History Main / SevenHeavenlyVirtues

* The {{shonen}} manga series ''Manga/KatekyoHitmanReborn'' has the seven protagonists (battling for the right to inherit a powerful [[TheMafia mafia]] family) embody the SevenHeavenlyVirtues (in opposition to the antagonists, who embody the SevenDeadlySins).

** The anime would later get a SpinOff [[Anime/SevenHeavenlyVirtues series]] with the seven Virtues as the main characters. Unlike the first anime, it's a lighthearted series focused entirely in comedic and [[{{Fanservice}} Fanservicey]] hijinks involving the angels.

* ''Literature/TheDivineComedy'',

* '''[[TurnTheOtherCheek Patience]]''' (Latin: ''Patientia''): Being Peaceful in Goal. A willingness to forgive and show mercy. In the face of adversity they may hesitate, but in the end, they will endorse stability, reject revenge, and accept the faults of others without prejudice. Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. Accepting the grace to forgive; to show mercy to sinners. Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism. This virtue is almost always held by TheMedic, {{Actual Pacifist}}s, the IronWoobie, and anyone who subscribed to ThouShaltNotKill. The major fight involving this virtue will involve [[SheatheYourSword sheathing your sword]]. And if, in the end, a true follower of this virtue cannot win the fight on their terms, they will FaceDeathWithDignity. The angel who embodies the virtue of Patience is Azriel. '''Opposite of [[HairTriggerTemper Wrath]].'''

* In ''Manga/FullmetalAlchemist'', Alphonse Elric has all seven.

* '''[[NatureLovesAVirgin Chastity]]''' (Latin: ''Castitas''): Being Unhindered by Worldly Desires. The ability to overcome temptation and show self-discipline. Note that the fulfilment of the virtue is not through lack of being tempted, but rather of making the conscious decision to better yourself rather than do what you know is morally wrong. Abstaining from sexual conduct according to one's state in life; the practice of courtly love and romantic friendship. Cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants. To be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, and to all of humanity. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought-through education and betterment. The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption. Tropes associated with Chastity include KnightInShiningArmor types, TheFettered, ChasteHero, CelibateHero, HeroicVow, HeroicResolve, TheIngenue, PuritySue, IncorruptiblePurePureness, VirginPower, TheParagon, OnlyThePureOfHeart. The angel who embodies the virtue of Chastity is [[ArchangelUriel Uriel]]. '''Opposite of {{Lust}}.'''

* '''[[CelibateHero Chastity]]''' (Latin: ''Castitas''): Being Unhindered by Worldly Desires. The ability to overcome temptation and show self-discipline. Note that the fulfilment of the virtue is not through lack of being tempted, but rather of making the conscious decision to better yourself rather than do what you know is morally wrong. Abstaining from sexual conduct according to one's state in life; the practice of courtly love and romantic friendship. Cleanliness through cultivated good health and hygiene, and maintained by refraining from intoxicants. To be honest with oneself, one's family, one's friends, and to all of humanity. Embracing of moral wholesomeness and achieving purity of thought-through education and betterment. The ability to refrain from being distracted and influenced by hostility, temptation or corruption. Tropes associated with Chastity include KnightInShiningArmor types, TheFettered, ChasteHero, CelibateHero, HeroicVow, HeroicResolve, TheIngenue, PuritySue, IncorruptiblePurePureness, VirginPower, TheParagon, OnlyThePureOfHeart. The angel who embodies the virtue of Chastity is [[ArchangelUriel Uriel]]. '''Opposite of {{Lust}}.'''

* A 2009 ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'' storyline featuring the [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Marvel Family]] debuted the Seven Sacred Virtues of Man, the GoodCounterpart to the classic Shazam rogues the Seven Deadly Enemies of Man. They were found trapped at the Rock of Finality, the EvilCounterpart to the Rock of Eternity. However, their appeared just as the New 52 was starting up so didn't get too much exploration.

Subtrope of VirtueViceCodification. For the living personification of these (or other) virtues, see EmbodimentOfVirtue. For the evil counterpart, see SevenDeadlySins. See also TheCardinalVirtues.

* A ''ComicBook/JusticeSocietyOfAmerica'' storyline featuring the [[ComicBook/{{Shazam}} Marvel Family]] introduced the Rock of Finality, EvilCounterpart to the Rock of Eternity. Within the Rock were statues of the Seven Sacred Virtues of Man, which presumably trapped the AnthropomorphicPersonifications of the Virtues in the same way as their counterparts trap the Sins. The virtues presented here are the theological/cardinal ones, rather than the more obvious direct opposites of the Seven Deadly Sins.

* From Creator/TerryPratchett's Literature/{{Discworld}}: In the country of Lancre, one family went and named their daughters after the SevenHeavenlyVirtues, Faith, Hope, Charity, Prudence so forth. And out of a misinformed sense of continuity, named their sons along the lines of Bestiality, Anger (among others). Subverted, because each child went on to embody the opposite of their name; for example, Hope became a manic depressive, while Bestiality was always very kind to animals. This may have been part of a long-standing naming tradition: a patriarch of the family is named as Miscegenation Carter.

* '''[[HumbleHero Humility]]''' (Latin: ''Humilitas''): Being Modest in Self. What is [[FamedInStory fame]], but trapping for the weak? While those with this virtue may not seem like much at first, when all bets are down they will triumph over the loud and crass - if not in sheer power, then at least in poise. This virtue in its purest form is not self-hatred (a common mistake made by those with good intentions but self-esteem problems), but rather a sense of inner knowledge that one does not need to prove their greatness/badassitude to the outside world to actually be great/badass ([[DoubleSubvertedTrope unless of course you achieve this state by considering yourself so far above other people that their opinions no longer matter to you]]). Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less (although the former is of course an important first step in achieving the latter). It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermeneutic of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with. The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self; evaluating one's own accomplishments no differently than if they were someone else's accomplishments. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation. The common consensus is that of all the virtues, humility is the most important as it tends to be the foundation that supports the others. Humility allows one to admit they are not perfect and the willingness to learn from mistakes to be a better person. Almost every beloved IdealHero and [[TheParagon Paragon]] from pretty much medium has humility as a defining trait. Fitting as it's opposite is considered the worst of the seven deadly sins and the FatalFlaw of almost every famous villain. The SupportingLeader, TheCowl, and TheDrifter often personify this trope. When used to an extreme, may result in ObfuscatingStupidity. The angel who embodies the virtue of Humility is [[ArchangelRaphael Raphael]]. '''Opposite of {{Pride}}.'''

* Whenever he discusses these or the SevenDeadlySins in his various works, ''Creator/CSLewis'' does what he is wont to do, which is to say give a very insightful analysis. First he notes that many acts that would appear to be Greed on the surface are actually Pride, as there is a certain point in the FictionFiveHundred past which the only meaningful difference further increasing your wealth will make is being able to say that you have more money than the next guy. Second, he points out that the biggest virtue and it's counterpart biggest sin, Humility and Pride, both had a lesser and greater subtype. For humility, there is the less-virtuous variety wherein one has a low self-opinion, but then there is the more virtuous type wherein one has almost no self opinion at all, if any. The less sinful variety of Pride is [[InferioritySuperiorityComplex where you want everyone to know how awesome you are and get upset when they think otherwise]], whereas the more sinful one is where you consider yourself so far above other people that you think their opinions of you to be as worthless and inconsequential as they themselves are. Third, he points out [[SummonBiggerFish the dangers of trying to quash one of the other sins by appealing to pride, in other words by convincing yourself that such behavior is "beneath" you]].

