One Piece: The Hidden Symbolism Behind Shanks Vs Eustass Kid Fight Explained

The battle between Shanks and Eustass Kid in One Piece episode 1112 has been highly anticipated for months, since the manga chapter, featuring their fight, came out. Sure, Shanks came out as the victor while dominating Kid, much to the distress of Kid fans, but the fight itself was pretty much built up not only through the plot but also through the hidden messages Oda laid out throughout the story.

The fight is also important because the episode made a mark within the fandom, having a rating of 9.9/10 on IMDB, prompting fans to call it the best episode since 1015!

Shanks vs Kid didn’t last quite long, but it’s possible that Shanks letting go of Kid alive might later haunt him in the series.

Without further ado, let’s get into it!

The hidden symbolism of the confrontation between Shanks and Eustass Kid

These two characters exhibit a spiritual and animalistic bond that goes far deeper than just their red hair or fierce demeanor. They’re more connected in a spiritual animal type of way, and both are beasts!!

When I refer to these characters as “beasts,” I’m not just using a metaphor. Shanks and Kid embody the essence of mythical and prehistoric creatures, each in their own unique way.

For instance, Shanks is often compared to the mythical beast, the griffin. Griffins are legendary creatures with the body of a lion and the head and wings of an eagle. They symbolize strength, courage, and guardianship. Shanks, with his powerful presence and formidable reputation, mirrors the griffin’s traits perfectly. He is a guardian of the seas and a symbol of strength and bravery in the One Piece world.

Eustass Kid, on the other hand, aligns with the imagery of a wild, prehistoric beast. His ship, the Victoria Punk, resembles a dinosaur, a nod to his savage and untamed nature. Dinosaurs, known for their raw power and ferocity, perfectly encapsulate Kid’s character. He follows his animalistic instincts, always hunting for a worthy opponent to prove his might.

As I delved deeper into this comparison, I realized that both Shanks and Kid, in their symbolic forms, are manifestations of dinosaurs. Here’s an interesting connection:

• Griffins, though exist in myth, are parallel birds in many ways.
• Birds are considered descendants of theropod dinosaurs, specifically carnivorous ones.
• Thus, birds are often referred to as avian dinosaurs, survivors of a lineage that dominated the earth millions of years ago.

This connection is fascinating because it positions Shanks and Kid as modern-day representations of these ancient, powerful creatures. Shanks, with his griffin-like attributes, aligns with the avian dinosaurs, while Kid represents the raw, primal force of traditional dinosaurs.

While researching this intriguing connection, I stumbled upon something remarkable. In 1977, Toei released a film titled “Legend of Dinosaurs and Monster Birds.” This discovery blew my mind as it perfectly ties into the symbolic representations of Shanks and Kid. It seems that Oda, the creator of One Piece, knew exactly what he was doing when he pitted these two against each other, drawing from a rich tapestry of mythological and prehistoric imagery.

Despite the criticism Kid often faces, it’s important to understand his perspective. As a beast, Kid instinctively recognized Shanks as the ultimate threat. He couldn’t resist the urge to challenge Shanks, driven by his inner beast to topple Red Hair and claim his position. This primal urge underscores Kid’s character and his relentless pursuit of power.

In conclusion, the spiritual and animalistic connections between Shanks and Kid add a profound layer to their rivalry. Both characters, embodying the essence of mythical and prehistoric beasts, are more than just powerful pirates—they are manifestations of ancient, primal forces, locked in an inevitable clash of titans.

Now that Shanks has defeated Kid, let’s look at what it means for the captain of the Red Hair pirates!

Kid fan copium theory!

This ties in to what could be Shanks’ critical error that will come back to haunt him! And yes, Kid would never forget this humiliation ever!

He allowed Eustass Kid to leave the battlefield with his head still on his shoulders. This decision, seemingly trivial at the moment, could have far-reaching consequences that Shanks may not fully grasp.

While Shanks might believe this is the end for Kid and his crew, he underestimates Kid’s resilience and relentless pursuit of his goals. Kid has faced numerous setbacks and misfortunes throughout his journey. Yet, each time, he has managed to rise from the ashes, more determined than ever.

This latest defeat might appear devastating, but the tides of fate in the One Piece world are unpredictable. The gods might smile upon Kid once more, granting him another chance to return and seek vengeance against those who wronged him.

Kid is not just any pirate; he is a fierce and untamed beast, driven by an insatiable desire to achieve his goals. His determination is so intense that he is willing to abandon all traces of humanity and morality to get what he wants. This includes making deals with forces considered abominable, entities capable of unleashing catastrophic destruction upon the world.

Shanks is a very intelligent person and he fully knows he has now been marked by a relentless adversary. But how would that affect him in the future? Kid is someone who is prepared to become something far beyond human, sacrificing his very essence to claim what he believes is rightfully his. This tenacity and willingness to embrace the monstrous make Kid a formidable foe, one that Shanks cannot afford to underestimate.

In One Piece, Shanks’ decision to spare Kid might set the stage for a dramatic and perilous future. The looming threat of Kid’s return, fueled by his unyielding drive and the potential for catastrophic alliances, could alter the balance of power in the pirate world. Shanks, a beacon of strength and wisdom, must now prepare for the storm that Eustass Kid is sure to bring.

Unless Oda is setting up Kid fans for another defeat and Shanks is FAR MORE STRONGER THAN WE ALREADY KNOW LOL.

Some of you might think this is another Kid fan coping hard and spewing so much BS but Oda isn’t the type of guy who would shove a character into the trashcan after he’s defeated. We’ve seen time and again that characters do come back stronger after being defeated. Sure, Kid isn’t a Luffy but he has the potential to come back stronger to at least make the Red Hair pirates sweat, if not give Shanks a proper matchup.

While you might think Kid is done and dusted, Oda might be cooking right under our noses for future arcs! And all of this symbolism of the beasts indicates that!