Ships are an integral part of adventures in One Piece, and the Going Merry’s feats prove that it’s more than just a sea vessel.
One Piece is a series that never fails to surprise its fans with unexpected twists and turns. Among the many mysteries that the series presents, one that has been hotly debated among fans is the sentience of the Going Merry, the Straw Hat Pirates’ first ship. While it may seem like just a regular ship, several instances in the series suggest that the Going Merry may be more than a mere vessel.
The idea of a sentient ship may seem far-fetched, but in the world of One Piece where there are talking animals and people with unique abilities, it’s not impossible. In fact, the Going Merry has proven on more than one occasion that it isn’t just a mass of wood. It has shown the Straw Hat Pirates time and again that it’s a valuable nakama of theirs, which greatly heightens the impact of its demise.
The Going Merry Spoke to The Straw Hats on Its Deathbed
The Going Merry has made a handful of miracles happen. Not only does it repair itself in Skypiea — even restoring a broken and missing mast — but it also saves the Straw Hats in Enies Lobby. However, these instances don’t necessarily prove the Going Merry’s sentience. This is because of the Klabautermann. It’s believed in One Piece that there is a spirit that manifests when a ship is well-loved and taken care of by its crew members — the very same spirit that repairs the Going Merry in Skypiea. What truly proves Merry’s sentience is the events that occur during the “Water 7” saga.
At the time, the Straw Hats learn of the unfortunate state that the Going Merry is in. They are forced to decide whether to let the ship sink to the bottom of the ocean or die alongside it, sparking a heated battle between Usopp and Luffy. However, when Robin gets abducted by the CP9, all the Straw Hats come running to Enies Lobby — including Merry. Merry pleads for Iceberg to repair it so it can sail one last time, and after rescuing the entire crew, Merry ultimately meets its demise — but not before saying its farewell to the crew. Merry apologizes for not being able to continue their journey with them, as well as thanking them for everything.
The Going Merry’s Sentience Means Ships Are More Than Just a Tool in One Piece
The Going Merry’s sentience adds a unique layer to the worldbuilding of One Piece, highlighting the significance of ships in the series. Ships are not merely inanimate objects but rather vital parts of the crew, with their own personalities and spirits. This adds a sense of depth to the world, as the idea of living ships opens up many possibilities for future stories and character development.
In addition, this also puts the Klabautermann’s existence in a mysterious light. The spirit is said to only manifest for ships that are well-taken care of. However, if ships in One Piece are sentient, this must mean that abused ships also have their own consciousness. It may just be the Klabautermann’s kindness that spares them from realizing the unfortunate state they’re in.
