Shanks’ identity has been one of the biggest mysteries in One Piece. Fans have been trying to find out for years who he is and how he became such an influential person in the story that despite being a Yonko, he has ties with the World Government, and that too with the Five Elders no less.
While fans try to find out more and more about him, the only few things that have been revealed about him are that he sailed with the former King of the Pirates, Gol D. Roger who found him during the God Valley Incident. His lineage is therefore unknown, and many One Piece fans believe that he is a Celestial Dragon.
However, Edward Newgate, also known as Whitebeard, may have already revealed a big hint about Shanks’s identity during their first meeting, which most fans may have missed. Their conversation may have revealed who Shanks truly is, which may solve one of the biggest mysteries in the story of One Piece.
Whitebeard Revealed Shanks’ True Identity
In addition to being a Yonko and the World’s Strongest Man, Whitebeard is one of the most beloved characters from One Piece. He was one of the most formidable pirates in history and the only one capable of taking on the former Pirate King Gol D. Roger on a level playing field. He gave his life trying to save Ace from being executed.
Whitebeard had a large scar on his chest. However, the reason for the scar was never disclosed in the series. Whitebeard initially makes reference to his scar in chapter 434, when Shanks approaches him to ask him to put an end to Ace’s pursuit of Blackbeard. He states that simply looking at him causes his scar to ache.
However, Shanks wasn’t the one who gave him the scar. The only person capable of hurting Whitebeard other than Roger was Saint Figarland Garling, Supreme Commander of the God’s Knights. This probably happened during the God Valley Incident, when Whitebeard was a member of Rocks Pirate.
Shanks’ Connection to Saint Figarland Garling
Saint Figarland Garling is the Supreme Commander of the God’s Knights and a World Noble of the Figarland Family. He used to be a “champion” of God Valley. His first appearance was in chapter 1086, where he sentenced a Celestial Dragon to death.
A flashback of the God Valley Incident, which occurred 38 years ago, was revealed in chapter 1095, and Garling had striking comparable characteristics to Shanks. Although it has never been confirmed by the show, the two appear to be identical, so it wouldn’t be shocking if they were father and son.
If Whitebeard’s scar was given to him by Figarland Garling, it would confirm that Shanks is somehow related to him and is, in fact, a celestial dragon in One Piece. Shanks being found in God Valley in a treasure box and having connections with the Five Elders only adds further proof to the theory.
You can watch One Piece on Crunchyroll.
