Contrary to popular belief, the Straw Hats crew is not currently in Elbaf but rather in a region called Warland. The chapter title emphasizes “Adventure in the land of mystery,” not specifically Elbaf, which is a kingdom of giants.
Evidence for Warland:
- Geographical Context: When the narrator refers to “Elbaf,” the crew is consistently shown at the coast, similar to when Dorry and Broggy warn against pointing guns at their land. This suggests they are not fully within Elbaf itself.
- Yggdrasil’s Appearance: The colossal Yggdrasil tree appears smaller than in previous flashbacks, indicating they might be at a branch rather than its base. The low clouds and visibility of the ground further support this idea.
- Architecture Differences: The current architecture looks distinctly human-sized and differs from the Viking aesthetic associated with Elbaf. The surroundings seem more akin to a different kingdom within Warland.
The Nine Kingdoms of Warland:
Warland may mirror Nordic mythology, particularly Yggdrasil, which connects nine realms. Elbaf could represent Jotunheim, the land of giants, positioned at the base of this colossal tree. The Straw Hats likely find themselves in one of the other eight realms, where the inhabitants are human-sized.
Constant Conflict:
The ongoing territorial wars among these kingdoms likely explain the name “Warland” and the absence of giant pirates dominating the seas. The giants, considered the strongest army, are preoccupied with their internal conflicts.
In summary, the Straw Hats are exploring a branch of the Yggdrasil-like tree in Warland, not the main kingdom of Elbaf, and the dynamics of the surrounding kingdoms shape their adventure.
