When the new Superman film trailer was released, I experienced an unexpected wave of nostalgia. For a brief moment, I was seven years old again, arms outstretched, flying through the garden with a towel tied around my neck. The original Christopher Reeve’s portrayal of Superman in 1978 had a profound impact on me, shaping not just my childhood imagination but also my adult understanding of what it means to aspire to be more. The overwhelming sense of connection to this character prompted me to explore why Superman has been so significant to me and countless others over generations.
At its core, Superman’s enduring appeal lies in his embodiment of the übermensch, a concept articulated by Friedrich Nietzsche in Thus Spoke Zarathustra. The übermensch represents humanity’s aspiration to transcend its limitations while retaining the essence of being human. Superman is stronger, faster, and more capable than any ordinary person, yet his emotional vulnerabilities—his love for Lois Lane, his loyalty to his adoptive parents, and his sense of responsibility to his community—ground him in a deeply human ethos. This balance between superhuman and human traits makes him a relatable yet aspirational figure.
This idea of a being that is human in appearance yet extraordinary in ability is not unique to Superman or Western storytelling. Many cultures have developed analogous figures who embody the tension between mortality and the divine, the ordinary and the extraordinary.
I am not an expert on any of these; I have enough to read at the moment. But here is some quick research and thoughts on the matter.
Mythical Figures with Superhuman Traits
Merlin (Arthurian Legend)
In the Arthurian legends, Merlin serves as a quintessential example of a human-like figure endowed with extraordinary powers. He is a prophet, a magician, and a shape-shifter whose wisdom and foresight shape the fate of King Arthur and the kingdom of Camelot. Despite his magical prowess, Merlin’s character is deeply entwined with human struggles, including the weight of his responsibilities and his complex relationships. His legend reflects humanity’s yearning for wisdom and control over the chaos of existence (Loomis, 1956).
Cú Chulainn (Irish Mythology)
The Irish hero Cú Chulainn is another striking example. Known for his superhuman strength, speed, and combat skills, Cú Chulainn’s abilities push the boundaries of human potential. Yet, his vulnerabilities—from his fatalistic sense of duty to his emotional attachments—anchor him firmly in the human experience. His berserker state (ríastrad), which transforms him into an almost otherworldly warrior, highlights the tension between his human identity and his superhuman capabilities (Kinsella, 1969).
Rostam (Persian Mythology)
Rostam, the hero of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh, exemplifies superhuman prowess within a human framework. From his childhood, when he kills an elephant with a single blow, to his later exploits wearing enchanted armour, Rostam’s abilities mark him as extraordinary. Yet his relationships, his tragic flaws, and ultimately, his death remind us of his humanity. His legend resonates with themes of duty, sacrifice, and the limits of power (Davis, 2006).
Contemporary Reflections on Superhuman Traits
Modern literature and media continue to explore this archetype. From genetically enhanced mutants in X-Men to ordinary individuals discovering latent superhuman abilities, these narratives persist because they address universal questions about identity, potential, and belonging. Even real-world examples of seemingly superhuman feats—such as Alex Honnold’s free solo climbing or Isao Machii’s unparalleled reflexes as a swordsman—capture our fascination with pushing human limits (Schneider, 2018).
Interestingly, contemporary psychology offers a different lens on human potential. Brené Brown’s research into vulnerability reframes emotional openness and resilience as a kind of superpower (Brown, 2012). This perspective shifts the focus from physical or cognitive abilities to the strength of emotional and social connections, suggesting that the essence of being extraordinary may lie in embracing our humanity rather than transcending it.
The Superman Archetype Across Cultures
The anthropological exploration of perfection offers further insight into Superman’s resonance. Amir Zekrgoo’s work discusses the “superior man” as envisioned in traditional cosmology, a being that transcends earthly limitations to achieve harmony of body, soul, and spirit. Such figures exist in various traditions: the Jivan-mukta of Indian thought, God’s vicegerent in Islamic theology, or the Chakravartin in Buddhist and Hindu traditions (Zekrgoo, 2011). These archetypes mirror Superman’s duality as both human and transcendent.
In Malay culture, the “manusia bertuah” or the “fortunate man” reflects ideals similar to Superman’s. Rooted in the traditional literary form of pantun, this concept emphasizes moral integrity, humility, and wisdom while celebrating human excellence. It showcases how diverse cultures articulate the aspiration to balance superhuman capabilities with human virtues (Tarwiyani, 2020).
Moreover, Nathania Hendriks’ theological exploration situates Superman within the broader narrative of Christ figures in popular culture. Superman’s origin story and moral compass echo the saviour archetype, transcending the secular-sacred divide to resonate as a cultural and spiritual touchstone. This reinforces his role as a beacon of hope and moral strength, appealing across cultural and theological lines (Hendriks, 2017).
A Universal Desire
The figures of Superman, Merlin, Cú Chulainn, and Rostam, among others, reveal a universal cultural motif: the desire to transcend the ordinary while remaining connected to what makes us human. Whether through myth, legend, or modern storytelling, these archetypes reflect our fascination with the boundaries of human potential. They remind us that striving to be “more” need not mean abandoning our essential humanity but embracing it in its fullest, most aspirational form.
The emotional resonance of Superman, for me and others, is not merely about his ability to leap tall buildings or stop runaway trains. It’s about his embodiment of hope, commitment to justice, and unwavering humanity despite his extraordinary powers. Superman and his counterparts in myth and legend challenge us to dream, strive, and remain steadfast in our connections to each other. They remind us that being human—with a capital “B”—is itself an extraordinary aspiration.
For now, I’ll enjoy Superman as an escape from reality and to reignite the imagination of the 7 year old in me. It was and will be part of my lived experience and Being in this world.
References
Brown, B. (2012). Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead. Gotham Books.
Davis, D. (2006). Epic and Sedition: The Case of Ferdowsi’s Shahnameh. University of Wisconsin Press.
Hendriks, N. (2017). Superman: The Man and the Myth – A Theological Exploration of the Influence of Popular Culture on Masculinity. Stellenbosch University.
Kinsella, T. (1969). The Táin. Oxford University Press.
Loomis, R. S. (1956). The Development of Arthurian Romance. Hutchinson.
Schneider, P. (2018). The Impossible Climb: Alex Honnold, El Capitan, and the Climbing Life. Penguin Random House.
Tarwiyani, T. (2020). “The Concept of ‘Superman’ in the Riau Community’s Pantun: Overview of Anthropology Metaphysics.” Technium Social Sciences Journal, Vol. 12.
Zekrgoo, A. H. (2011). “From Superman to Superior Man: Anthropology of Perfection in Traditional Cosmology.” Kanz Philosophia, Vol. 1(2).
