History Main / SevenHeavenlyVirtues

* 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 have 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, such that they look upon their own accomplishments no differently than if they'd been someone else's accomplishments. 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]].

--> '''Cardinal''': Prudence, Justice, Temperance, and Courage.
--> '''Theological''': Faith, Hope, and Love (also called Charity).

* '''[[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 [[DrivenByEnvy Envy]].'''

* '''[[AFriendInNeed Charity]]''' (Latin: ''Caritas''): Being Generous Towards Others. A willingness, or even desire, to help others and better the world, no matter the cost to your personal self. The path of a graceful and noble spirit. The GoodSamaritan is this virtue personified. Generosity, charity, self-sacrifice; the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving. In Christian theology, charity—or love (agäpé) -- is the greatest of the three theological virtues. Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. Such love is self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love". The love that is "caritas" is distinguished by its origin – being divinely infused into the soul – and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation, and with it, no one can be lost. This virtue is the mainstay of TheAtoner. An extremely strong sense of Charity, to the point, that it overcomes common sense, becomes HonorBeforeReason. Using this virtue as an excuse for suicidal tendencies or poor planning results in MartyrWithoutACause, although in a MartyrdomCulture this virtue will more easily extend to a DeathSeeker. Tropes associated with Charity include SamaritanSyndrome, AllLovingHero, IdealHero, ChronicHeroSyndrome, TheDulcineaEffect, TheHero, TheHeart, FriendToAllLivingThings, FriendToAllChildren, ThePollyanna, TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth, MessianicArchetype. The angel who embodies the virtue of Charity is [[ArchangelMichael Michael]]. '''Opposite of {{Greed}}.'''
* '''[[NatureAdoresAVirgin 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, VirginInAWhiteDress. The angel who embodies the virtue of Chastity is [[ArchangelUriel Uriel]]. '''Opposite of {{Lust}}.'''

* '''[[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 its 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}}.'''

If one is to consider the optional "eighth [[SevenDeadlySins Deadly Sin]]" of [[DespairEventHorizon Despair]] added by Orthodox Christianity to be canon, then logically, its corresponding Virtue will be '''[[HopeSpringsEternal Hope]]''' which is like Diligence in that it involves not giving up or stopping, but whereas Diligence would embody those who continue their arduous tasks despite their growing despair and doubt, Hope would embody not even having said doubt or despair in the first place. And where Diligence encompasses the avoidance of [[LazyBum laziness]] and [[TheSlacker idleness]], Hope would embody the resistance of more grave woes like [[TheWoobie depression]], [[DirtyCoward cowardice]], and [[DeathbyDespair in some cases,]] [[DrivenToSuicide suicide]]. An example of diligence without hope would be a combatant putting [[TheLastDance all of their hardest effort]] into their uphill battle against their foe despite believing in their hearts that they will ultimately lose in the end - a hardworking defeatist. On the other hand, an example of hope without diligence would be being so [[SuicidalOverconfidence blindly sure]] of one's apparently "certain" victory that they don't even put their full effort into trying - a lazy optimist. Similarly to how its corresponding vice often gets lumped in with Sloth for being too similar, the same tends to happen with Hope and Diligence. It doesn't help that Hope as a Holy Virtue is far less popular than its sinful counterpart Despair, thanks in no part to the [[EvilIsCool popularity of the Deadly Sins overshadowing that of the Heavenly Virtues]].

* In ''Anime/SevenMortalSins'', the Virtues are mentioned to be the titular Sins' heavenly counterparts. Lucifer was their leader prior to being cast down into Hell, with Michael taking over the group. [[GenderFlip She]] is the only Virtue that appears in the series itself, with bonus art and a second figure collection revealing the designs for the other six Virtues.

* '''[[HeroicVow Temperance]]''' (Latin: ''Temperantia''): Being Controlled in Self. The moral decision slopes encountered through life are slippery, and it is easy to descend into unintended but [[WellIntentionedExtremist well-intentioned extremism]]. Restraint, temperance, justice. Constant mindfulness of others and one's surroundings; practicing self-control, abstention, moderation and deferred gratification. Prudence to judge between actions with regard to appropriate actions at a given time. Proper moderation between self-interest, versus public-interest, and against the rights and needs of others. That analogy considered, this virtue is like using [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crampons crampons]] made out of justice. Those in command of this virtue realize the legitimacy in several different points of view and maintain a neutral perspective dealing with issues that might cause HeroicBSOD in others. This virtue often leads to being able to TakeAThirdOption. This virtue is a speciality of a BadassPacifist and usually the GuileHero. The angel who embodies the virtue of Temperance is Cassiel. '''Opposite of [[VillainousGlutton Gluttony]].'''

