Superhuman strength

A fictionalized representation of the phenomenon of hysterical strength, it is the power to exert force and lift weights beyond what is physically possible for an ordinary human being.

Superhuman strength is an amorphous ability, varying in potency depending on the writer or the context of the story in which it is depicted.

This is generally by means of mechanisms such as cybernetic body parts, genetic modification, telekinetic fields in science fiction, or magical/supernatural sources within fantasy.

The level of superhuman strength portrayed can vary greatly, from just outside the "normal" or "natural" human range of the strongest strongmen, powerlifters, and weightlifters (e.g. unarmored Master Chief, Captain America, or Deathstroke), to nearly unlimited strength (e.g., Hulk, Juggernaut, Superman, Supergirl, Wonder Woman, Thor, Hercules, or Goku).

Superhuman strength is a common ability of many gods and demigods in ancient mythology, such as Hercules/Heracles (Roman/Greek), Beowulf (Anglo-Saxon), Samson (the Bible), Bhima (Hindu), Kintarō (Japanese), Māui (Polynesian), and Achilles (Greek).

Attempts to modify the human body in order to gain extraordinary strength is common throughout history, as seen in fiction through characters such as Terminator, Robocop, Iron Man, and Cyborg.

[2] The United States Department of Defense is considering a variety of technologies to create an exoskeleton intended for military use to enhance soldier performance.

[10] The depiction of superhuman strength dates as far back as the earliest recorded work of writing, with the Sumarian hero Gilgamesh.

More recently, superhuman strength is employed by characters called superheroes in comic books, which dates back to the 1930s.