The Hindu God That Inspired Luffy's Gear Four Transformation

In One Piece, Monkey D. Luffy’s Gear Four transformation is one of the most jaw-dropping power-ups in anime. With bulging muscles, steam blasting from his body, and bouncy rubber limbs, Gear Four turns Luffy into a human wrecking ball. But did you know Luffy's iconic Gear Four transformation might have a surprising mythological inspiration? Fans have long speculated that Gear Four’s design and abilities are tied to an ancient legend, one that involves a god from Hindu mythology.

This legendary figure is known for superhuman strength, loyalty, and the ability to grow gigantic - traits that Luffy mirrors perfectly in Gear Four. From their stretchy limbs to their fiery auras, the connection between Luffy’s transformation and this mythic hero is hard to ignore. But who is this mysterious figure, and how did they inspire one of anime’s most iconic forms?

Want to see the myth-meets-anime magic? Check out our YouTube Short for a side-by-side comparison!

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The Mythological Inspiration Behind Luffy's Gear Four

The answer lies in Hanuman, the divine “Monkey God” of Hindu mythology. Hanuman is a central character in the ancient Indian epic Ramayana, where he serves Lord Rama as a loyal warrior. His most famous feat? Expanding his body to the size of a mountain to carry a life-saving herb across oceans. Sound familiar? Luffy’s Gear Four lets him inflate his muscles and stretch his limbs to insane lengths, a clear nod to Hanuman’s godly powers.

But the parallels go deeper. Hanuman’s body is said to glow with divine energy during battle, much like Luffy’s Haki-covered Gear Four form. Both characters use their elastic bodies to deliver devastating punches, and their transformations symbolize a mix of raw power and spiritual energy. Even their personalities align; Luffy is playful, fearless, and fiercely loyal, just like Hanuman.

How Eiichiro Oda Blends Myths Into One Piece

Eiichiro Oda, the creator of One Piece, is famous for mixing real-world cultures and ancient characters into his story. From Egyptian-inspired Alabasta to Japanese-themed Wano, his world-building celebrates global legends. The Hanuman and Luffy's Gear Four inspiration fits this pattern perfectly. While Oda hasn’t confirmed the link directly, fans point to clues like Gear Four’s Japanese name, Boundman, which references bouncing movements, a subtle nod to Hanuman’s legendary leaps.

The design of Gear Four also mirrors Hanuman’s imagery. In Hindu art, Hanuman is often depicted with a muscular, red-toned body and a coiled tail, similar to Luffy’s snakelike limbs in Gear Four. Even the steam-like Haki surrounding Luffy resembles the divine aura (tejas) that Hindu gods radiate. Whether intentional or not, these details show how ancient myths can shape modern anime in the coolest ways.

Release Year	MAL RATING	Animation Studio	Gere	Watch On
October 1999	8.73	Toei Animation	Action, Adventure	Crunchyroll

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