THEY are extremely brave, extra strong and perform almost impossible feats that make them superhuman or almost a deity in the hearts and minds of people. We hold them in awe and respect them for their good deeds for anyone who needs their help. They often break rules but who cares, they win our hearts in the end as they teach villains a lesson. They are the ‘superheroes’.

The modern superhero is mostly imaginary. Jumping and crawling over, walls, towers and skyscrapers. Stopping cars or holding up trains with his or her superhuman strength; they are even capable of flying or shooting towards the skies. Whether caped, masked or suited, we love them for what they are. Maybe because they give us a feeling that there is someone looking out for the weak and fighting the wicked — a sense of security!

But where did this idea come from? It is now very clear that heroes have been present in old folktales, legends and other ancient texts as being more intelligent, having unusual powers and fearless in the face of calamity and death. Were these heroes really superhuman or did people made them out to be something they were not. This is the question we may ask ourselves. Whatever they were, history and mythology has them down as ‘one of a kind’.

These superheroes were often mistaken as immortal, even though most of the stories speak of heroes dying after conquering or defeating an evil person. Strangely, some villains too were considered heroes; it is likely that people feared them too much to displease them.

There were tricksters, clever or cunning heroes who tricked people or their enemies to get their goals. Then we have the ‘demigod’ hero, someone who is half-human and half-supernatural or ‘higher’ connections. Each culture and region has their own version of superhero.

Researcher and writer Joseph Campbell has noticed that there is something similar in all legends about these superheroes. Such as the events end with the hero gaining newer abilities and knowledge. Mystery or some kind of miracle surrounds the birth of heroes and have special powers or gifts.

Heroes often leave their everyday lives to face challenges or go on some quests. The Greek heroes are the “questing” kind. For instance, when Odysseus returns home after the Trojan War, his journey took ten years to get back to home and of course it is filled with adventures. The musician, Orpheus has to get into the ‘underworld’ to bring back his beloved wife Eurydice from the world of the dead. Jason is famous for his voyages and adventures that he endures in search of the ‘Golden Fleece’.

The epic of Gilgamesh speaks of his travels from ancient Mesopotamia in search of immortality while Hercules uses his amazing strength in twelve quests.

King Arthur became a legendary hero for ruling a kingdom that was perfect and is believed to have possessed knowledge of the supernatural world as well. Sometimes one does not really know where reality ended and the fantasy began. Apart from that another trait in these superheroes is that they often have powers to change their form.

In Polynesian folklore, Rupe changes into a bird to look out for his lost sister. These are called the shape-shifting, magical heroes in mythology.

Then there are culture heroes, the ones who bring peace or gifts to their people. One such interesting legend is Takenouchi no Sukane, a Japanese wise man, warrior and superhero. He lived for 150 to 360 years according to the lore. He is believed to have served six monarchs as advisor or minister. The awe-inspiring and world famous sculpture in The Dallas Museum of Fine Arts, US, is sure to intrigue anyone who gazes at it.

It is said that Takenouchi no Sukane was successful of killing the horrific dragon that was causing distress and disaster among the people. As a token of gratitude, the Dragon King of The Sea gives him a unique gift that gives him power over the sea and sea creatures. The magnificent bronze sculpture gives beautiful details of the meeting. How much truth is there in these extraordinary achievements by these super beings? Legends say it all….