Must There Be A Superman? | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Arts Entertainment

Must There Be A Superman?

What is the purpose of Superman? Why does he exist? Moreover, why is the idea of a Superman so universally similar and accepted?

305
Must There Be A Superman?
Warner Bros Pictures//DC Comics

What is the purpose of Superman? Why does he exist? Moreover, why is the idea of a Superman so universally similar and accepted?

It is a fundamental human nature to look for meaning behind the way things are. Oftentimes the easiest explanation for something inexplicable is the involvement of a higher power, a Superman. A majority of the world's population and religions believes in some kind of an external, supernatural, all-powerful being. This is a recurring theme in Zack Snyder's controversial blockbuster 'Batman v Superman'.

The film projects the imperfections of the world, rejecting the notion of a utopian society. He accomplishes this by deconstructing, or rather, appears to deconstruct, the traditional cultural expectations and morals of the titular heroes. However, by unwrapping the layers of allegory surrounding the characters, it may be the case that in fact, the entire film is a buildup to the true forging of the Superman.

"We have always created icons in our own image. What we've done is we project ourselves onto him."

Humanity, as a collective, looks for an answer for difficult times in something more metaphysical, something not so human. In his book Thus Spoke Zarathustra, German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche introduces the concept of the "Übermensch", commonly translated to as the "Superman." His definition of this figure, however, is vastly different from the American cultural icon.

While Nietzsche is famously quoted for writing "God is dead" in this book, the phrase was symbolic for the transcendence of human thought from the shackles of the religious beliefs of Christianity. This act, he contended, would allow humanity to ascend to a new standard of living, by creating a new set of virtues and values, specifically rooted to life on Earth, rather than in dedication to an external power. Zack Snyder seems to inspiration for his Superman from this Nietzschean ideal. During BvS, Superman undergoes an immense personality transformation, by initially rejecting the ideals imposed upon him by society.

Throughout the movie, Superman is depicted a god-like figure: from the on-the-nose biblical allusions through panoramic shots of him hovering like Jesus, to literally being called God by both Lex Luthor and Batman - there is no shortage of symbolism and comparisons to Jesus. The interesting turn of events is when, towards the end of the film, Superman sacrifices himself to save the world from Doomsday, with a haunting shot of his dead body propped up against a cross, further illustrating the glaring similarities.

In a way, literally, the DC Universe's version of "God" is dead, and Superman is reborn as the true "Superman"; as per the Nietzschean definition, someone that everyone should strive to be like, thus completing his transformation into the hero everyone knows and loves. He is revived, fully evolved into the Übermensch, the hero who puts himself in service for the people of this Earth instead of pursuing external ambitions, and is admired and adored by the world.

Superman's purpose is to guide the people of Earth to be more virtuous. This must be accomplished not by having them pursue virtue for the sake of his appeasement, but for the sake of themselves, and of each other. The deconstruction of Superman is merely a tool to reconstruct the purest version of him.

Must there be a Superman? Yes, there must. Because the world needs there to be one, not just to save people, but to make them see the best parts of themselves.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
I'm serious

There are tons of unisex names that are popular: Taylor, Alex, Bailey, etc. There are also numerous names that are used for both sexes, but they’re not seen as “unisex” yet. People are slowly becoming accustomed to the dual use of these names, but for the most part, in their minds they associate certain names with certain sexes. And that leaves those of us with these names in many awkward situations.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

16 Secrets Anthropology Majors Never Admit To

You know that all of these things apply to you. You'll just never tell.

5309
cave
CSU

I'm an anthropology major, and I love every minute of it. I couldn't tell you why, but I guess there's just something about studying different lifestyles that absolutely fascinates me. But anthropology majors definitely have our weird sides, especially when you go to a school that is filled with mostly Business and Bio majors. But us weirdos definitely have a lot in common, specifically these 16 things.

Keep Reading...Show less
pale girl

Everyone has insecurities, that's just a fact. You didn't ask to be born this way. You didn't ask to inherit the one trait no one else in your family has. And you definitely didn't ask to be this ghostly white. But as soon as you've learned to live with it for a while (less wrinkles later on in life, right? right???) someone has to ruin it for you. They have to flaunt they're perfectly tanned body from Spring Break and hold their sun-kissed skin against yours. But I've had enough... here are the things that perpetually pale individuals are tired of hearing.

Keep Reading...Show less
music sheet

Being a music major is not all kicks and giggles. In fact, there are days when I question my sanity and doubt myself as a musician. I know I am not the only one going through the struggle, and so here are 13 GIFs that I know my fellow music majors can relate to...

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

8 Stereotypes Sorority Girls Are Tired Of Hearing

We don't buy into these... just like how we don't buy our friends.

581
Sorority Girls
Verge Campus

Being a part of any organization undoubtedly comes with the pitfalls of being grouped into negative stereotypes, and sororities are certainly no exception. Here are the top few things, that I find at least, are some of the most irritating misconceptions that find their way into numerous conversations...

8. "The whole philanthropy thing isn't real, right?"

Well all those fundraisers and marketing should would be a waste then wouldn't they?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments