I really wasn't even aware that Batman and Superman had this kind

In the great stories of the ancients, it was often the case that the most unlikely alliances were forged in times of great struggle. Mark Valley, reflecting on the complex relationship between the legendary figures of Batman and Superman, remarks, “I really wasn’t even aware that Batman and Superman had this kind of grudging friendship.” These words evoke a timeless truth: that even the greatest heroes, often driven by pride, purpose, and their own individual quests, can find themselves bound by forces greater than themselves. The grudging friendship between two such iconic figures is not unlike the many alliances of ancient warriors, kings, and rulers—relationships forged not out of ease or mutual affection, but out of necessity and respect for the larger battle at hand.

The ancients knew that the strongest alliances often arose from the conflict between powerful figures. Consider the bond between Achilles and Patroclus, whose friendship transcended the tension of their different roles. Achilles, the fierce and seemingly invincible hero, had a deeply complicated relationship with Patroclus, his companion and confidant. Though they were united by their shared purpose in the Trojan War, there was always a friction beneath the surface—Achilles' pride and Patroclus' selflessness created a dynamic that was both conflicted and yet inseparable. It was through this grudging alliance that they were able to face the trials of war and tragedy. Much like Batman and Superman, their bond was not one of ease, but one born of mutual respect and the shared understanding of their purpose, even when their approaches differed.

In the mythologies of old, there are many such examples of heroes bound by necessity rather than harmony. Hercules and Theseus, though both were great warriors, were often at odds in the way they approached challenges. Their friendship, like that of Batman and Superman, was founded on the recognition that their strengths, while different, were complementary. The ancient Greeks understood that friendship between such figures was never without tension, yet it was this very tension that made their bond essential to their shared cause. The same is true of Batman and Superman: their grudging friendship is not a sign of weakness or discord, but of the understanding that together, despite their differences, they can achieve what neither could alone.

When Valley expresses his surprise at the grudging friendship between these two heroes, he is pointing to a deeper truth about human nature. It is easy to believe that friendships are formed only through shared ideals and perfect harmony. However, in the real world, as in the world of superheroes, some of the most powerful bonds are created when individuals who are different or even antagonistic to one another choose to stand together. The tension between Batman’s brooding darkness and Superman’s idealistic light creates a dynamic that drives their relationship to a deeper level. It is through their differences that they find the strength to face the most dangerous challenges, united in the understanding that their conflict only makes them stronger.

This lesson is one that transcends the world of superheroes. In our own lives, we often find ourselves in relationships, whether friendships, partnerships, or alliances, where there are differences that can cause friction and tension. Yet, it is precisely these differences that can create a strength that is far greater than mere conformity. Just as Batman and Superman must navigate their contrasting views of justice and heroism, so too must we learn to navigate the grudging friendships in our lives. The strength of a relationship is not always found in perfect harmony, but in the mutual respect that allows individuals to work together despite their differences, bound by a common goal.

The lesson from this, as illustrated by Valley’s reflection, is that sometimes the most valuable friendships are not those that come easily, but those that are tested by conflict and tension. In Batman and Superman, we see a reflection of what is often true in our own relationships: difference can create a bond that is even stronger than unity. Grudging friendship, in the face of opposition, is a reminder that true strength is born not from the absence of conflict, but from the ability to find common ground despite it. The two heroes, despite their differing methods and principles, embody the idea that even the greatest rivals can find a shared purpose, and in doing so, become far more formidable than they could ever be alone.

Thus, as we move through our own lives, let us remember the ancient wisdom that grudging friendships, though born from friction and tension, can become the strongest and most enduring bonds. Like Batman and Superman, we may not always agree with those around us, but through mutual respect, understanding, and a shared vision, we can forge relationships that endure, that challenge us, and that ultimately strengthen us in ways we could never anticipate. Let us embrace the power of these relationships, for it is through them that we often find our true strength.