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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.
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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
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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:
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Mythology
Thor, the Norse god of thunder, strength powered by magic girdle
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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.
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Comics and Manga
Superman and other possess phenomenal strength when they have absorbed light from a yellow sun
Aquaman's body is adapted to withstand deap sea depths, and so is incredibly strong
The Thing received his strength and stature from a space accident involving cosmic rays
Spider-Man possesses the proportionate strength of a spider
Colossus from X-Men possesses great strength when he transforms into organic steel
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Film
Neo of The Matrix is the prophesised "The One", a messianic figure, a powerful hero
The titular protagonist of Donnie Darko is described in the director's cut as possessing "enhanced strength", and managed to embed an axe into a statue.
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Television
Jake Foley of Jake 2.0 has cyborg strength
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Animated series
Fourarms and Vilgax from Ben 10
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Video games
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See also
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