Harald

Harald
Manga
Statistics
Japanese Name:	ハラルド
Romanized Name:	Hararudo
Official English Name:	Harald
Debut:	Chapter 1136
Occupations:	King of the Warland Kingdom
Origin:	Grand Line (Elbaph)
Residence:	Elbaph (Aurust Castle)
Status:	Deceased
Age at Death:	At least 140

Harald was the most recent king of Elbaph and the father of Hajrudin and Loki, both born respectively from Ida, his original lover, and Estrid, his official spouse.

Celebrated in his homeland as a wise king, Harald spent most of his reign learning about other cultures and establishing strong ties with them in order to elevate Elbaph's resilience and standing in the world, which otherwise distrusted his kin. Among his local accomplishments are ordering the construction of the Walrus School and the several branch routes that connect Elbaph's villages together. He was also an associate of Rocks D. Xebec, who insistently attempted to recruit him into his pirate crew.

Harald was murdered 14 years ago, allegedly by his son Loki. His life and eventual fate are important background details during the Elbaph Arc.

Appearance

Harald was a broad-shouldered giant who sported jagged eyebrows and a curved double-line tattoo framing his left temple. Due to his lineage as a descendant of ancient giants, Harald was taller than most modern giants and was born with a pair of horns poking from his head.

In his younger days as a 45-year old giant boy (equivalent to 15 years old in human years), Harald had a lean, muscular physique similar to that of his son Loki. He had a full head of short dark hair.

Later in life, as seen in his royal portrait, he had grown a large handlebar mustache with sharp, jutting ends and a spiky beard. He shaved his hair and also cut off his own horns out of shame of his ancient giant lineage and his desire for Elbaph to become a nation of peace separate from the violent ways of the past; this act left a pair of massive scars over his head.

Harald's royal ensemble consisted of a chainmail tunic that revealed his hairy arms, a pair of black gloves, and a dark belt with a huge spiral-shaped plaque. His shoulders were covered by a cloak with claw-like protrusions on each side.

Gallery

Harald as a child.

Harald 109 years ago.

A closeup of Harald's face 109 years ago.

Harald 105 years ago.

Harald 81 years ago.

Harald about 70 years ago.

Harald 63 years ago.

Harald 44 years ago.

Harald after shaving his head, prior to removing his horns.

A portrait of an older, hornless Harald, at Aurust Castle.

Personality

In his younger days, Harald was described in narration as a "lowlife scumbag". He reflected this fairly well, foregoing his royal duties, and instead venturing to various parts of the world simply to spread terror. He had no qualms about fooling and attacking his own allies, and gleefully proclaimed himself to be a God amongst men. He began to grow out of this, and into the pacifist he was as an older man, upon meeting his future lover Ida, a giantess foreign to Elbaph; after he "rescued" her from the Bunt Kingdom and she scolded him for making assumptions and attacking innocent humans, he began to reflect on his actions and the image he portrayed of Elbaph and giants as a whole with his arrogance.

Harald carried out a romantic relationship with Ida and conceived his firstborn son Hajrudin with her despite the country's view of foreign giant blood being a taint on their blood purity. He was subsequently forced into an arranged marriage with Estrid, a giantess of noble descent, and she gave birth to Loki. Refusing to be dictated by prejudice, Harald loved both of his sons equally and wished for them both to work together for the sake of Elbaph's future once he was gone. Despite this, his devotion to his people and country made him somewhat negligent in his role as father to his two sons as he was pretty much absent throughout their life when both of them needed him the most, leading to Loki's frequent bullying of Hajrudin and descent into violence to lash out his rage, as well as Hajrudin himself suffering from prejudices of being considered an illegitimate child.

Toward the end of his life, Harald was a compassionate pacifist by nature. In his position as the ruler of the Warland Kingdom, Harald favored diplomacy and trading with other countries over waging war, as the giants of old were known for, and started a series of reforms intended to turn Elbaph into a more peaceful nation. Because of his hatred of violence, he even went so far as to cut off the horns growing on his own head so that they would not remind him of the aggressiveness of his ancestors. He was considered to be a wise and great king despite his idealism being unpopular with his elder kinsmen like Jarul. Harald has a strong sense of honor and integrity, when the World Government captured citizens of one of the nations whom he befriended despite the threat of ruining Elbaph's potential membership, Harald was quick to attack and save them. Even when the World Government, used propaganda to vilify Harald, Harald remain steadfast in registering Elbaph as a member.

