, including Pandora, could continue to exist independently.
If the giants held onto Pandora as a symbol of that tragic day, it might have evolved into more than just a remnant of the past. Given its intelligence and power, Pandora could have assumed a leadership or advisory role in a region of Elbaf. Over time, because the giants highly valued Mother Carmel and her influence, they might have started revering Pandora as a god, leading to its association with the Sun God figure.
It’s also possible that the giants, in their tradition of revering important figures as gods, might have elevated Pandora to divine status because of its connection to Carmel and the events that followed. This would fit with how they interpret gods—not necessarily as literal deities, but as beings that play pivotal roles in their history.
In summary, I think your theory is very plausible. Pandora could very well be the “sun god” revered by some in Elbaf, having taken on this role after Mother Carmel’s disappearance. This would explain why the sun god is still mentioned and why it holds such importance to the Elbaf people.
What’s particularly intriguing is how this adds another layer to the ongoing mystery of who or what the Sun God Nika is, and how different cultures within the One Piece world interpret “gods” based on their histories and beliefs.
