Connecting the bridge between Oden and Zoro: Does it make sense for Zoro to wield a sword that, logically, should be disproportionately large for him

SUMMARY

In One Piece, Zoro wields a historical sword Enma, which was previously owned by legendary samurai Kozuki Oden.
However, Oden’s height was over 12 feet, so how does Zoro, with his 5 feet 11 inches height, use a sword that was designed for a man twice his height?
There could be a logical explanation behind this discrepancy or could just be a simple narrative blunder by Eiichiro Oda.

While One Piece, the brainchild of Eiichiro Oda, is a manga known for its detailed world-building, deep character arcs, and jaw-dropping battles, it still has its fair share of quirks and inconsistencies. Among the many discussions that One Piece fans engage in, one particular debate stands out for its significant discrepancy regarding Zoro and his Enma sword.

Zoro wielding Enma | Credit: Toei Animation

How does Zoro, a swordsman standing at 5 feet 11 inches, wield Enma, which was a sword once owned by Kozuki Oden, who towered at 382 cm, or precisely, over 12 feet? This apparent disparity has aroused a lot of interest, with fans wondering if Oda made a careless mistake or if this was a conscious creative decision.

The tale of Enma: Zoro’s legendary sword in One Piece

In One Piece, Enma is one of the 21 Great Grade swords and was wielded by Kozuki Oden, a legendary samurai of Wano. Oden used Enma, alongside his other sword, Ame no Habakiri, to scar Kaido, which was a feat that elevated him to near-mythical status. Following Oden’s tragic demise, Enma was passed down to his daughter, Hiyori, who later entrusted it to Zoro Roronoa.

Kozuki Oden | Credit: Toei Animation

For Zoro, Enma signifies a challenge to his strength and will as well as being a deadly weapon. The sword is one of the most demanding weapons in One Piece since it extracts too much Haki from its wielder. Zoro’s ascent into the greatest swordsman in the world depends heavily on his mastery of Enma.

However, here comes the plot hole. The height difference between Oden and Zoro is staggering. At 382 cm, Oden’s physique was befitting of a man capable of wielding such enormous power. By comparison, Zoro’s 180 cm stature raises questions about the practicalities of wielding a sword originally crafted for someone more than twice his size.

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Typically, swords are tailored to their wielder’s build to ensure balance, control, and effectiveness in combat. Given Enma’s legendary status, it’s reasonable to assume it was specifically designed to suit Oden’s tall frame. But this begs the question: how does Zoro, with a much smaller stature, manage to wield Enma with such proficiency in One Piece?

Possible explanations: Eiichiro Oda’s artistic choice or narrative loophole?

Despite the implication of Eiichiro Oda‘s blunder in this scenario of One Piece, there are some possible theories about how this could be somewhat possible. Among them, one theory suggests that Enma could just be an adaptable weapon. As a legendary sword, it might possess mystical qualities that allow it to adjust its size or balance based on its wielder. This could explain how Zoro can wield it effectively despite the apparent size mismatch.

Moreover, Zoro is no ordinary swordsman. His superhuman strength and rigorous training under Dracule Mihawk have prepared him to handle even the most unwieldy weapons. It could be that Zoro’s sheer physical power compensates for any imbalance caused by the size of Enma.

Also, When it comes to One Piece, Eiichiro Oda has never shied away from bending the rules of physics and practicality in favor of storytelling. The visual and narrative impact of Zoro wielding Oden’s sword against Kaido may have taken precedence over technical accuracy. After all, One Piece thrives on its larger-than-life characters and their feats.

While the height disparity between Zoro and Oden raises legitimate questions, it’s worth considering whether this detail detracts from the story’s impact. In this fantastical world, the practicality of a sword’s size might not hold as much weight as its symbolic and narrative significance. Thus, whether this is a minor oversight by Eiichiro Oda or a deliberate creative choice, it doesn’t really diminish the impact of Zoro’s journey or the importance of Enma in the story of One Piece.