Like several other characters, Harald had a unique laughing style: "Barahaha" (バラハハ^?).

Relationships

Family

Elbaph royal family

Ida

Harald (Deceased) †

Estrid (Deceased) †

Older brother (Deceased) †

Hajrudin

Loki

Ida

Harald first met Ida when she was seemingly imprisoned by the Bunt Kingdom as a freakshow, where he "freed" (abducted) her, before she made him realize that she was actually saved by them and she was simply putting an act for entertainment purposes. Ida taught Harald about humility, value of lives, and pacifism, turning him away from his arrogant, callous and violent ways. In time the two fell in love, and even had a son, Hajrudin, together. Harald wanted to marry Ida and make her queen of Elbaph, but was denied that by the elders of the country, who rejected Ida based on her foreigner status. Harald became very saddened by this, but Ida comforted him, stating that she remains happy as long as she and their son can see him.

Estrid

After his marriage with Ida was denied by the elders, they arranged for him to marry with a giantess of an esteemed noble heritage, Estrid. Completely contrary to with Ida, Harald immediately found Estrid to be unpleasant due to her haughtiness and demanding nature, along with her incredible superstitions, all of which she projected as ridiculous and hedonistic orders to the castle servants. While claiming that she believed them to be a destined pair, Estrid callously insulted Ida and Hajrudin by telling Harald to forget about them, which made the king very uncomfortable. In truth, Estrid only cared about herself and whatever would make her look better, as upon the birth of their son, Loki, she revolted at the infant's black-sclera eyes as something horrific, and even tried to kill him while attempting to lie to Harald that the child died as a stillborn. She then tried to flee back to her village, while taking all of Harald's riches with her, but fell ill before any of that could come to fruition, and ultimately died shortly afterwards.

By the time of her death 62 years ago, Harald seemed to have grown to love or at least care for her, as he was genuinely distraught by her passing and held a large funeral service.

Hajrudin

While Hajrudin was born under Ida, a foreign giantess, Harald loved him regardless, and lamented that he could not make Hajrudin prince due to Elbaph's laws of blood purity. He wanted both of his sons to work together for the betterment of Elbaph, and earned Hajrudin's love and respect, as Hajrudin was furious at Loki for allegedly killing their father.

Loki

Harald proudly calls Loki his son but failed to take into serious consideration of all the abuses on his body.

Loki was born under Estrid and the designated heir to Elbaph's throne, and Harald already had decided on his name even before his birth. However, Estrid was less than thrilled about Loki's physical appearance, and attempted to kill him before Harald returned, under the guise of a stillbirth. Loki ended up surviving, but Estrid's harsh words about him continued until her death. Despite that, Harald was proud to call Loki his son from the moment they first met, and loved him just as much as he loved Hajrudin. However, his devotion to his people and kingdom caused him to ultimately neglect Loki as he ignorantly left Loki to be raised under an abusive uncle without careful considerations. Furthermore, he also did not attempt to actually check what was truly wrong with Loki's eyes as well as all the bruises Estrid inflicted on him, showing how much he was lacking as a father.

Harald's negligence toward Loki caused him to deeply resent Harald since he believed that Harald would never be there for him when he was in pain much like how he was not there for him when his mother and uncle abused him, even though Harald would go out to see him whenever he got word he was hurt. Even then he didn't truly question the reasons for why Loki was hurt and assumed it was from his own carelessness. Furthermore, he seemed to have some disrespect for his father's pacifism, causing destructive pranks throughout the villages of the country whenever Harald was away, and even decried his father's methods for creating a new generation of peaceful children instead of proud warriors. While Loki was alleged by the kingdom for having killed Harald for the sake of the legendary Devil Fruit protected by the royal family, Loki was shocked when he witnessed his father being impaled by the royal guards of the castle during the fateful day Harald was killed, and when Hajrudin brought up the alleged event, Loki made it clear he did not kill their father out of coldblooded malice.

