The Hagiology of Superman

Zack Snyder's Man of Steel is the second attempt at a new direction for the Superman franchise in less than a decade. For many superhero properties, a reboot means a darker, grittier take on the character. Snyder (and producer Christopher Nolan) indulge a bit of that angst-driven sentiment here, but to me the most intriguing change in direction for this iteration of Superman isn't really a change, but an expansion within the continuity of his main source tradition.

Soon after the character's debut, commentators (including Nazi propagandist Joseph Goebbels) noted Superman's resemblance to Moses. Both Israel's founding father and the Last Son of Krypton escaped genocidal calamities as infants, were raised in secret by foster parents, altered the natural courses of major bodies of water, and served as the exemplars and protectors of specific nations' creeds. Both characters also have Hebrew names (Kal-El: "Swift God", and Mosheh, derived from the Egyptian: "Son").

Several items in the movie's subtext hint that Snyder and Nolan have graduated their Superman from prophetic to messianic status. Without spoiling any major plot points or characterizations, here are some of the Christological elements I noticed on my first viewing:

• Jonathan Kent has a deep sense of Clark's special role and strives to foster his potential. He also expresses awareness that his son has another father who sent him to earth for a reason. (One could build an entire post on the Pa Kent/St. Joseph parallels alone).
• As seen in the trailers, Clark travels with a group of fishermen at one point.
• Clark is prominently framed against a stained glass window depicting the Agony in the Garden at a dramatically resonant moment.
• Superman gives his age as 33 (in the original Superman: The Man of Steel graphic novel, he is 29. This can only be a deliberate parallel).
• At least one scene with an implied crucifixion motif.
• Kal-El is referred to as a god and the savior of humanity.
• A woman is the sole witness to the revelation of Clark's superhuman nature, and none of her associates believe her until they see for themselves.

I could go on, but I think the observations above make a strong case that the filmmakers intended to portray Superman as a Christ character. From a theological standpoint, the character's expansion from prophet to messiah is an internally consistent and frankly ingenious reboot approach. It raises the story's stakes and magnifies the character's significance by way of the natural progression of his underlying mythos. Far from spurning Superman's Mosaic roots, Snyder and Nolan have followed that theme to its logical conclusion.

Middlemen

Can you think of a supporting character from a novel, TV, or film who really resonated with you--perhaps even more than the main character did? It's a weird phenomenon. The protagonist should be our main point of contact with the story. Secondary characters are there to get the far less glamorous jobs done. They're mediators who advance the plot and act as foils for the main character. That's why writers can get away with making second and third tier characters less well-rounded.

Sometimes supporting characters are strong enough to break out of the background and take center stage. I'm not talking about the Kramers and Boba Fetts of the fiction world, though. Today I'll shine a light on two fictitious second-stringers whose quiet excellence in support of mighty deeds goes largely unsung.

Jor-El
Not even being portrayed by the great Marlon Brando in Richard Donner's landmark 1978 Superman has gained the father of Kal-El the public esteem he deserves. I mentioned that supporting characters are mediators. This is the guy who mediated Superman to us. You're welcome.

Lest you accuse Jor-El of being one-note, he has much more to recommend him than being Superman's dad. Possessing a rare combination of intellectual brilliance and humble wisdom, this accomplished scientist eschewed his people's cold, decadent lifestyle for love of family. Failing to convince Krypton's people of their imminent doom despite his best efforts, Jor-El acted on his countercultural paternal love to give his son and a race of aliens he'd never met a chance at survival.

Remember: Jor-El's vision for Kal-El wasn't limited to flying around in a cape rescuing cats from trees. He knew what a potent symbol Superman could become and hoped that humanity would learn from his son's example.

Finrod Felagund
Chances are this name evokes only dim recognition, if any at all. That's a shame because Finrod is one of the greatest characters in Tolkien's legendarium. The Noldorin prince gets comparatively little page time and always serves a supporting role when he does show up, but his heroic pedigree is impossible to deny.

Finrod is Galadriel's brother. Though she gets far more attention in the Tolkien canon, he is far cooler. While the Lady of Lorien stands around giving wise if cryptic counsel, the Lord of Nargothrond goes out and gets things done. Finrod founded his own kingdom after the family tradition, but he didn't rest on his laurels. He went to battle against Morgoth, gave Barahir his ring to seal a life-debt (the one that Aragorn inherits as a major token of his kingship). Finrod makes good on the debt by joining Beren's quest to steal a Silmaril from Morgoth, during which he goes toe-to-toe with Sauron in a wizard's duel and dies killing a werewolf bare-handed.

Like Jor-El, Finrod's true greatness lies in his strong moral center. He's the only Noldor exile who didn't swear Feanor's oath but left Valinor out of loyalty to his friends. Also unlike the others he didn't stain his hands by slaying his own kin. His compassion and diplomacy paved the way for men's acceptance by and eventual alliance with elves. Loyalty defines Finrod, and Middle-Earth is a poorer place without him.

These are just two secondary characters that don't get nearly enough credit. Can you think of any more?