It is impossible to overestimate the influence of cinema on everyday life. People continue to demand spectacles, and the entertainment industry is ready to satisfy any demand. In recent years, the popularity of superhero comic book adaptations has surpassed any, wildest expectations. Indeed, when else, no matter how at the peak of the heyday of computer graphics? Now special effects allow you to revive the most incredible fantasies.
But along with the popularization of the Marvel and DC universes, an avalanche of information that previously only fans of comics had previously possessed burst onto the viewer. For example, is kryptonite just a radioactive stone or something special? As a starting point, of course, you need to explore the Superman story. A considerable amount of information can be gleaned from the series “Smallville Secrets”.
The origin of kryptonite
The first mention of the mysterious mineral appeared in DC comics. The story of a boy from the planet Krypton, whom his parents managed to send in a rescue capsule shortly before the destruction of his native planet. The farmers found the baby on Earth, adopted and gave him the name Clark Kent. So begins the story of Superman. The wreckage of the planet Krypton, which was thrown by an explosion through the Universe, called "kryptonite". This is a mineral that emits radiation harmful to Kryptonians due to interaction with our Sun.
The authors constantly increased Superman's abilities, and so that his adventures did not seem so simple, something corresponding had to be opposed as a universal weapon against the powerful Krypton. With the development of history, ever new barriers and dangers were required, therefore, in addition to other factors, kryptonite was involved. What it is? It is logical to assume that Krypton was not a monolith from a single substance, like the Earth, it consisted of different minerals. It turns out that it makes no sense to be limited to only one grade of a dangerous substance, and you can give free rein to imagination.
Types of Kryptonite
The series “Secrets of Smallville” gives a whole classification of various types of Krypton minerals, they differ in color and effect on the body of Superman and all his compatriots. Green kryptonite is a kind of basic element that first appeared in comics. Of course, on Krypton itself, he did not pose any danger to the inhabitants, because the planet revolved around a red star. Kryptonite acquires its fatal properties only on Earth, under the influence of radiation from our hotter yellow star.
A green mineral can deprive the Kryptonian of all superpowers, greatly weaken it, and even kill it with prolonged exposure. Red kryptonite removes moral restrictions, and black - splits the essence into evil and good. In a word, for any plot twist in the DC universe, a kind of kryptonite was found. This is a very convenient way to justify anything and create a lot of new plot moves.
Capacious metaphor
Comic book terminology can be embedded in real life. For example, in America, “kryptonite” is a kind of metaphor that has become widespread instead of the “Achilles heel”. That is, we are talking about something that can weaken, deprive strength, make defenseless. The victorious procession of superhero films around the planet quickly transferred this metaphor to the Russian language, although it was not so widespread.
Kryptonite in real life
Most likely, the creators of the planet Krypton in the title relied on the Greek language, in translation this word means "hidden". Chemists were guided by approximately the same considerations when they named the inert gas. This is an element of the periodic system with atomic number 36.
Under the brand name Kryptonite, very strong locks for bicycles and other two-wheeled vehicles are sold. Kryptonit Castle is considered the most reliable among other U-models, and the company has repeatedly won international competitions.