Rocks D. Xebec

Harald and Rocks drinking together.

Harald was familiar with Rocks D. Xebec, one of the most notorious pirates in history, who at one point was his friend. Rocks and Harald had an unconventional friendship, despite the two men having wildly opposing personalities, with Rocks being a violent, chaotic force of nature, and Harald attempting to change his and his country's violent reputation and trying to be a pacifist. The two men would often hang out and drink whenever Rocks came to Elbaph to visit Harald to ask him to join his crew. Harald did not accept Rocks' offer to join his crew and rejected him several times over the years, and even warned his crewmates that following Rocks would only lead them to ruin. Eventually when the World Government told Harald they would only accept Elbaph's admission into the government with Rocks' death, Harald and Rocks fought each other and declared their friendship was over.

Rocks held Harald in high regard and considered him his friend, and even attacked his crewmate for suggesting that they forcefully subjugate Harald and the giants. Rocks had knowledge of a certain Devil Fruit being hidden in Elbaph and needed Harald to consume it to bring his plans to fruition, which is the reason why he was so persistent in getting Harald to join his crew. Rocks mocked Harald's attempts at getting Elbaph to join the World Government and try to change the country's reputation, telling him the government only cared for their strength and would never truly accept them, would turn on them and slander them through propaganda if they acted against the government's interests, which did in fact happen when Harald attacked a government battleship abducting residents of a country he was indebted to. Rocks trusted Harald enough to reveal his true name and lineage to him and even reveal the reason that he was going to God Valley was to save his wife and son, which he did not reveal even to his own crew.

Abilities and Powers

As a giant with the blood of the ancient giants, Harald was larger and considerably more powerful than the average giant. His monstrous power is evident in the destruction caused in his final fight against Loki, his own son. As king of Elbaph, he commanded an entire military of giants, which is said to be the strongest in the entire world. Rocks D. Xebec, one of the most powerful pirates in history, held Harald's strength in high regard, and asked him multiple times to become a member of his crew.

Political Expertise

As the King of Elbaph, Harald has great political power, he was revered by the citizens of Elbaph as a great and wise king. In his later years, he is a skilled diplomat, as he established relationship with many foreign nations that successfully aided Elbaph with humanitarian aid during a great famine.

Physical Abilities

In his youth, he was able to demolish an entire castle just by kicking another giant into it, and literally flatten a giant with just one blow of his fist to the top of the giant's head, breaking his helmet and knocking out all his teeth. He could also fling his giant-sized boogers with enough force to cause massive water splash in the ocean like a cannonball.

Remarkably Harald once leapt from the top of the Red Line and fell a huge distance without issues.

Haki

Harald was one of the few people in the world known to possess Supreme King Haki and capable of infusing his Supreme King Haki into his sword to drastically increase the power of his strikes. Harald's Haki was powerful enough to clash evenly with that of Rocks D. Xebec.

Swordsmanship

Harald wielded a giant sword, with which he was capable of clashing evenly with Rocks D. Xebec.

Ships

Harald's ship.

When not ruling, Harald spent large amounts of time out at sea on his own personal ship. He used it since at least 109 years ago.

History

Biography

As a child, Harald grew up alongside Dorry and Brogy. His ancient giant build, alongside his status as prince, eventually resulted in him growing arrogant and unruly. Harald ascended to the role of King of Elbaph at the age of 45, equivalent to just 15 years old in human years. He made little effort to actually rule his homeland, and instead focused spreading mayhem and terror all across the world. In one incident 109 years ago, he raided a kingdom after hearing of a beautiful princess living there. Upon arrival, he promptly kicked one of his own crewmates into the castle, causing it to be destroyed. As he laughed at the misery he had caused, Harald proudly proclaimed himself to be a God.

Harald is slapped by Ida for his arrogance.