* '''[[HumbleHero Humility]]''' (Latin: ''Humilitas''): Being Modest in Self. What is [[FamedInStory fame]], but trapping for the weak? While those with this virtue may not seem like much at first, when all bets are down they will triumph over the loud and crass - if not in sheer power, then at least in poise. This virtue in its purest form is not self-hatred (a common mistake made by those with good intentions but self-esteem problems), but rather a sense of inner knowledge that one does not need to prove their greatness/badassitude to the outside world to actually be great/badass. Modest behavior, selflessness, and the giving of respect. Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. It is a spirit of self-examination; a hermeneutic of suspicion toward yourself and charity toward people you disagree with. The courage of the heart necessary to undertake tasks which are difficult, tedious or unglamorous, and to graciously accept the sacrifices involved. Reverence for those who have wisdom and those who selflessly teach in love. Giving credit where credit is due; not unfairly glorifying one's own self. Being faithful to promises, no matter how big or small they may be. Refraining from despair and the ability to confront fear and uncertainty, or intimidation. The common consensus is that of all the virtues, humility is the most important as it tends to be the foundation that supports the others. Humility allows one to admit they are not perfect and the willingness to learn from mistakes to be a better person. Almost every beloved IdealHero and [[TheParagon Paragon]] from pretty much medium has humility as a defining trait. Fitting as it's opposite is considered the worst of the seven deadly sins and the FatalFlaw of almost every famous villain. The SupportingLeader, TheCowl, and TheDrifter often personify this trope. When used to an extreme, may result in ObfuscatingStupidity. The angel who embodies the virtue of Humility is [[ArchangelRaphael Raphael]]. '''Opposite of {{Pride}}.'''

* The Heaven\Hell building game ''VideoGame/{{Afterlife}}'' goes through most of the seven in the lead for the ones that make up Heaven's reward structures. The differences are Peacefulness as a contrast to Wrath, and Contentment for Envy.

Subtrope of VirtueViceCodification. For the living personification of these (or other) virtues, see EmbodimentOfVirtue. For the evil counterpart, see SevenDeadlySins.

** In ''Paradiso'', five of the seven spheres of Heaven each act as home to saved souls who embody the ideal in the heavenly virtues, Spheres Four through Seven representing the Four Cardinal Virtues (Prudence, Fortitude, Justice and Temperance in that order) and the Eighth Sphere representing the three theological virtues (Faith, Love and Hope).

* In Dante's ''Literature/TheDivineComedy'', the seven virtues appear as beautiful maidens dancing around Beatrice's chariot in her triumphal procession at the end of Purgatory.

* [[http://pat7.deviantart.com/art/The-Seven-Virtues-192127336 This web illustration]] shows each of the Seven Virtues depicted by a Franchise/DisneyPrincess. In order; [[Film/{{Enchanted}} Giselle]] is Charity, Disney/{{Pocahontas}} is Chastity, [[Disney/ThePrincessAndTheFrog Tiana]] is Dilligence, Disney/{{Mulan}} is Humility, [[Disney/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame Esmeralda]] is Kindness, [[Disney/{{Tangled}} Rapunzel]] is Patience and [[Disney/BeautyAndTheBeast Belle]] is Temperance.

* ''WesternAnimation/MyLittlePonyFriendshipIsMagic'': the [[TrueCompanions six lead characters]] each represent one of these virtues (except Humility), sometimes through the elements of harmony (Fluttershy's and Rarity's are actually the names of two of the virtues, which are Kindness and Charity [which is sometimes referred to as Generosity])

* In ''LightNovel/KumoDesuGaNaniKa'' Skills corresponding to these virtues exist and can be earned or purchased with skill points. They are {{Game Breaker}}s but also warp the user's soul over time to match the virtue, much like the [[SevenDeadlySins sin skills]].

* '''[[TurnTheOtherCheek Patience]]''' (Latin: ''Patientia''): Being Peaceful in Goal. A willingness to forgive and show mercy. In the face of adversity they may hesitate, but in the end, they will endorse stability, reject revenge, and accept the faults of others without prejudice. Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. Accepting the grace to forgive; to show mercy to sinners. Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism. This virtue is almost always held by TheMedic, {{Actual Pacifist}}s, the IronWoobie, and anyone who subscribed to ThouShaltNotKill. The major fight involving this virtue will involve [[SheatheYourSword sheathing your sword]]. And if, in the end, a true follower of this virtue cannot win the fight on their terms, they will FaceDeathWithDignity. The angel who embodies the virtue of Patience is Azriel. '''Opposite of [[RevengeBeforeReason Wrath]].'''

