Superheroes and the Enneagram

Being a boy mom, there is just no getting away from SUPERHEROES! In honor of my three sons, their love of superheroes, and Halloween approaching, I thought we could talk about Superheroes and the Enneagram!

This photo of our family is from about 7 years ago, but it is still one of my favorites! I leave it out all year, even though it is a Halloween picture of us all in costume. That’s me as Wonder Woman, my husband, Batman Senior, E is young batman, W, as Superman (which that year he kept referring to himself as, “Supee-batman!”-what a crack-up), and O as Clark Kent. We all love dressing up.

There’s just nothing like putting on a disguise and feeling the freedom to be someone else.

Imagine if we could do that with our personalities? ha ha…

With the enneagram there is no denying who we are, but there is always room for growth.

Let’s explore some of these famous superheroes and their enneagram types. While looking at these fictional characters, you may see yourself. After all, it is easiest to see ourselves when our characteristics are over dramatized- seeing them more plainly than in reality.

SUPERMAN Enneagram Type 1

Superman is highly motivated by seeking justice. He is willing to sacrifice for his desire to save the world and save others from death or harm. He has a strong sense of right and wrong, and holds himself to the standard of choosing right over and over again. As a type one, he honors his commitments by following through. He is orderly, polite, and respectful. His enemies can bring out his anger and resentment, that deep down resonates as guilt for not being able to save his own Father.

note: I realize many superheroes could be typed as ones, because of the type one’s natural sense of right and wrong and need to seek justice. Good versus evil is kind of the name of the game with superheroes, but I tried to go a little deeper and creatively type the most common ones, though they could easily all be ones! ha ha ha! (One to add for sure as a type one in addition to Superman, is Captain America! one of my favorites)!

Spiderman Enneagram Type 2

“Your friendly neighborhood Spider-Man!”

Type Two’s are known for their eager accommodation, friendly encouragement, and generosity. Spider-Man is always taking care of others, even when no one is taking care of him. He gives endlessly, and sacrifices constantly for those that he loves. He truly wants to help others, and sees this as his deep motivation in the world. He longs to be appreciated and loved for who is really is.

Ironman Enneagram Type 3

The successful achiever (type three’s nickname) is known for getting things done and loving all the attention of the spotlight while succeeding. Ironman fits this to a “T.” He completely embodies the image-conscious three, constantly pointing out his own accomplishments, and drawing attention to how great he is. Type three’s also stand out as great leaders, and concise decision makers. Ironman is an easy choice to lead others in his goal to stay on top and keep the baddies down. Though he can be self-centered and vain, Ironman is a trailblazer whom many will follow.

Hawkeye Enneagram Type 4

This Individualist, likes being unique and a little against the grain. Being authentic is very important to Hawkeye, and expressing himself whether creatively or through the beauty of his exceptional archery. His core desire is to find significance. Though sometimes withdrawn, Hawkeye can extremely supportive and introspective.

Batman Enneagram Type 5

Batman is the king of keeping to himself, complete with his super secret hide out, the Batcave. He is logical and capable, but wants nothing to do with the spotlight, unless of course he is answering the call the his literal spotlight… the bat symbol calling out for his abilities to help Gotham City. Though he keeps to himself, he has no problem standing up for the underdog and underprivileged. He is quiet, yet confident, perceptive, but also needs some time after saving the city yet again , to rest up in the Batcave.

Black Widow Enneagram Type 6

Enneagram six is known for being the most loyal of all the types. Black widow shows this loyalty both to Hawkeye and to the Avengers. She is also using the thinking power of the enneagram type 6 to consider all options at all times, paying attention to detail and scoping out lurking evil or dangerous situations. She is sometimes considered paranoid. This is a very “six” thing. Sixes are always thinking ahead, planning, and seeing possible outcomes. Black Widow makes a great teammate, even though in many cases she would rather just do it herself.

Daredevil Enneagram Type 7

It’s obvious that daredevil is going to get the most out of every situation. He is avoiding his fear by facing everything head on, and going for whatever whims are in front of him. A natural optimist, he is the life of the party. Spontaneous, fun-loving, confident and enthusiastic, he brings the fun wherever he goes.

Wonder Woman Enneagram Type 8

Type Eight is known as The Challenger. Wonder Woman definitely does not shy away from a challenge. She is truthful to a fault, and stands her own ground. She also puts up walls to protect herself from vulnerability, as all type eights are known for doing. She wants everyone on her team to be as strong as she is, and looks down on those showing weakness. She protects those she loves above all. She is empowering, inspiring, compassionate, direct, and resilient. She can also be quick to judge others, and hurt them without realizing it.

The Incredible Hulk Enneagram Type 9

This might be surprising, since the type nine is known as the peacemaker, and Hulk is classically known for “Hulking out.” However, this is a little known nine secret that the Hulk character portrays perfectly. Their anger will be stuffed inward over, and over in attempts to control their outworld and avoid conflict. This backfires, eventually resulting the the “Hulk” explosion. Bruce Banner doesn’t want to morph into Hulk, but when he can control his anger no longer, he has no other option. When doing well, nines are known for harmony and inner peace. I would assume the Bruce Banner character experiences this most of the time.

I hope you’ve enjoyed this fun take on enneagram types and superheroes! We are talking about these two subjects non-stop at my house! Maybe it will INSPIRE your next Halloween costume, but more than that, I hope it inspires your day.

What did you think of the Superhero types? Can you think of others that may fall into some of the Enneagram types that I didn’t include?

Who is your favorite superhero?

Learn about all the enneagram types with your own digital download packet.

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