As time passed, Harald began to grow bored with the outside world and the lack of strong opposition to face. Eventually, he and his subordinates came across the Bunt Kingdom, where Harald spotted Ida being held in a cage as a circus attraction. Enraged at seeing one of his kin being treated in such a way, Harald promptly went in for the rescue, leaving the kingdom in ruins in the process. Harald bragged about being the king of Elbaph, but Ida slapped him and demanded that they return to the kingdom. Harald considered her to be unwell for wishing to return to such a place, but was forced to listen as Ida began to berate him about his supposed status being simply as a result of fate, that he was simply lucky to be born large and strong, a fate that could have easily befallen someone else at Harald's own expense, and that it was his actions that made giants be seen as savages when they did not have to be. Her words left Harald thinking deeply on his place in the world. After returning to the island, Harald watched as Ida assisted the humans in reconstructing their village. Upon being asked by his subordinates as to when they were leaving, he angrily ordered them to help her. Following the reconstruction, Harald was coaxed into apologizing to the island's king. As they continued to other islands, Harald's arrogance quickly began to fade, concerning his subordinates at their king's newfound good-hearted nature.

Harald announces his plan to learn more about the world.

By 105 years ago, back on Elbaph, Harald's previous opinions had completely changed. He announced to his subjects that he intended to learn more about the many cultures of the world, and to bring the knowledge of said cultures back with him. One of the subjects mocked the idea, citing that Dorry and Brogy would never be convinced. Harald vouched for the pair, recalling their unusually good relationships with humans. He was considering changing Elbaph's various traditions as well, mentioning that they might be perceived as threatening to outsiders. His speech was met with optimism.

Time continued to pass. Harald visited various other islands with Ida, gradually learning about the world, and even keeping a logbook of their travels. 81 years ago, his first son, Hajrudin, was born to Ida. Unfortunately, her status as a giant not from Elbaph disallowed her from being queen. Harald angrily apologized to Ida for having to follow such a rule, but she was unconcerned since living near Harald was enough for her.

Harald tells stories of his travels.

Not long afterward, Harald was taken to meet his arranged wife, Estrid. He was immediately off-put by her haughty nature and demanding attitude. She then introduced him to Asla, an eight-legged horse apparently meant to bring good fortune. 11 years later, around 70 years ago, Harald continued on his journeys, even visiting Wano Country and Fish-Man Island at some point. By this point, Harald was seen as a benevolent figure, spreading Elbaph's advanced navigation techniques, and telling stories of his journeys to Elbaph's children. By 63 years ago, the World Government had begun blocking his diplomacy attempts, causing him great frustration. His son Loki was born the same year; however, it was prophesied that Loki would be the one to kill him in the future.

Thanks to Harald's efforts, Elbaph receives much-needed aid from allied nations.

That same year, Harald left Elbaph on another diplomatic effort, seeking to establish better relations with surrounding nations. In his absence, many severe weather events overtook Elbaph, causing a massive famine throughout the land. Harald managed to arrive back just in time to save Ida and Hajrudin from being killed by a delusional giant. Thanks to his efforts overseas, all of the nations Harald had established ties with graciously offered aid to Elbaph, successfully lifting it out of its famine. 62 years ago, Estrid passed away from an illness, causing Harald immense grief. However, he was happy to meet his son Loki for the first time, but disheartened to find that the boy would not smile for his father. He attributed it to Estrid's death, not knowing she had hated Loki from the moment of his birth. Afterward, Harald set his sights on improving Elbaph's domestic situation, establishing new trade between the villages.

Harald clashes with Rocks D. Xebec at the Levely.

56 years ago, Harald posed as a soldier for an allied nation in order to sneak into the Levely. He attempted to seek council with a few representatives, but his advances were rebuffed, and to make matters worse, he was blamed for kidnapping 5 of the kings present. As he fled, Harald was set ablaze, all while trying to tell the guards that he was framed. Sure enough, the true culprit, Rocks D. Xebec, suddenly appeared in front of him. Outraged that he had apparently been used as a scapegoat, Harald attempted to attack Rocks, resulting in a clash between the two that knocked away everyone within a 5 kilometer radius. From that moment, the two quickly came to an understanding that they'd need to work together in order to successfully escape the holy land. Shortly after introductions, Harald carried Rocks to the edge of the Red Line, where he proceeded to leap from the edge, successfully escaping.

After returning to Elbaph, Harald visited Jarul to inform him of the event. Jarul was concerned about the brashness of Harald's actions, informing him that a group of over 100 powerful giants had been captured in the past, most likely by the World Government. Jarul explained to Harald that it was likely that his efforts to open Elbaph were likely intentionally being hindered, but Harald remained determined in accomplishing his goals.