* '''[[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. Usually [[VillainousVirtues Patience is common among villains]] in media since Heroes portrayed in media are usually HotBlooded or [[HairTriggerTemper have short tempers]], while villains are calm, cool and collected [[ChessMaster chessmasters]]. The angel who embodies the virtue of Patience is Azriel. '''Opposite of [[HairTriggerTemper Wrath]].'''

* [[Literature/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero Naofumi Iwatani]] possesses all of these Virtues throughout ''Fanfic/FamilyOfTheShield'', due simply to the fact that unlike in-Canon he wasn't ''[[CynicismCatalyst directly]]'' betrayed due to his wariness of Malty from the get-go, and having taken measures to ensure his stuff isn't stolen [[InSpiteOfANail save for 20 Silvers he was unable to store]]. This results in Naofumi [[AdaptationalNiceGuy being a more cheerful individual]] when folks interact with him or his new family in a positive manner.

* [[Literature/TheRisingOfTheShieldHero Naofumi Iwatani]] possesses all of these Virtues throughout ''Fanfic/FamilyOfTheShield'', due simply to the fact that unlike in-Canon he wasn't ''[[CynicismCatalyst directly]]'' betrayed due to his wariness of Malty from the get-go, and having taken measures to ensure his stuff isn't stolen [[InSpiteOfANail save for 20 Silvers he was unable to store]]. This results in Naofumi [[AdaptationalNiceGuy being a more cheerful individual]] when folks interact with him or his family in a positive manner.

* '''[[AFriendInNeed Charity]]''' (Latin: ''Caritas''): Being Generous Towards Others. A willingness, or even desire, to help others and better the world, no matter the cost to your personal self. The path of a graceful and noble spirit. The GoodSamaritan is this virtue personified. Generosity, charity, self-sacrifice; the term should not be confused with the more restricted modern use of the word charity to mean benevolent giving. In Christian theology, charity—or love (agäpé) -- is the greatest of the three theological virtues. Love, in the sense of an unlimited loving kindness towards all others, is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit, because it is said to both glorify and reflect the nature of God. Such love is self-sacrificial. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love". The love that is "caritas" is distinguished by its origin – being divinely infused into the soul – and by its residing in the will rather than emotions, regardless of what emotions it stirs up. This love is necessary for salvation, and with it, no one can be lost. This virtue is the mainstay of TheAtoner, and HurtingHero. An extremely strong sense of Charity, to the point, that it overcomes common sense, becomes HonorBeforeReason. Using this virtue as an excuse for suicidal tendencies or poor planning results in MartyrWithoutACause, although in a MartyrdomCulture this virtue will more easily extend to a DeathSeeker. Tropes associated with Charity include SamaritanSyndrome, AllLovingHero, IdealHero, ChronicHeroSyndrome, TheDulcineaEffect, TheHero, TheHeart, FriendToAllLivingThings, FriendToAllChildren, ThePollyanna, TooGoodForThisSinfulEarth, MessianicArchetype. The angel who embodies the virtue of Charity is [[ArchangelMichael Michael]]. '''Opposite of {{Greed}}.'''

* In Garth Nix’s ''Literature/KeysToTheKingdom'' series, the SevenHeavenlyVirtues are exemplified by the seven pieces of the Will, although an alternate system is used with the four Cardinal Virtues and the three Theological virtues. In order of appearance; Fortitude, Prudence, Faith, Justice, Temperance, Charity, and Hope. These characters are highly unbalanced and are supposed to become more reasonable as they merge into one entity.\\

* In ''LightNovel/SoImASpiderSoWhat'' 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]]. While the Sin line of skills cause the bearer to become a threat to those around them, the Virtue line is more likely to make someone a threat to ''themselves'': The deuteragonist, Shun, earned the skill Kindness and is seemingly compelled to show mercy to those who have not earned it, would not learn from it and would continue to be a threat to him and others unless stopped. The teacher has Charity and is so obsessed with helping her students that she neglects her own emotional needs, even undergoing a breakdown when she fails to do a perfect job of taking care of them. Meanwhile, Merazofis's Patience is a sign of his insanity as he works tirelessly on self improvement, which is incredibly painful and puts him under high physical, emotional and mental stress as he gives up ''sleeping'' and much of his humanity in order to keep pushing himself harder.

