How Hanuman inspired Luffy’s Gear 5 in One Piece

Eiichiro Oda's incorporation of Hindu mythology as inspiration for Monkey D Luffy's Gear 5 form in One Piece unveils a rich tapestry of cultural and narrative parallels.

The intricacies of this connection extend beyond mere superficial resemblances, delving into the core elements of both characters' stories, abilities, and symbolic significance.

It goes without saying that this piece contains HEAVY SPOILERS for One Piece, especially pertaining to its most recent Wano Arc.

What

One Piece creator, Eiichiro Oda didn't just dip his toes into Hindu mythology; he cannonballed right into it, making Luffy's power-up a symphony of cultural nods and pirate silliness.

• Hanuman, a revered figure in Hinduism and a key player in the epic, Ramayan, serves as the archetype for Luffy's Gear 5 transformation. 
• Both characters share the theme of hidden power and the gradual revelation of their true potential.
• Hanuman's curse, preventing him from using his full power until reminded, mirrors Luffy's ongoing journey of discovery regarding the depths of his Gomu Gomu no Mi abilities. 

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Luffy’s Awakening

The awakening of the Gomu Gomu no Mi, leading to Gear 5, is a pivotal moment in Luffy's character arc.

This transformation not only augments his rubbery physique but also grants him the ability to manipulate and transform his environment—a characteristic akin to a Paramecia's awakening. 

The mythical Zoan nature of Gear 5 introduces a level of freedom and flexibility that surpasses Luffy's previous forms, resembling the boundless powers attributed to Hanuman in Hindu mythology.

Bajrang Gun

One of the most overt connections is Luffy's use of the "Bajrang Gun" technique, explicitly named after Bajrangbali - another name for the Monkey God. This naming choice establishes a direct link between Luffy's arsenal and the revered deity. 

The fact that Oda explicitly mentions the formidable attack used in the battle against Kaido as a nod to Hanuman, solidifies the connection and showcases the depth of Oda's cultural references.

Oda even name drops Hanuman in the concept art issue - Road to Laugh Tale Volume 4.

Parallel lineage

Hanuman's tale of origin, born to Anjana (a celestial nymph) and Vayu or Pawan (the God of the wind), draws intriguing parallels with the mystery surrounding Luffy's parentage. 

The narrative alignment becomes even more pronounced when considering the potential connection between Vayu and Monkey D Dragon, Luffy's enigmatic father. If Dragon indeed possesses wind-based powers, it aligns seamlessly with the Hindu mythological inspiration.

And let's not forget that both had a particular appetite for literal embodiements of the Sun itself in their youths.

Luffy’s abilities

The boons bestowed upon Hanuman by various gods find echoes in Luffy's abilities. 

• Brahma's declaration that no weapon could harm Hanuman aligns with Luffy's Devil Fruit making him nearly invincible to weapons. 
• Indra's boon, ensuring that the Vajra (thunderbolt) would no longer harm Hanuman and that his body would be stronger than the weapon, resonates with Luffy's immunity to lightning. 

Let's not forget the ridiculously cartoonish power that Gear 5 brings to the table.

Luffy's body is as elastic as it could possibly get. He's bouncing around, dodging attacks like a rubber ninja. Cartoonish malleability? Check. The ability to run so fast that his legs become "cartoonish" moving tires? Double-check. Luffy's basically a one-man Looney Tunes show, and we're here for it.

• Hanuman's joyful and fun-filled fighting style in Hindu mythology, with his playful antics and mischievous manoeuvres, serves as a striking parallel to the exuberance of Luffy's Gear 5 form. 

• Both characters bring a sense of joy and entertainment to their battles, showcasing a dynamic and unconventional fighting style that not only defeats their foes but also uplifts the spirits of those around them. 

Hanuman's gleeful approach to combat, as depicted in mythology, finds resonance in the exaggerated animation of Gear 5, creating a synergy of fun and power that adds a unique flavor to their respective narratives.

Warriors of liberation

The significance of Hanuman as a symbol of physical strength, perseverance, and devotion resonates with Luffy's character and his role in the overarching narrative. The idea of the Monkey God as a liberator from fear and danger aligns with Luffy's mission to free the world from the oppressive rule of the World Government.

ALSO READ: Does One Piece find meaning in the Palestinian struggle for liberation?

Even Luffy's fight to free Wano narrative and the Hindu festival of Diwali share common threads of liberation, triumph over oppression, and the embodiment of virtues such as courage and perseverance. 

• Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, symbolises the victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance and celebrates the return of Rama to Ayodhya after defeating the demon king Ravana. 

• Interestingly, in some regions, the day before Diwali is believed to be the birthday of Hanuman, further linking the festival to the Monkey God associated with strength, perseverance, and liberation.

In the end, Eiichiro Oda didn't just draw inspiration from Hanuman; he gave him a rubberised makeover and threw him into the chaos of the Grand Line. Luffy's Gear 5 is more than just a power-up; it's a cultural fusion of anime awesomeness with a colourful touch of Hindu lore.