* '''[[{{Determinator}} Diligence]]''' (Latin: ''Industria''): Being Steadfast in Work. Despite the problems that surface, no matter [[ScrewDestiny what stands in their way]], one with this virtue will accomplish their goals and stay true to their core beliefs. If there is work to be done, they will do their best to get it finished, and properly. A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity). Tropes associated with Diligence include TheCape, TheCaptain, TheGoodKing, TheHighQueen, TheWisePrince, ThePaladin, TheParagon, ThePatriarch, ReasonableAuthorityFigure, TheGoodChancellor, BenevolentBoss, and those that have JumpedAtTheCall. This is also the virtue most likely to be held by the AntiHero. The angel who embodies the virtue of Diligence is [[ArchangelGabriel Gabriel]]. '''Opposite of [[LazyBum Sloth]].'''

* '''[[TurnTheOtherCheek Patience]]''' (Latin: ''Patientia''): Being Peaceful in Goal. A willingness to forgive and show mercy. In the face of adversity they may hesitate, but in the end, they will endorse stability, reject revenge, and accept the faults of others without prejudice. Forbearance and endurance through moderation. Resolving conflicts and injustice peacefully, as opposed to resorting to violence. Accepting the grace to forgive; to show mercy to sinners. Creating a sense of peaceful stability and community rather than suffering, hostility, and antagonism. This virtue is almost always held by TheMedic, {{Actual Pacifist}}s, the IronWoobie, and anyone who subscribed to ThouShaltNotKill. The major fight involving this virtue will involve [[SheatheYourSword sheathing your sword]]. And if, in the end, a true follower of this virtue cannot win the fight on their terms, they will FaceDeathWithDignity. The angel who embodies the virtue of Patience is Azriel. '''Opposite of [[UnstoppableRage Wrath]].'''

* '''[[TheDeterminator Diligence]]''' (Latin: ''Industria''): Being Steadfast in Work. Despite the problems that surface, no matter [[ScrewDestiny what stands in their way]], one with this virtue will accomplish their goals and stay true to their core beliefs. If there is work to be done, they will do their best to get it finished, and properly. A zealous and careful nature in one's actions and work; decisive work ethic, steadfastness in belief, fortitude, and the capability of not giving up. Budgeting one's time; monitoring one's own activities to guard against laziness. Upholding one's convictions at all times, especially when no one else is watching (integrity). Tropes associated with Diligence include TheCape, TheCaptain, TheGoodKing, TheHighQueen, TheWisePrince, ThePaladin, TheParagon, ThePatriarch, ReasonableAuthorityFigure, TheGoodChancellor, BenevolentBoss, and those that have JumpedAtTheCall. This is also the virtue most likely to be held by the AntiHero. The angel who embodies the virtue of Diligence is [[ArchangelGabriel Gabriel]]. '''Opposite of [[LazyBum Sloth]].'''

** Temperence: Despite his wild demeanor, Darunia is dedicated to the protection of his people and is open to making new allies. He becomes a Sworn Brother to Link after the latter defeats King Dodongo.

** Dilligence: Impa devoted her life to protecting Princess Zelda and to defending Kakariko Village.

* Each of the Seven Sages in VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaOcarinaOfTime represent one virtue.

* '''[[TheHeart Kindness]]''' (Latin: ''Humanitas''): Being Good Towards All Life. [[ThinkHappyThoughts Everything will be okay somehow!]] is the motto of those that follow this virtue. Whether times are good or tough, those holding this virtue true to heart will endure in wishing the best for everyone. Charity, compassion and friendship for its own sake. Empathy and trust without prejudice or resentment. Unselfish love and voluntary kindness without bias or spite. Having positive outlooks and cheerful demeanor; to inspire kindness in others. Embodied by the BrokenHero and ThePollyanna as well as the FriendToAllLivingThings. [[ClassAndLevelSystem Leveling up]] this virtue to max grants the ability CareBearStare. While this virtue may seem light-hearted, beware: if the strength of this virtue in a cute person is not enough, yet they depend on it in the face of adversity, it will BreakTheCutie. The angel who embodies the virtue of Kindness is Ramiel. '''Opposite of [[GreenEyedMonster Envy]].'''