From Ancient Texts to Modern Comics: How Hanuman Pioneered the Superhero Archetype In the vast landscape of contemporary superhero fiction, from Marvel's mighty Thor to DC's Superman, audiences worldwide are captivated by beings who possess extraordinary powers, unwavering moral compass, and the ability to transcend human limitations. Yet, millennia before the first comic book was ever printed, Hindu scriptures introduced the world to what can arguably be called the original superhero: Hanuman, the devoted monkey deity whose legendary exploits continue to inspire both spiritual seekers and modern storytellers alike. The Divine Origin Story Every great superhero needs an origin story, and Hanuman's tale begins with cosmic significance. Born to Anjana and blessed by Vayu, the wind god, Hanuman's birth itself was extraordinary. The Valmiki Ramayana describes his miraculous conception and the divine blessings that shaped his destiny from the very beginning. As a child, ...