One Piece: The Theory about Shanks’ Identity through Saint Figarland Garling

Shanks, also known as Red-Haired Shanks, is one of the earliest and most mysterious characters in the One Piece series. His family background and lineage have remained a secret to many. However, recent developments, particularly in the film “One Piece: Red,” have started to shed light on the mysteries surrounding Shanks’ family.

Is Red-Haired Shanks a Celestial Dragon?

For those who are not aware, Shanks was discovered by Gol D. Roger and Rayleigh inside a treasure chest they plundered after the great battle at God Valley with the legendary Rocks Pirates. At that time, Shanks was only one year old, and nobody knows why he was there. Nonetheless, the Pirate King took him in and raised him as his own.

After Roger’s execution in Logue Town, Shanks embarked on his own journey to search for adventure and eventually formed his own pirate crew. The Red-Haired Pirates became famous for their incredible strength despite not possessing Devil Fruit powers. Shanks, often referred to as the “top 1 server” in terms of Haki, possesses all three types of Haki, with his Conqueror’s Haki being particularly renowned for its overwhelming power.

In Chapter 1083, one of the strongest forces in One Piece was revealed—the Holy Knights. These Holy Knights were mentioned by Monkey D. Dragon as the “ultimate counterpart” to the Revolutionary Army: “Our true battle will begin when they (referring to the Five Elders) mobilize the Holy Knights.”

In their first appearance in Chapter 1086, the Supreme Leader of the Holy Knights, Saint Figarland Garling, passed judgment on Heavenly Dragon Ryu fighting against the mermaid tribe, Saint Donquixote Mjosgard: “The defender of trash is even lower than trash itself.” He was also the former king of the sacred land, God Valley.

Figarland Garling and Shanks’s relationship

In the movie “One Piece: Red,” we learn that Roger adopted Shanks after the God Valley incident, and there is a connection to the Figarland Family. Interestingly, Saint Figarland Garling is also introduced by Oda as a former king of the sacred land. Both Figarland Garling and Shanks have close ties to the Figarland Family, and they are both swordsmen. Figarland Garling wields a saber, similar to Shanks’ Gryphon sword. Additionally, it is likely that the Five Elders and former Admiral Sengoku know Shanks’ true identity and have special interactions with him.

Based on these pieces of evidence, it can be speculated that Shanks, one of the Four Emperors, is the son or grandson of Saint Figarland Garling. However, from Figarland Garling’s demonstrated personality, it is evident that he and Red-Haired Shanks have some differences in character. Could their relationship be similar to Sanji and his father, Vinsmoke Judge, unable to reconcile?

If this theory proves to be true, the clash between Shanks and Blackbeard will be incredibly intriguing. Previously, there was also a theory suggesting that Blackbeard is the son of Captain Rocks D. Xebec.