If you didn't know, there's a longstanding theory that the Gorosei are all based on real life world leaders and historical figures from around the world. This is more about their designs. Their personalities don't seem to be influenced by these same world leaders.
Warcury is DEFINITELY based around Mikhail Gorbachev.
Saturn seems to be based on Karl Marx or Giuseppe Geribaldi.
Ju Peter seems to be based on Abraham Lincoln or Ulysses S Grant.
Venus is based around Mahatma Ghandhi or Hideki Tojo.
Mars is based around Itagaki Tasuke.
So, it would make sense if Garling, our newest member of the Gorosei, was ALSO based around a world leader.
Now, it's possible that Garling isn't based on anyone. It could have been a original design, and the decision to make Garling a Gorosei might have been a last-minute change of plans. We don't know for sure. But, it's also possible that Oda had this plot twist in mind ever since he invented him. So, it does seem possible that Garling is also based on a historical world leader, along with the other Gorosei. And...it's just more fun if we assume that could be the case!
But who? Well, I have a couple different options to discuss. There are three points that I'm looking for, personally. The pointy goatee. The swoopy hair. And the glasses. If we can find someone with all three, then that's likely the inspiration for Garling's design.
First up, it's Galileo Galilei!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei
I'll admit, I'm just including him here because I find the possibility of connecting one of the most famous astronomers in history to the "celestial body" themed Gorosei to just be a interesting idea. But, he just doesn't look much like Garling. The beard's all wrong. No glasses. Bald. This is, unfortuantely, a no-go.
Next up....Colonel Sanders?!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Sanders
I know this is a weird pick. But it works better than it has any right to. He's got the pointy goatee. And the glasses. And the hair is fittingly full and swoopy. So, I guess if Garling's "Yokai" form turns out to be a giant fried chicken, it might not be as surprising as some might think at first.
Next is Narendra Modi!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi
A currently active Prime Minister of India. He's been in the news a little, recently, so it's possible that Oda's taken notice of him. And I do think he fits Garling's design, loosely. He's got the glasses. The beard is off, but within acceptable parameters. It's a possibility, though I don't think it's a strong one.
Next, we have Robert E Lee!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Lee
No glasses, but he does have the beard. And as the General for the Confederacy during the Civil War, I think he fits Garling's personality the best out of these available options, even though that doesn't really matter. I think he just has a similar "vibe" to Garling.
But, maybe we should try another Civil War era general, like Nathan Bedford Forrest!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Bedford_Forrest
I don't know, I guess there's just something about Civil War era generals that makes me think of Garling? If Oda was to reference anyone, I would think it'd be the more famous Robert E Lee. But, I can't deny this has similar Garling "energy" to it.
Maybe we should try something COMPLETELY different? Let's take a look at Gaishi Nagaoka!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagaoka_Gaishi
Now THAT is a mustache to be jealous of! And it's certainly got a "moon" theme going on. It's not the same as Garling's beard, but maybe it's a possible source of inspiration. Even though, it feels like it could be more of a inspiration for Warcury moreso than Garling.
But, here's the person who I think is the most likely inspiration for Garling's design. Leon Trotsky!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Trotsky
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leon-Trotsky
He's got the beard. He's got the glasses. He's even got a nice head of hair! And, in profile, he even has a bit of that "crescent moon" look to him! He's a well known political figure. I think he fits the bill!
So, my best guess is that Garling's based on Leon Trotsky. But, can anyone else think of a famous historical figure who would be a better fit? I'd actually be curious to hear about it.
Warcury is DEFINITELY based around Mikhail Gorbachev.
Saturn seems to be based on Karl Marx or Giuseppe Geribaldi.
Ju Peter seems to be based on Abraham Lincoln or Ulysses S Grant.
Venus is based around Mahatma Ghandhi or Hideki Tojo.
Mars is based around Itagaki Tasuke.
So, it would make sense if Garling, our newest member of the Gorosei, was ALSO based around a world leader.
Now, it's possible that Garling isn't based on anyone. It could have been a original design, and the decision to make Garling a Gorosei might have been a last-minute change of plans. We don't know for sure. But, it's also possible that Oda had this plot twist in mind ever since he invented him. So, it does seem possible that Garling is also based on a historical world leader, along with the other Gorosei. And...it's just more fun if we assume that could be the case!
But who? Well, I have a couple different options to discuss. There are three points that I'm looking for, personally. The pointy goatee. The swoopy hair. And the glasses. If we can find someone with all three, then that's likely the inspiration for Garling's design.
First up, it's Galileo Galilei!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Galileo_Galilei
I'll admit, I'm just including him here because I find the possibility of connecting one of the most famous astronomers in history to the "celestial body" themed Gorosei to just be a interesting idea. But, he just doesn't look much like Garling. The beard's all wrong. No glasses. Bald. This is, unfortuantely, a no-go.
Next up....Colonel Sanders?!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colonel_Sanders
I know this is a weird pick. But it works better than it has any right to. He's got the pointy goatee. And the glasses. And the hair is fittingly full and swoopy. So, I guess if Garling's "Yokai" form turns out to be a giant fried chicken, it might not be as surprising as some might think at first.
Next is Narendra Modi!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narendra_Modi
A currently active Prime Minister of India. He's been in the news a little, recently, so it's possible that Oda's taken notice of him. And I do think he fits Garling's design, loosely. He's got the glasses. The beard is off, but within acceptable parameters. It's a possibility, though I don't think it's a strong one.
Next, we have Robert E Lee!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_E._Lee
No glasses, but he does have the beard. And as the General for the Confederacy during the Civil War, I think he fits Garling's personality the best out of these available options, even though that doesn't really matter. I think he just has a similar "vibe" to Garling.
But, maybe we should try another Civil War era general, like Nathan Bedford Forrest!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nathan_Bedford_Forrest
I don't know, I guess there's just something about Civil War era generals that makes me think of Garling? If Oda was to reference anyone, I would think it'd be the more famous Robert E Lee. But, I can't deny this has similar Garling "energy" to it.
Maybe we should try something COMPLETELY different? Let's take a look at Gaishi Nagaoka!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nagaoka_Gaishi
Now THAT is a mustache to be jealous of! And it's certainly got a "moon" theme going on. It's not the same as Garling's beard, but maybe it's a possible source of inspiration. Even though, it feels like it could be more of a inspiration for Warcury moreso than Garling.
But, here's the person who I think is the most likely inspiration for Garling's design. Leon Trotsky!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leon_Trotsky
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Leon-Trotsky
He's got the beard. He's got the glasses. He's even got a nice head of hair! And, in profile, he even has a bit of that "crescent moon" look to him! He's a well known political figure. I think he fits the bill!
So, my best guess is that Garling's based on Leon Trotsky. But, can anyone else think of a famous historical figure who would be a better fit? I'd actually be curious to hear about it.
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