While One Piece is brimming with scenes that warm the heart and stir emotions, the series achieved an even more profound impact, reducing fans to tears through the poignant farewell of the ship, Going Merry. Bestowed upon the Straw Hats by Kaya, this first full-fledged vessel accompanied them on their remarkable journey from East Blue to the Grand Line, a voyage that extended all the way to Water 7.
Though just an ordinary ship, Going Merry found itself unable to endure the immense tribulations it endured during its traversal of the Grand Line. Yet, an unexpected passenger resided within its hull, one who diligently mended the extensive wounds and facilitated the Straw Hats' escape from Enies Lobby.
This enigmatic presence takes the form of a water spirit named Klabautermann, a being that inhabits ships and assumes a human semblance when the ship is cherished and tended to with care. Essentially, it personifies a ship's very soul.
The Klabautermann and its connection to Going Merry in One Piece
The Klabautermann, often termed a water spirit or fairy, finds its dwelling upon ships, adopting a human guise when the vessel it inhabits receives attentive care from its crew members. This entity essentially embodies the ship's essence and holds significance within the realm of One Piece.
Taking on the appearance of a young human child garbed in a sailor's raincoat and sporting a pair of shoes, the Klabautermann carries a petite wooden hammer, a tool employed to mend the ship's impairments.
The human manifestation of the Klabautermann emerges exclusively for those who genuinely hold their ship in deep regard. This spirit has materialized on multiple occasions following ship damage, playing a crucial role in its restoration and aiding its continued journey.
During the Skypiea arc in One Piece, there's a significant moment involving Going Merry's Klabautermann. It occurred on Skypiea, where Usopp had the astonishing sight of witnessing this entity meticulously repairing the extensively harmed ship. During this encounter, the Klabautermann spoke to Usopp, expressing its determination to support the Straw Hat crew in sailing a bit longer. However, as Going Merry eventually arrived at Water 7, its damages reached a point where restoration was no longer feasible.
This event marked a crucial turning point between Luffy and Usopp, with the latter deciding to part ways with the Straw Hat crew. In the aftermath, Usopp found himself taken captive by Franky, leading to a conversation between the two regarding the elusive Klabautermann. In their discussion, Franky described it as the embodiment of a ship's essence, a presence that materializes when a ship is genuinely cherished and nurtured with genuine care.
The Klabautermann pleaded with the shipwright and the mayor of Water 7, Iceburg, to repair the ship enough so that it could set sail one last time and rescue the Straw Hats. Iceburg fixed the ship, following which it was carried away by Aqua Laguna.
Despite terrible weather conditions, Going Merry traveled all the way from Water 7 to Enies Lobby on its own to help rescue the Straw Hats. The ship gained the power to communicate with the crew telepathically and told them that it had come to take them home. Following their narrow escape, the ship broke down beyond repair.
It felt almost as if the ship's soul was acting as yet another member of the Straw Hats crew, helping them get out of a difficult situation one last time before being put to rest. It was clear that Going Merry had fulfilled its final mission and now it was time for the ship's Klabautermann to rest.
The Straw Hats bid their final goodbye to Going Merry and gave the ship a Viking funeral, where they heard the ship's Klabautermann one last time. The spirit also made an appearance on the Thousand Sunny, where it sat on the sails and watched the Straw Hats enjoying themselves and smiling.