Harald argues with Rocks.

By 48 years ago, Harald's ideals had practical universal acceptance on Elbaph, making him immensely popular among the people. He went on to announce his plan for giants to be accepted by every nation on the planet. While he was away on another voyage, Rocks arrived on Elbaph, intending to meet Harald once again. After learning Loki had been wounded (a ploy by Rocks to force Harald's early return), Harald arrived back on Elbaph to check his son's health. After ensuring that Loki was safe, Harald entered the dining room of the castle, where he confronted Rocks. Rocks revealed that he had come to ask Harald to join his crew, and thereby gain an army of giants along with him. Harald scoffed at the offer, rejecting it on the grounds that it would undo all of his diplomatic efforts. Rocks was naturally skeptical of Harald's supposed peaceful nature, finding it impossible for the king of a warrior race to suddenly reject the bloodlust he apparently had.

With Rocks undeterred, Harald turned to Rocks' crewmates, warning them that they would all likely meet grisly fates should they remain with him. However, the group revealed that they didn't care about Rocks' life at all, and they were simply with him to advance their own goals. Sure enough, they went on to explain that Hachinosu, a former prison island, had been taken over by its inmates, and that the World Government had contracted Rocks with taking it back. Rocks mentioned that he intended to renege on his part of the agreement, and instead use the island as a base to launch an attack on the Marines and World Government, in order to become King of the World. Harald sternly informed Rocks that his plans would result in a world war, but Rocks remained undeterred. He offered Harald a position in his crew once again, but was bluntly rejected.

Over the next few years Rocks continued asking for Harald's cooperation, but was swiftly rejected each time. Eventually, he gave up, and proceeded with his plan without Harald, to which he succeeded. Around that same time, Loki made an attempt at fleeing Elbaph to find Rocks, but failed, and nearly drowned. Thankfully, a fisherman was nearby to save him, and took the young prince back to Ida's bar to recover. Harald quickly arrived to scold Loki for his carelessness, and thanked the fisherman for saving his son. Ida, on the other hand, was enraged by the fisherman mentioning that he hesitated to save Loki, due to his bad behavior when Harald wasn't present. While Harald attempted to calm her down, Loki scoffed at the fact that he had to be saved. Ida decided to offer Loki the option of staying with her and Hajrudin, due to his often lacking family, but both sons bluntly rejected her. Loki took it a step further by insulting and accusing Ida of having ulterior motives for being so kind to him. Harald was himself outraged upon hearing such things, and demanded that Loki immediately apologize. Loki refused, before revealing that he hated everyone present, and declaring that he would one day leave Elbaph to see the world, just like Rocks.

Harald attacks a government ship.

At least 42 years ago, Harald made a trip to the New World island of Enishi to repay their kindness during Elbaph's famine. However, he arrived just as a few government agents were laying siege to the island, taking its residents prisoner, due to its staus as another non-affiliated nation of the World Government. Harald was appalled by the government's lackluster views on non-affiliated individauls, and demanded that the people be freed. The agent he was speaking to countered by mentioning Harald's goals of joining the World Government one day, reminding him that interfering would only ruin his chances. To make their power clear, the agent shot one of the prisoners, causing Harald to snap. Harald leaped from his ship and sank the government one.

Naturally, the World Government-affiliated World Economy News Paper had a field day with the propaganda against Harald, labeling him as a plotter who had evil intentions in joining the government. In an attempt to salvage his reputation, and as a sign of good faith, Harald shaved his head, although it mostly brought mockery. Not long afterward, Rocks visited Harald at Ida's bar, laughing at how foolish his friend was for trying to work with the government. Rocks reminded Harald that his attempts would never be enough, and that he would be better off joining up with his crew. Harald, howwever, remained firm in his belief that Elbaph would eventually join the World Government, although his thoughts were interrupted by Rocks mocking his shaved head. Harald remarked that Garp had laughed as well, shifting the conversation to the Marines. Harald disagreed with Rocks' belief that Garp would be better as a pirate, and that despite having a few corrupt individuals in their ranks, the Marines helped more people than they harmed. As an example, Harald mentioned John Giant, who had recently joined the organization. Harald believed that if more giants were to join, their great strength could be used to improve the world.

