One Piece 1153 leaves fans stunned: Loki’s trauma, King Harald’s love story, and the fall of a kingdom

Hold on to your seats, we take a deep dive into King Harald’s past, this time. We see what really makes him so famous, and why, he is considered one of the most benevolent kings, contrary to his rather brash younger years.  Nevertheless, he faced death at the hands of his son, Loki.

With Chapter 1153 of One Piece, titled  The Birth of Loki, fans have a few questions answered. Instead of battles or major Straw Hat moments, Eiichiro Oda takes a bold detour into Elbaf’s past, and we encounter heartbreak, mythology, and political drama that deepens the lore of the giant kingdom.

The chapter centers around Harald, a powerful Elbaf warrior who falls for Ida, the mother of Hajrudin, during one of his journeys outside the island. At the time, Ida is working in a circus, not for fame, but to repay the kindness of villagers who once saved her life. Harald, moved by her humility and strength, brings her back to Elbaf and begins laying the groundwork for a more open and united kingdom.

But love doesn’t go unchallenged in the world of giants. The Elbaf elders pressure Harald into marrying Estridd, a woman of pure Elbaf descent, for the sake of tradition and political purity. Estridd later gives birth to a son, Loki, only to abandon him, owing to his looks and after interpreting a dark omen about his future. Her decision sends the child into the underworld, where he’s left to survive on his own.

The second half of the chapter shows Loki’s brutal rise from the shadows, literally. Covered in blood and surrounded by fallen beasts, Loki claws his way up from the underworld, trying to reach the Elbaf castle above.

This chapter also fuels speculation about Loki’s potential Devil Fruit powers, with many fans pointing to the Hebi Hebi no Mi, Model: Jörmungandr, based on the Norse world serpent. The theory fits Oda’s growing use of Norse mythology in the Elbaf arc and could set Loki up as one of the saga’s key players—perhaps even a future antagonist.

The reactions are intense.  Some are praising the chapter for its rich storytelling and mythology, calling it one of the most emotional lore dumps in years. Others are drawing direct parallels between Loki and Luffy, both outcasts, both on personal journeys.

A few fans are even predicting that Loki might become the true king of Elbaf, potentially challenging Luffy in the final saga.

The backstory also adds depth to Hajrudin, a character fans had mostly written off as a side-note after his brief alliance with the Straw Hats.

Chapter 1153 is officially out in Japan as of June 25, 2025, and the English translation will be available on platforms like VIZ and Manga Plus soon after.

So, long story short?

·         Harald falls in love with Ida, Hajrudin’s mother, and brings her to Elbaf.

·         Elders force him to marry Estridd, who gives birth to Loki.

·         Estridd abandons Loki after an omen.

·         Loki survives in the underworld and begins his ascent up the Adam Tree.

·         Fans speculate Loki may have the Jörmungandr Devil Fruit.

As the Elbaf arc unfolds, Chapter 1153 shows that One Piece isn’t just gearing up for more battles—it’s building the mythos behind the final war. And Loki, the forsaken prince, may become the most important name on the battlefield.