Immortality is a popular subject in fiction, as it explores humanity's
deep-seated fears and comprehension of its own mortality. Immortal
beings and species abound in fiction, especially fantasy fiction, and
the meaning of "immortal" tends to vary.Some fictional beings are
completely immortal (or very nearly so) in that they are immune to
death by injury, disease and age. Sometimes such powerful immortals
can only be killed by each other, as is the case with the Q from the
Star Trek series. Even if something can't be killed, a common plot
device involves putting an immortal being into a slumber or limbo, as
is done with Morgoth in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and the
Dreaming God of Pathways Into Darkness. Storytellers often make it a
point to give weaknesses to even the most indestructible of beings.
For instance, Superman is supposed to be invulnerable, yet his enemies
were able to exploit his now-infamous weakness: Kryptonite. (See also
Achilles' heel.)Many fictional species are said to be immortal if they
cannot die of old age, even though they can be killed through other
means, such as injury. Modern fantasy elves often exhibit this form of
immortality. Other creatures, such as vampires and the immortals in
the film Highlander, can only die from beheading. The classic and
stereotypical vampire is typically slain by one of several very
specific means, including a silver bullet (or piercing with other
silver weapons), a stake through the heart (perhaps made of
consecrated wood), or by exposing them to sunlight.Mythological beings
are often used in modern fiction as characters, as a plot device, or
even just as "window dressing". Such beings are often either immortal
or associated with immortality.
deep-seated fears and comprehension of its own mortality. Immortal
beings and species abound in fiction, especially fantasy fiction, and
the meaning of "immortal" tends to vary.Some fictional beings are
completely immortal (or very nearly so) in that they are immune to
death by injury, disease and age. Sometimes such powerful immortals
can only be killed by each other, as is the case with the Q from the
Star Trek series. Even if something can't be killed, a common plot
device involves putting an immortal being into a slumber or limbo, as
is done with Morgoth in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion and the
Dreaming God of Pathways Into Darkness. Storytellers often make it a
point to give weaknesses to even the most indestructible of beings.
For instance, Superman is supposed to be invulnerable, yet his enemies
were able to exploit his now-infamous weakness: Kryptonite. (See also
Achilles' heel.)Many fictional species are said to be immortal if they
cannot die of old age, even though they can be killed through other
means, such as injury. Modern fantasy elves often exhibit this form of
immortality. Other creatures, such as vampires and the immortals in
the film Highlander, can only die from beheading. The classic and
stereotypical vampire is typically slain by one of several very
specific means, including a silver bullet (or piercing with other
silver weapons), a stake through the heart (perhaps made of
consecrated wood), or by exposing them to sunlight.Mythological beings
are often used in modern fiction as characters, as a plot device, or
even just as "window dressing". Such beings are often either immortal
or associated with immortality.
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