- "For the hero, the only true conclusion is death. The hero does not cower to death, for that would belittle life. The hero knows he cannot defeat danger, but for a moment, he can free others from fear. Let those left behind find hope in his sacrifice. Let those who knew him well speak of his fierce loyalty, unwavering convictions, and when the time came, his ultimate willingness to give all. Legends live on, only men comes to an end."
- ― Jim Gordon (Arkham Knight)
- "I’m just a guy who’s aspiring to be a hero for fun."
- ― Saitama (One-Punch Man)
- "Those who determine heroes are the people without power. Because they do not possess power, they will yearn for power, and so they will seek heroes, and decide who they are. Wielder of the Holy Spear, are you playing the role of the people’s Hero? Not pursued by the people, claiming to be a hero or something, that’s nothing but a child’s game of pretense. Precisely because of this, you’re no match for the Sekiryuutei kid who courageously walks his own path."
- ― Vasco Strada (Highschool DxD)
- "Even if he was called a Super Devil, he was originally a Gremory. Just a gentle and strong person. Yes, he was gentle and strong, precisely because of this, Sirzechs had such determination. Precisely because of his gentleness and his strength, he departed for the sake of protecting everything."
- ― The Narrator on Sirzechs Lucifer (Highschool DxD)
- "You are extraordinary, my sons. Unlike anything the world has ever seen. Bowed in greatness, destined to protect the people of New York!"
- ― Master Splinter to the Ninja Turtles (Paramount's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
- "Fine work, my boy! You've done it! You're a true hero."
"You were willing to give your life to rescue this young woman."
"For a true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart." - ― Zeus and Hera to Hercules (Hercules)
- "I’m nobody. I came because I have no choice. I came to save my home, and the people that I love."
- ― Aquaman (DC Extended Universe)
- "A necessary sacrifice to bring peace to this planet. We cannot let the humans pay for our mistakes. It's been an honor serving with you all. Autobots, roll out!"
- ― Optimus Prime (Transformers)
- "You will give the people an ideal to strive towards. They'll race behind you. They will stumble. They will fall. But in time, they will join you in the sun. In time, you will help them accomplish wonders."
- ― Jor-El (Man of Steel teaser trailer)
- "What am I doing here? All is lost. I don't even have a NIMPH. What use could I possibly be? I just want to run away. Like I always have. I'm so pathetic, so weak... That's just who I am. But... I can't run. You trusted me. I have to protect you. I must protect everyone. No matter how great the threat, I will not back down. The hero/I can save these people. I AM... THE HERO/SAVIOR."
- ― Laplace (Goddess of Victory: Nikke)
The character is a true hero. Note that this is essentially a definition of an archetype. Advanced version of Heroic. Opposite to Dark Lord. Not to be confused with Messiah.
Also Called[]
- Benevolent One
- Blazing/Shining/Radiant/Luminous Hero
- Emperor/Hero/Lord of Light/Righteousness
- Light/White Lord/Knight
- Paragon of Virtue
- True Patriot/Heroine/Warrior/Soldier/Superhero/Superheroine
Properties[]
The character is a true hero, a person who lives to help others, but in a way that shows those people how to help themselves, in the face of danger, combats adversity through impressive feats of ingenuity, bravery or strength, often sacrificing their own personal concerns for a greater good. They possess benevolent abilities and often command loyal friends, allies, and followers.
These individuals also love to spread freedom, redemption, and hope to others that are wrongfully enslaved by evil rulers even towards the evil rulers themselves. Anyone can be a True Hero; some are human, basically chosen ones, many have true and just nature, and certain holders of the title are actually manifestations of their true, righteous goodness that lies within themselves.
True heroes and dark lords are famously known as the perfect enemies throughout the fictional universe and reality.
Associated Powers[]
- Deity Soul: Some may have divine possession, thus becoming literal manifestations of their inner god.
- Demon Slayer: May have train/ability to slay demonic entities.
- Heroic Luck: User is fairly lucky in he situations that assist them in times of need.
