Superhuman strength

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Superhuman strength, (also called super strength or enhanced strength) is an ability commonly utilized in fiction. It is the ability to be far stronger than normally possible for a human being. This term is also attributed to non-human characters when describing their superior strength. Super Strength characters have been found in many ancient mythologies, which implies that the desire to be far stronger than anyone else, has been a common form of wish-fulfilment or fantasy since the beginning of recorded history.

Nowadays, superhuman strength is used in for a variety of characters in fantasy and science fiction. Most comic book superheroes and many supervillains have a degree of super strength. In most portrayals, superhuman strength is usually accompanied by superhuman stamina and durability as well.

Feats of superhuman strength

These are some of the uses of super-strength commonly portrayed in fiction and comic books, with varying degrees of plausibility:

  • Lift objects many times own weight
  • Run and smash through solid walls, barriers and obstacles
  • Leap vast heights and distances due to enhanced leg muscles
  • Scale sheer surfaces by implanting fingers and/or toes, or fists into said surface
  • Launch objects great distances
  • Slow down or stop momentous objects
  • Send opponents flying with a single punch
  • Throw objects, opponents, or allies (fastball special) great distances into other opponents
  • Strike an object so it strikes an opponent
  • Create shockwaves or fissures by slamming body, foot or fist on the ground to knock opponents back
  • Clap hands together to create a deafening sound to opponents, a concussive force to knock opponents away, or a blast enough to put out fires

Superhumanly strong characters in fiction

These are only a handful of the most well known from the vast number of characters with greater than human strength:

Mythology

Novels

  • Dracula is said to have enormous strength derived from his vampire nature.
  • Tarzan possesses strength great enough to overpower wild beasts and bend iron bars.

Comics and Manga

Film

Television

Animated series

Video games

See also

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