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Explore the meaning of My Hero Academia‘s Plus Ultra. Discover its origins and significance in the series and beyond.
My Hero Academia has reached its final arc, and fans worldwide have been reflecting on its impact. One phrase that consistently stands out is Plus Ultra.
It’s more than just a catchphrase — it embodies the spirit of pushing beyond one’s limits, a core theme throughout the series.
But what does Plus Ultra truly mean, and how is it reflected in the characters and story of My Hero Academia? Let’s explore its significance and the philosophy behind it.
Understanding the Meaning of Plus Ultra
The literal meaning of Plus Ultra is “Further Beyond,” which was derived from the reverse phrase “No land further beyond.” It comes from a warning inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules at the Strait of Gibraltar and dates back to the early 1500s.
The phrase itself has Latin roots and was first used in Spain. It eventually became the motto of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain. He made Plus Ultra his motto, which symbolized working towards achieving excellence and having a calling for exploration.
My Hero Academia adapts the meaning of Plus Ultra in a way, and our Symbol of Peace, All Might, uses it a lot. He shoulders the responsibility of maintaining peace and hope in his country, and everyone looks up to him.
It is impossible, even for an all-powerful character, to be present whenever someone needs help. Plus Ultra is a reminder for all heroes and civilians to take that step and go further beyond in being and doing good.
This phrase reflects the theme of ambition and self-improvement in My Hero Academia. As an example, we see Endeavor become the No. 1 Hero in a battle against a High-End Nomu. He comes to terms with the true meaning of this phrase. His initial desire to push himself beyond All Might gradually transitions into a deeper commitment — ensuring the safety of civilians.
What Is the Concept Behind Plus Ultra?
Plus Ultra serves as a motivational slogan in the anime. During the timeline of My Hero Academia, we knew the final antagonist was going to be All for One. The entire plot revolves around him, and he won’t go down easily — many generations have tried and failed before. What makes this time different is the advanced training and teachings that have been implemented, giving new meaning to Plus Ultra.
The best representation of this mindset is the fight that has been going on for generations between One for All and All for One. From the origin story of a brother who inherited One for All to stop his twin brother, the resilience and never-giving-up attitude brought them to the present timeline of the series.
If at any point they had given up, My Hero Academia would have ended very differently.
All for One would have taken over the world and ruled it, making the world a very grim and sad place.
What is the Objective Behind This Phrase?
The creator of My Hero Academia chose Plus Ultra as the anime’s theme because it encourages people to push beyond their limits. In this society that relies on superheroes for protection, this motto serves as a constant reminder for heroes to always put in a little more effort, a little more hard work, and to remain dedicated to keeping the community safe.
This phrase not only defines the heroes but also holds them accountable and acknowledges their power. By adopting Plus Ultra as their motto, they commit to never giving up and ensuring that the belief in heroism stays alive in people’s hearts.
This leads to an important ethical question: What truly makes a hero? Is it their power that earns them the title, or is it the title itself that grants them power? Plus Ultra also serves to keep heroes grounded, reminding them who they serve and why they fight in the world of My Hero Academia.
Beyond the world of My Hero Academia, Plus Ultra has a deeper connection to real-world heroism and personal growth. Kōhei Horikoshi’s effort in embedding this phrase into the series on such a recognizable level reflects his hope that its message extends beyond the heroes of U.A. High School. It encourages all of us to reflect, become curious about its meaning, and perhaps even apply it in our own lives.
Plus Ultra and Its Relation with U.A. High School
U.A. High School is a place where kids are trained to become the next generation of Pro Heroes. The selection process is very difficult, and only the best cut to attend this school. Plus Ultra is integrated into U.A. High School culture to constantly remind students to go further and push themselves — to become the best version of themselves.
This phrase plays a key role in student training and hero development, as seen in My Hero Academia’s Izuku Midoriya. He is heavily influenced by All Might and tries to embody his saying as a philosophy in his journey as a hero.
Midoriya is always seen pushing himself hard during training and has never backed down from saving the innocent. During the fight with Overhaul, he was exhausted and at his limit, yet he kept pushing himself to save Eri. He knew that if not now, then it would be never.
U.A. teachers, especially All Might, emphasize Plus Ultra. He encourages risk-takers to take that step and make it their virtue. More than just preaching it, All Might is the physical embodiment of My Hero Academia’s famous phrase. He wanted the next generation of Pro Heroes to surpass the achievements of the current one.
An example from the U.A. Sports Festival that exemplifies this phrase is the battle between Uraraka and Bakugo. She knew that compared to her, Bakugo was far more powerful. Yet, by not giving up, she had to come up with an instant plan when she realized she could not touch him. Uraraka began targeting the rocks and directed them at Bakugo. Even when she was completely exhausted, she pushed herself to win.
Conclusion
Fans have been fascinated by the motto of My Hero Academia for a long time, especially after uncovering its historical origins and how it has been woven into the series. Perhaps the creator, Kōhei Horikoshi, intended for Plus Ultra to be more than just a heroic motto — something that inspires not just the characters but also the audience. It serves as a reminder for heroes to stay true to their mission and for viewers to strive for self-improvement. Plus Ultra holds a profound history, delivering a powerful message that extends beyond My Hero Academia.
However, another perspective is that Plus Ultra could also create unrealistic expectations or place excessive pressure on heroes and students. While it encourages them to push beyond their limits, it also motivates them to take extreme risks, which could lead to severe injuries or even loss of life. How acceptable is it to ask those who save others to sacrifice themselves? At what point does heroism become self-destructive? Plus Ultra may be an inspiring ideal, but it also raises important ethical questions about the cost of pushing too far.
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