The Significance of “Plus Ultra” Beyond Words

In My Hero Academia, heroes aren’t just strong people; they serve as a glimmer of hope for a dark place full of despair. Heroes are the stronghold in a world of villains, chaos, and the fear of the unknown, while protecting the innocent and maintaining order. No amount of physical strength makes someone a hero in this world; rather, it’s a matter of being able to inspire, to become selfless, to be brave, in order to become a hero.

The phrase “Plus Ultra” is central to the philosophy of heroism in My Hero Academia. It is a mantra repeated by both heroes and civilians alike, experiencing the true meaning behind the rise above limitations. What exactly does it mean, and why is it so important to the hearts of hero society?

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What Does “Plus Ultra” Mean?

To Go Even Further Beyond!

The Latin phrase ‘Plus Ultra’ is from, meaning further beyond. It’s basically keen for My Hero Academia, the excess chasing development and going beyond one’s limit. That’s a call to heroes to fight with all that they have, to find any light at the end of any tunnel, and to constantly strive for excellence in the midst of all adversity. U.A. High School takes its motto seriously. This is not just a catchphrase; this is a guiding principle for the students and alumni. It is both the spirit of heroism that heroes like All Might have shown over and again, generations believing in their strength and a future brighter than what they knew.

“Plus Ultra” is more than just a phrase for society—it’s a promise. That’s the people from harm, heroes like All Might who restore faith and hope, but not only protect people. All Might’s iconic smile (and his triumphant ‘Plus Ultra’ proclamation) reassured the public that heroes would persistently rise to the task, no matter the cards they were dealt. It’s a reassurance in a world that is and will always be under threat from villains. When heroes embody “Plus Ultra,” it sends a clear message to society: and, needless to say, there are always people willing, even if the situation is the grimmest, to go over the top and to keep it safe and peaceful.

Heroes and “Plus Ultra”

A Warning to Villains

‘Plus Ultra’ is represented in every sense by All Might, the Symbol of Peace. All of it—his larger-than-life persona and that unwavering smile and his unmatched strength—it was all of that commitment to this ideal. The phrase ‘Plus Ultra’ for him was, “Defeat the bad guys,” sure, but it was also about inspiring people to believe in heroism. All Might raised the phrase to be a symbol of hope, full of chemistry and action, making society feel safe in the most terrible times. Even after he retired as the Symbol of Peace, All Might’s “Plus Ultra” legacy was even carried on by his successor, Izuku Midoriya. This tells us that the phrase is not related to one hero only, but the word is a potential from generation to generation.

The Evolution of Endeavor As A Hero

Everything is the opposite for Endeavor’s relationship with “Plus Ultra” compared to All Might’s. Throughout his career, Endeavor chased heroism because he wanted to be, or surpass, All Might. However, when he inherited the Number One Hero title, he realized that those words meant a wider meaning. After he defeated the High-End Nomu, he stood bloodied and exhausted, burning passion around him as he raised his fist in the air, a gesture to say that he would ‘go even further’ (Plus Ultra). At that instant, he fully understood what the phrase was all about, not as the challenge to test himself, but as the promise that he would keep society safe… no matter what the cost.

The Role of “Plus Ultra” in Hero Society

Unifying Heroes and Civilians

‘Plus Ultra’ is not a slogan for individual heroes but is a unitary ideology that ties the hero to society. From the students at the U.A. High School chanting their motto during training to the professional heroes repeating the line to remember their shared purpose, the lesson has functioned as a unifying agent within this world. It represents a whole people who rose above fear and despair, who united hero and civilian alike.

​“Plus Ultra” is fundamentally a statement of the indomitable human spirit. It’s demanding never to settle, always striving, and facing challenges head-on. This philosophy to which I refer doesn’t apply only to heroes in My Hero Academia but to everyone. Whether you’re a civilian finding the courage to put your faith in real-life heroes who run headlong into danger to protect others or a young student starting to identify the ‘plus ultra’ in themselves, the motto has a universal appeal.

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In My Hero Academia, some humans have superpowers called quirks. Izuku Midoriya, nicknamed Deku, is not one of them. Deku has always idolized heroes like the number one hero, All Might, and since he was a child, he has always wanted to be a hero. However, his lack of a quirk has always held him back, but a chance encounter with All Might after discovering a classmate in danger sets Deku on the path to becoming a true hero. My Hero Academia centers around Deku and a class of heroes-in-training at UA. This school shapes young quirk users into future heroes through fake rescue missions, combat training, and other hero-tempering tasks. With young Deku inheriting the “One-For-All” quirk, he will learn what it means to be a true hero while facing off with dastardly supervillains.

Release Date

April 3, 2016

Seasons

7

Studio

Japanese Title

Based On

Creator

Story By

Kōhei Horikoshi, Yōsuke Kuroda

Number of Episodes

113

MyAnimeList Score

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