- Hypercompetence: Some users have unsurpassed talents and skills.
- Immortality: Some users gain eternal life.
- Invulnerability: Users are usually impervious to conventional attacks and weaponry.
- Magic: Wield all forms of Good and Neutral magic.
- Aether Magic: Master the essence that flows through most of existence.
- Angelic Magic: Master angelic magic.
- Animancy: Use magic that revolves around the living.
- Blessing Magic: Use magic to bless things.
- Creation Magic: Use magic to recreate what was destroyed.
- Divine Magic: Use magic that revolves around divinity.
- Dream Magic: Use magic to bring the best dreams to life.
- Elemental Magic: Use magic to manipulate the elements.
- Light Magic: Use magic to spread light.
- Exorcism Magic: Use magic to free people from possession.
- Faith Magic: Use magic to help people be faithful.
- Fertility Magic: Use magic to make land, living things & plants fertile.
- Holy-Fire Magic: Use magic to manipulate holy-fire.
- Hope Magic: Use magic to spread & be empowered by hope.
- Love Magic: Use magic to spread & be empowered by love.
- Medical Magic: Use magic to make medicine.
- Music Magic: Use magic to spread utopian music.
- Mysticism: Master the purest kind of magic.
- Religious: Use mysticism that revolves around religion.
- Abrahamic/Monotheistic
- Christian: Use mysticism that revolves around Christianity.
- Islamic: Use mysticism that resolves around Islamic.
- Jewish: Use mysticism that resolves around Jewish.
- Zoroastrian: Use mysticism that resolves around Zoroastrian.
- Pagan/Polytheistic
- African: Use mysticism that resolves around African.
- Buddhist: Use mysticism that resolves around Buddhist.
- Celtic: Use mysticism that resolves around Celtic.
- Egyptian: Use mysticism that resolves around Egyptian.
- Greco-Roman: Use mysticism that resolves around Greco-Roman.
- Hindu: Use mysticism that resolves around Hindu.
- Incan: Use mysticism that resolves around Incan.
- Mesoamerican: Use mysticism that resolves around Mesoamerican.
- Native American: Use mysticism that resolves around Native American.
- Norse: Use mysticism that resolves around Norse.
- Romani: Use mysticism that resolves around Romani.
- Shinto: Use mysticism that revolves around the Shinto religion.
- Slavic: Use mysticism that resolves around Slavic.
- Taoist: Use mysticism that revolves around Taoism.
- Voodoo: Use mysticism that resolves around Voodoo.
- Abrahamic/Monotheistic
- Religious: Use mysticism that revolves around religion.
- Nature Magic: Use magic to keep nature balanced.
- Order Magic: Use magic to maintain order.
- Peace Magic: Use magic to preserve peace.
- Purification Magic: Use the magic of salvation.
- Pure Alchemy: Use magic to create pure elixirs and potions.
- Pure Aura Magic: Master magic of pure aura.
- Pure Chi Magic: Master magic of pure chi.
- Restoration Magic: Use magic that revolves around the restoration.
- Shamanism: Use magic to perceive, contact, and bargain or control the spiritual world
- Ultimate Alchemy: can use the absolute strongest version of alchemy.
- Nigh-Omnipotence (Nigh-Absolute Level): True Heroes tend to possess God-like powers.
- Energy Manipulation: Manipulate and control pure energy.
- Light Manipulation: Many users wield vast powers of light.
- Omnibenevolence (Nigh Absolute/Absolute Level)
- Psionics: True heroes are known to have many mental abilities.
- Mental Manipulation: Control the minds of virtually anyone.
- Telekinesis: Manipulate any and all forms of matter mentally.
- Telepathy: Send thoughts as messages across great distances.
- Pure Element Manipulation: Command light elements.
- Pure Heart: True heroes are never measured by the size of their strength but by the size of their heart.
- Self-Resurrection: Even if destroyed, users can return to life.
- Special Power: Some users may have a special power specifically meant for heroes.
