The Knights of God, Explained: One Piece's Holy Knights, Members & Powers

The Knights of God are the Celestial Dragons’ elite enforcers, ranked above ordinary World Nobles, deployed when the World Government wants something handled personally. They’re commanded by Figarland Shamrock and only have 5 members. In Elbaf, they’re done operating in the shadows, prepared to enslave and annex the great land of the giants.

It’s implied by the Five Elders that only eight “full-fledged” members of the Knights of God are possible at once. The organization makes use of subordinates called Devoted Blades of God. They have primary jurisdiction over Mary Geoise, otherwise they stay away from other political affair nobles are involved with.

Covenant – All Knights of God and Devoted Blades of God are marked with a “Covenant,” a contract they make with Imu. They are granted increased strength, use of the Abyss, and immortality. Unfortunately, in exchange for this power they become subservient to Imu, allowing them to override their will and possess their bodies. Several members have devil fruit abilities as well. Despite this power, the Knight of God often lack Supreme King Haki and Haki can override their immortality.

The Knights of God:

Figarland Shamrock – Commander, Figarland Garling’s son, Shanks’ older twin. No Devil Fruit of his own, but his sword becomes the three-headed Cerberus.
Manmayer Gunko – Arrow-Arrow Fruit (Aro Aro no Mi): redirects attacks and forces movement. Calm, ruthless, and the one Imu possesses in the finale. She has a history with Brook and fears Nika.
Shepherd Sommers – Thorn-Thorn Fruit (Iba Iba no Mi): invisible thorn vines that punish anyone who touches them – built for his hostage game with Elbaf’s children. Sommers is a sadistic and violent man that enjoys inflicting cruelty on his victim.
Rimoshifu Killingham – Dragon-Dragon Fruit, Model: Kirin: puts victims to sleep and drags their nightmares into reality as the MMA monsters. Killingham first appears as lethargic, often seeming sleepy. However, this is only when his upper half is in qilin form. When his upper half becomes human he becomes more emotive and bloodthirsty.
Saint Figarland Garling – the former Supreme Commander, now a Five Elder; Garling is the father of Shamrock and Shanks. He became the champion of God Valley and replaces Jaygarcia Saturn after the Egghead Incident.

The Elbaf mission – the goal of the Knights of God is to invade Elbaf and enslave the giants. They first arrive to recruit Loki, he refuses (eps. 1166–1167) they summon reinforcements, then kidnap the schoolchildren and seize the comms (eps. 1172–1173) they try to coerce Jarul into burning the Owl Library and make hostage demands (ep. 1177) then Gaban counterattacks (ep. 1178) finally Imu’s possess Gunko and use Domi Reversi on the giants (ep. 1180).

Unanswered questions – What’s Gunko’s past with Brook, and why does she fear Nika? Does regeneration has a real counter? What will happen when Shamrock and Shanks meet?

FAQ

Who leads the Knights of God?

Figarland Shamrock is the Supreme Commander of the Knights of God.

Are the Knights of God stronger than the Admirals?

Politically, the Knights of God and Admirals occupy different area’s of Government. Physically, it’s uncertain if one organization is stronger than the other. However, individual members of the Knights of God (Shamrock) are likely stronger than or comparably to Admirals if his strength is similar to his brother Shanks (an Emperor).

How many Knights of God are there?

The current number is 5 but it max number can reach 8.

Can the Knights of God be killed?

While entering a contract with Imu, members will be marked with a “Covenant”, granting them immortality. However, if an enemy can use Supreme King Haki they will be able to bypass the Covenant.

Related reading

Elbaf episode to chapter guide.
One Piece Episode 1156 – The Long-Sought Elbaph! The Big Reunion Banquet
One Piece Episode 1157 – Nami in a Fix! An Adventure in Block Kingdom
One Piece Episode 1158 – A Quest in the Land of Mystery! The Secret of the Sun God
One Piece Episode 1159 – Destroy the Miniature Garden! Escape Block Kingdom
One Piece Episode 1160 – An Encounter on a Snowfield! Loki, the Accursed Prince
One Piece Episode 1161 – A Dangerous Deal! Loki of the Underworld and Luffy
One Piece Episode 1162 – A Gargantuan Wave of Emotion! The Dreamlike Scenery of Elbaph
One Piece Episode 1163 – I Want You to Praise Me! The Reunion of Robin and Saul
One Piece Episode 1164 – Saul’s Resolve! The Inherited Will of Ohara
One Piece Episode 1165 – A Welcome With Friends’ Cups! Intruders Seeking Loki
One Piece Episode 1166 – Encountering Loki! Gunko of the Knights of God
One Piece Episode 1167 – Shamrock Appears! Commander of the Knights of God
One Piece Episode 1168 – Ancient History! The Harley Passed Down by Elbaph
One Piece Episode 1169 – The Legend Lurking in Elbaph! The Identity of the Mountain Eater
One Piece Episode 1170 – Get the Key! Luffy vs. Scopper Gaban
One Piece Episode 1171 – Elbaph’s Heinous Sinner! Loki of the Underworld Freed
One Piece Episode 1172 – Monsters Appear in Elbaph! What I Fear Most
One Piece Episode 1173 – A Nightmarish Game! The Dark Plot of the Knights of God
One Piece Episode 1174 – Save the Children! The Elbaph Warriors Rise Up
One Piece Episode 1175 – Elbaph in Flames! Jinbe’s Shoulder Throw Explodes!
One Piece Episode 1176 – The Threat of the Aro Aro no Mi! Gunko vs. the Straw Hat Pirates
One Piece Episode 1177 – A Despicable Hostage Game – Sommers’s Brazen Demands
One Piece Episode 1178 – Protect History and the Future – Robin and Gaban Go on the Attack
One Piece Episode 1179 – A Life-or-Death Second! Gaban vs. the Knights of God
One Piece Episode 1180 – Elbaph in Despair – Diabolical Covenant, “Domi Reversi”