The most famous hero of Greek and Roman mythology was Heracles, or, as the Romans called him, Hercules.  Hercules was a son of the god Zeus, and would later become a god himself.  Hercules was also a member of the Marvel hero team “The Avengers,” and is probably the most well known mythological hero who was also a modern superhero.  Whereas most mythological heroes were mortal, very few actually survived to enter into the ranks of the modern superhero.  Several superheroes, however, resemble certain mythological heroes in terms of their super-human abilities. 

If there is any one denominator that the greatest number of superheroes and heroes of myth share, it is physical strength.  The Trojan War hero Ajax, for instance, was known because he was second only to Achilles with his prowess on the battlefield.  Physical strength is the only area in which Marvel’s Hulk excels. 

Related to strength is near-invulnerability.  Achilles was practically invulnerable: he could only be wounded in his tendon.  This can also be said for DC’s Superman, although his “Achilles heal” is Krypton. 

Perhaps the most awesome of all super powers is the ability to fly.  Superman has it, without wings, and DC’s Hawkman has it with prosthetic wings.  In Greek mythology, the brothers Calais and Zetes, sons of the North Wind (Boreas), could fly because they had real wings on their ankles. 

Calais and Zetes took part in the expedition led by Jason to bring the Golden Fleece back to Thessaly from Kolchis.  As the heroes sailed to Kolchis on a ship called the Argo, they were called Argonauts.  Other Argonauts also had super powers.  Lynkeus, for instance, had excellent eyesight and could even see into the ground.  Superman’s x-ray vision is comparable.  The Argonaut Orpheus, moreover, used the music of his lyre to charm animals, and move rocks and trees.  This ablility to manipulate animals is shared by DC’s Aquaman, who could communicate with sea animals telepathically.  Another Argonaut Euphemos, could run so fast that he was able to skim sea waves.  The obvious comparision is DC’s Flash. 

Although he was the leader of the Argonauts, Jason did not have super-human abilities; however, the Kolchian princess, Medea, fell in love with him and helped him acquire the Golden Fleece.  Jason’s specialty, then, would not fall in the realm of brawn, but in that of his social skills.  The mythological hero who is perhaps most famous for his brains is Odysseus.  He was able to get out of the most difficult of predicaments through his cunning.  For instance, when he was trapped in the cave of the Cyclops Polyphemos, he conned the monster into getting drunk and then escaped by fastening himself to the belly of a ram.  Numerous super-heroes also have no super powers, such as Marvel’s Captain America, and DC’s Batman.