- True Power: Some users may have untapped power within themselves.
- Undying Heroism: Some users remain completely heroic until the very end.
- White Arts: True Heroes' staple; mastering the aspects of good magic.
Relationships[]
- Chivalric Knight: Many heroes possess an innate ability to manifest great courage and nobility at all times, especially in the face of adversity. Showing a great virtue in selflessness and compassion for others and destroying all things evil.
- (Example: Jack, Samurai Jack)
- Counterpart: Often, the counterpart does something that gets the true hero they are a counterpart of in trouble in some way, and the hero has to fix that. They may also be rivals or otherwise enemies to the true hero.
- (Example: Shadow the Hedgehog, Sonic the Hedgehog)
- Rebel: Usually, their desire for justice or retribution against the tyranny and cruelty of others. Driving many in a revolution to fight against the darkest beings who have nothing but greed and corruption in themselves. Liberation others for the cause of freedom, justice, and righteousness.
- (Example: Monkey D. Dragon, One Piece)
- Thief: Many heroes are thieves robing from the rich & giving to the poor while fighting against tyranny.
- (Example: Robin of Loxley, Robin Hood)
- Traitor: The true hero may have been friends of the traitor, until the traitor betrayed the true hero or the group, they were both part of. The true hero may seek vengeance or seek to turn the traitor in for their crimes.
- (Example: Shin, Fist of the North Star)
- True Friend: Many heroes are true friends to all in need, always honest, kind, and true to all. They always make friends and bringing out the best in people and recognize the power of friendship.
- (Example: Sora, Kingdom Hearts)
Flaws/Weaknesses[]
- Will be opposed by malevolent forces.
- May be easily manipulated.
- May be equal or in servitude to a more powerful being (Another true hero, a transcendent being or a righteous figure).
- Temptation may either void the power or corrupt into a Dark Lord.
Example Characters[]
See Also: The Cape, The Paragon, Ideal Hero, The Hero
Anime/Manga/Manhwa[]
- Dan Kuso (Bakugan)
- Drago (Bakugan)
- Rickert (Berserk)
- Julius Novachrono (Black Clover)
- Asta (Black Clover)
- Yuno Grinberryall (Black Clover)
- Ichigo Kurosaki (Bleach)
- Orihime Inoue (Bleach)
- Tanjiro Kamado (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Zenitsu Agatsuma (Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba)
- Akira (Devilman Crybaby)
- Son Goku (Dragon Ball series)
- Son Gohan (Dragon Ball series)
- Future Trunks (Dragon Ball series)
- Mavis Vermillion (Fairy Tail)
- Natsu Dragneel (Fairy Tail)
- Lucy Heartfilia (Fairy Tail)
- Erza Scarlet (Fairy Tail)
- Sairaorg Bael (Highschool DxD)
- Dulio Gesulado (Highschool DxD)
- Issei Hyodou (Highschool DxD)
- Sirzechs Lucifer (Highschool DxD)
- Vasco Strada (Highschool DxD)
- Jonathan Joestar (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part I Phantom Blood)
- Joseph Joestar (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part II: Battle Tendency)
- Caesar Zeppeli (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part II: Battle Tendency)
- Jotaro Kujo (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders)
- Noriaki Kakyoin (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders)
- Muhammed Avdol (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders)