42 years ago, the Five Elders issued an ultimatum, to be delivered to Harald. Mars declared that if Harald were to kill Rocks, Elbaph would be allowed to join the World Government. With little other option left to accomplish his goals, Harald chose to accept it.

Harald duels Rocks.

40 years ago, when Rocks arrived on Elbaph for one of he and Harald's typical meetings, Harald went on the attack. Their duel was intense, with enough force in their attacks to uproot nearby trees and nature in Elbaph's Underworld. Rocks attempted to bring Harald to his senses, calling him out as a puppet of the World Government, and demanding to know if he had any pride as a warrior at all. Harald scoffed as he struck Rocks back, declaring that Rocks knew nothing of Elbaph's violent history, and becoming a peaceful nation would be the first step in repairing their reputation worldwide. Rocks refused to listen, and after a further bit of scuffling, the two parted ways, their friendship permanently ended.

38 years ago, Harald correctly assumed that Rocks and his crew would be unable to abandon Shakuyaku, and confronted them while they were on their way to God Valley. Harald revealed that a government surveillance ship was watching as well, meaning that if he successfully took down Rocks, Elbaph's ascent to being a World Government nation would be secured. Despite Harald's threats, Rocks was undeterred, and offered to simply speak with Harald. Harald accepted, and the two shared a drink up on Harald's ship. As they drank, Rocks revealed his true name to be "Davy D. Xebec", and his lineage to Davy Jones, to Harald's shock. Rocks further surprised Harald by revealing God Valley to be his home country, and that he had sent his family there to keep them safe. Harald was astonished by such information, and given the situation, assumed that the World Government had been setting a trap for Rocks. Rocks disagreed. He planned to rescue Shakky, as well as his wife and child, and was prepared for anything that could come as a result of such a reckless move. With nothing else to lose, Rocks offered Harald one last chance to assist him in his goals. Harald bluntly rejected him as he did before, and prepared to duel his former friend. In the end, their duel likely ended in another draw, as Rocks was able to proceed to God Valley, where he would perish.

Twenty years ago, he requested Jaguar D. Saul to found a school for Elbaph children. At some point after his sons were born, he removed his horns due to his view that ancient giants were relics from a war torn era.

At some point Harald visited Mary Geoise again, where he met and got along with Shanks. Loki inherited his brutal and crude personality when he was young and wreaked havoc around the country. Their relationship became strained due to his decisions to work with the World Government and directions to make Elbaph became a more civilized and peaceful place.

Harald is impaled by his guards.

Fourteen years ago, Harald summoned Loki and Jarul to Aurust Castle for unknown reasons. Just before their arrival, he was collectively impaled by every guard in the room. In the aftermath of the ensuing conflict, Loki was blamed for Harald's death, Jarul nearly perished from a stab to the head, 113 guards died, and someone stole the legendary Devil Fruit that the royal family had been guarding. The whole ordeal left Elbaph without a king, as Loki was not allowed to ascend to the throne for his heinous crime.

Legacy

As a beloved and wise king, Harald is still thought highly by the people of Elbaph, who have since embraced his policies of peace and commerce with other nations. The Owl Library and Walrus School, both built under his orders, stand tall as symbols of his rule.

In contrast, Harald is regarded with scorn by the likes of Shepherd Sommers and Imu for his "miserable failure" that prevented the World Government from subjugating Elbaph years ago, denying them Elbaph's military might for use as mercenaries.

Trivia

• Harald is an Old Norse name held by several Scandinavian kings.
  • Loki's betrayal could be an allusion to the historical event when Swein Forkbeard usurped his father Harald Bluetooth.
• Harald's alleged murder by his son, Loki, is reminiscent of the assassination of Julius Caesar by Brutus, who is sometimes believed to be his illegitimate son.
  • Just like how Harald was presumably killed by being stabbed with multiple blades from his underlings, Caesar was also killed by being stabbed with several knives from his senate, including Brutus, unlike Loki who was falsely accused of murdering Harald.
• Harald is the first giant shown to use Supreme King Haki.