The Seven Heavenly Virtues is a classic interpretation of [[NumerologicalMotif seven]] basic concepts that will lead your soul to glory. They differ somewhat from the three theological virtues (love, hope, faith) and the four cardinal virtues (prudence, justice, temperance and fortitude) combined.

* ''WesternAnimation/HeyArnold''

* In ''VideoGame/FinalFantasyXI'', you can fight a series of Notorious Monsters who are all called "Jailer of X", all named after the different Virtues. After you defeat the last of the Jailers, the Jailer of Love, [[BonusBoss Absolute Virtue]] will immediately spawn to take on the party.

* In ''LightNovel/SoImASpiderSoWhat'' 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]].

** 1. Chaste: Understandably, a malus to fertility (chance of producing additional children). Also a small boost to Learning (which reflects technological prowess). Sees a monthly increase in Piety (the "currency" for religious activities), and an opinion bonus with all members of the Christian church. Muslim characters, who are not expected to be chaste, cannot attain this trait.
** 2. Temperate: A moderate boost to Stewardship (which reflects skill at administration), and an opinion bonus with all chaplains and rulers of religious holdings, regardless of their faith.
** 3. Charitable: A large boost to Diplomacy (which reflects skill at... [[ShapedLikeItself diplomacy]]), and (again) an opinion bonus with all chaplains and rulers of religious holdings, regardless of their faith. However, this character shouldn't ever go dueling, because they take a big hit to their personal combat skill.
** 4. Diligent: A small boost to every skill across the board. Also a small boost to the opinion of all vassals.
** 5. Patient: A small boost to every skill across the board except for Martial, though there are indirect boosts to personal combat skill and unit defense to offset this.
** 6. Kind: A moderate boost to Diplomacy but a moderate hit to Intrigue (which reflects skill at subterfuge), but a small boost to the opinion of all vassals. Also takes a hit to personal combat skill, but whoever heard of a kind duelist?
** 7. Humble: The most "neutral" virtue in gameplay terms. A small monthly Piety bonus, with no other net positives or negatives.

* A FantasyCounterpartReligion of this appears in ''Literature/ThePrioryOfTheOrangeTree'' with the Virtues of Knighthood. The virtues are Courage, Justice, Temperance, Generosity, Courtesy, and Fellowship. Followers take one as a patron and wear their badge, and characters who follow Virtudom often refer to their patron during times of stress.

** Humility: [[spoiler: Princess Zelda gave up her royal status and life, taking on the identity of Sheik and working alongside Link to defeat Ganondorf.]]

* [[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, WesternAnimation/{{Pocahontas}} is Chastity, [[WesternAnimation/ThePrincessAndTheFrog Tiana]] is Dilligence, WesternAnimation/{{Mulan}} is Humility, [[WesternAnimation/TheHunchbackOfNotreDame Esmeralda]] is Kindness, [[WesternAnimation/{{Tangled}} Rapunzel]] is Patience and [[WesternAnimation/BeautyAndTheBeast Belle]] is Temperance.

[[folder: Toys]]

* In Creator/AAPessimal's ''Literature/{{Discworld}}'' fic '''[[https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9998634/1/Hear-them-chatter-on-the-tide Hear Them Chatter On the Tide]]''', the Discworld's ''Eight'' Graces are tasked with restoring their number back to eight, [[spoiler: after a pissed-off God turned one into a shoal of oysters. They are aided by, err, a ''Music/BlueOysterCult'']]. The [[SevenDeadlySins Eight Deadly Sins]] turn up to thwart their rival gang, however. The chosen battlefield is the city Zoo (Aquatic Bivalves and Deep Sea Life Galleries).

* '''[[NatureAdoresAVirgin 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}}.'''