- Jean Pierre Polnareff (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part III: Stardust Crusaders)
- Hayato Kawajiri (JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part IV: Diamond is Unbreakable)
- Satoru Gojo (Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Yuta Okkotsu (Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Yuji Itadori (Jujutsu Kaisen)
- Ryuko Matoi (Kill La Kill)
- Iihiko Shishime (Medaka Box); the original version
- Toshinori Yagi/All Might (My Hero Academia)
- Izuku Midoriya/Deku (My Hero Academia)
- Cathleen "Cassie" Bate/Star and Stripe (My Hero Academia)
- Hagoromo Otsutsuki (Naruto)
- Asura Otsutsuki (Naruto)
- Hashirama Senju (Naruto)
- Tsunade (Naruto)
- Naruto Uzumaki (Naruto)
- Rock Lee (Naruto)
- Monkey D. Dragon (One Piece)
- Monkey D. luffy (One Piece)
- Nefertari Vivi (One Piece)
- Bartholomew Kuma (One Piece)
- Mumen Rider (One Punch Man)
- Saitama (One Punch Man)
- Shiba Roses (Rave Master); the First Rave Master
- Haru Glory (Rave Master); the Second Rave Master
- Kenshin Himura (Rurouni Kenshin)
- Natsuki Subaru (Re:Zero − Starting Life in Another World)
- Meliodas (The Seven Deadly Sins)
- Arthur Pendragon (The Seven Deadly Sins)
- Simon (Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann)
- Chloe O'Bell (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)
- Masayuki Rudra Nam Ul Nasca (Tensei Shitara Slime Datta Ken)
- Ichiryu (Toriko)
- Toriko (Toriko)
- Various Characters (TYPE-MOON)
- Artoria Pendragon
- Jeanne D'Arc
- Karna
- Kiritsugu Emiya
- Shirou EMIYA/Counter Gaurdian EMIYA
- Shirou Tokisada Amakusa/Shirou Kotomine
- Sieg
- Siegfried
- Yugi Muto (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
- Atem/Yami Yugi (Yu-Gi-Oh!)
- Jaden Yuki (Yu-Gi-Oh! GX)
- Yusei Fudo (Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds)
- Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Cartoons/Comics[]
- Finn the Human (Adventure Time)
- Avatars (Avatar series)
- Ben Tennyson (Ben 10 series)
- Bruce Wayne/Batman (DC Comics)
- Michael Jon Carter/Booster Gold (DC Comics)
- Diana/Wonder Woman (DC Comics)
- Kal-El/Clark Kent/Superman (DC Comics)
- Richard Grayson/Nightwing (DC Comics)
- Green Lanterns (DC Comics)
- Hal Jordan
- John Stewart
- Guy Gardner
- Kyle Rayner
- Alan Scott
- Rex Salazar (Generator Rex)
- Prince Adam/He-Man (Masters of the Universe)
- Adora/She-Ra (Masters of the Universe)
- Captain America (Marvel Comics)
- Steve Rogers
- James "Bucky" Barnes
- Isaiah Bradley
- Sam Wilson
- Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Marvel Comics)
- Thor Odinson (Marvel Comics)
- Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Marvel Comics)
- Calvin Rankin/The Mimic of Earth 12 (Marvel Comics)
- Ladybug/Marinette Dupain-Cheng(Miraculous: Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir)
- Moana (Moana)
- Luz Noceda (The Owl House)
- The Paw Patrol (Paw Patrol)
- Jack (Samurai Jack)
- Zayne Carrick (Star Wars Legends)
- Cade Skywalker (Star Wars Legends)
- Anakin Solo (Star Wars Legends)
- Ninja Turtles (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles)
- Lion-O (Thundercats series)
- Optimus Prime (Transformers)
- Optimus Primal (Transformers)
- Hot Rod/Rodimus Prime (Transformers)
- Tomar-Re (Young Justice)
Folklore/Mythology[]
- Archangel Michael/Mîkhā'ēl/Mīkhā'īl (Abrahamic Religions)
- Jesus Christ (Christianity)
- Krishna (Hinduism)
- Rama (Hinduism)
- Daniel (Shem HaMephorash)
Literature[]
- Percy Jackson (Camp Half Blood Chronicles)
- Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
- Eragon (The Inheritance Cycle)
- Frodo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings)
- Aragorn (The Lord of the Rings)
Live Television/Movies[]
- Wyatt Halliwell (Charmed)
- Leo (Charmed)
- Jon Snow/Aegon Targaryen (Game of Thrones)
- Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones)
- Tyrion Lannister (Game of Thrones)
- Hiro Nakamura (Heroes)
- Peter Petrelli (Heroes)
- Merlin (Merlin)
- Arthur Pendragon (Merlin)
- Emma Swan (Once Upon a Time)
- Spartacus (Spartacus)
- SuperGirl/Kara Danvers (Arrowverse)
- Hercules (Disney's Hercules)
- Po (Kung Fu Panda)
- Peter Parker/Spider-Man (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
- Steve Rogers/Captain America (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
- Tony Stark/Iron Man (Marvel Cinematic Universe)
- Jedi Grandmasters (Star Wars)
- Yoda
- Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
- Optimus Prime (Transformers film series)
Video Games[]
- Asura (Asura’s Wrath)
- Ragna the Bloodedge (Blazblue)
- Ryu (Breath of Fire I)
- The Belmont Clan (Castlevania)
- Chrono (Chrono Trigger)
- Dante (Devil May Cry)
- Nero (Devil May Cry)
- Doomguy (DOOM)
- Various Heroes (Dragon Quest)
- Ness (Earthbound)
- Warriors of Light (Final Fantasy)
- Firion (Final Fantasy II)
- Cecil Harvey (Final Fantasy IV)
- Terra Branford (Final Fantasy VI)
- Cloud Strife (Final Fantasy VII series)
- Tifa Lockhart (Final Fantasy VII series)
- Aerith Gainsborough (Final Fantasy VII series)
- Zack Fair (Final Fantasy VII series)
- Squall Leonhart (Final Fantasy VIII)
- Rinoa Heartilly (Final Fantasy VIII)
- Zidane Tribal (Final Fantasy IX)
- Tidus (Final Fantasy X)
- Vaan (Final Fantasy XII)
- Lightning Farron (Final Fantasy XIII series)
- The Warrior of Light (Final Fantasy XIV)
- Noctis Lucis Caelum (Final Fantasy XV)
- Clive Rosefield (Final Fantasy XVI)
- Marth (Fire Emblem)
- Chrom (Fire Emblem Awakening)
- Byleth (Fire Emblem: Three Houses)
- Laplace (Goddess of Victory: Nikke)
- Kratos (God of War)
- Gordon Freeman (Half-Life)
- Master Chief (Halo)
- Cole MacGrath (Infamous); with Good Karma
- Pit (Kid Icarus)
- Sora (Kingdom Hearts)
- Riku (Kingdom Hearts)
- Aqua (Kingdom Hearts)
- Kyo Kusanagi (King of Fighters)
- Terry Bogard (King of Fighters/Fatal Fury)
- Kirby (Kirby)
- Several Characters (League of Legends)
- Spyro (The Legend of Spyro)
- Link (The Legend of Zelda)
- Commander Shepard (Mass Effect); as a Paragon
- Samus (Metroid)
- Mega Man (Mega Man)
- X (Mega Man X)
- Raiden (Mortal Kombat)
- Liu Kang (Mortal Kombat)
- Cassie Cage (Mortal Kombat)
- Player Characters (Pokémon)
- Fox McCloud (Star Fox)
- Sonic (Sonic the Hedgehog)
- Kyle Katarn (Star Wars: Jedi Knight)
- Ryu (Street Fighter)
- Mario (Super Mario Bros.)
- Noishe (Tales of Symphonia); as one of his evolutionary states
- Jin Kazama (Tekken)
- Lara Croft (Tomb Raider)
- Frisk (Undertale)
- Undyne (Undertale); as Undyne the Undying
- Various Characters (Warcraft series)
- Ultra V (War Of The Monsters)
- Shulk (Xenoblade Chronicles)
- Rex (Xenoblade Chronicles 2)
- Pyra/Mythra/Pneuma (Xenoblade Chronicles 2)
- Noah (Xenoblade Chronicles 3)
- Adol Christin (Ys series)
Web Animation/Comic[]
- Vox Machina (Critical Role)
- Mighty Nein (Critical Role)
- Maxeeno Manervolkan (Maxeeno Manervolkan)
- Ruby Rose (RWBY)