2023’s Shazam! Fury of the Gods explored the titular hero and his family’s connection to the ancient gods that granted them powers. The Wizard known as Mamaragan (originally Shazam) gathered magic abilities from six gods, demigods, and mythological figures and bestowed them upon the young, pure-hearted Billy Batson.
While Shazam has used these powerful gifts from the gods for decades, he’s also had to find other sources of power as well. During the New 52’s Darkseid War event, Shazam became the God of Gods after losing his original abilities. He then called on the powers of a different pantheon of cosmic beings to regain his role as Shazam.
The Wisdom Of Solomon
Formerly: The Strength of S'ivaa
The Biblical king Solomon is a spiritual elder of Earth. His gift of wisdom granted the various Champions of Shazam enhanced intellect as well as a few additional abilities. Shazam gained the unique gift of clairvoyance that sometimes resulted in prophetic visions. Solomon also provided advice as needed and gave Shazam the ability to both speak and understand all languages.
The last of the Old Gods, S’ivaa was the Dancer of Destruction. He slept for centuries when the New Gods came into being, though he returned to share his power with Shazam after he became the God of Gods. Batson gained the strength of S’ivaa, which allowed him to maintain his status as the “World’s Mightiest Mortal.”
The Strength of Hercules
Formerly: The Fires of H'ronmeer
Hercules is a powerful Greek warrior and the demigod son of Zeus. He also shared his gift with the Wizard to bestow onto Billy Batson as Shazam. Hercules is known across the ages for his incredible strength, and Shazam benefited greatly from his ongoing gift. Shazam is capable of standing up to powerful heroes like Superman and Wonder Woman due to Hercules’ strength.
When Shazam sought out new sources of power during the Darkseid War, his abilities changed quite a bit. The “H” in his name no longer stood for Hercules, but instead the Martian God of Fire, H’ronmeer. Shazam gained the pyrokinetic ability to create and manipulate flame, which he usually displayed by breathing a devastating thermal blast.
The Stamina Of Atlas
Formerly: The Compassion of Anapel
While the strength of Hercules allowed Shazam to face powerful threats like Black Adam, it wasn’t his only weapon in the battle. The Stamina of Atlas allowed Shazam to survive without food or water for extended periods of time. However, it also granted him the superhuman durability needed to withstand powerful punches from characters like Superman.
When Shazam switched the deities that empowered him, he gained a new gift from a Siberian Goddess named Anapel. Her Compassion gave him similar gifts to Solomon’s Wisdom. However, Anapel's gifts also improved Shazam's memory and strengthened his battle strategies through increased war tactics.
The Power Of Zeus
Formerly: The Source Manipulation of Zonuz
One of Shazam’s most powerful gifts is his ability to control the living lightning which also transforms Billy Batson into his adult form. The Power of Zeus fuels all of Shazam’s abilities through the magical transformation, though he can also manipulate the lightning in various ways. His magical potential is also enhanced by Zeus’ power, allowing him to cast spells with greater potency.
To replace Zeus’ incredible power, Shazam went to the Source Wall, which imprisoned gods and titans from the past. Zonuz was the Old God of Evil who became the New God Yuga Khan, the father of Darkseid. Zonuz’s gifts further powered the abilities shared by Shazam’s new pantheon that allowed him to manipulate the very energies of the universe.
The Courage of Achilles
Formerly: The Boldness of Atë
Billy Batson’s pure heart made him the best choice for The Wizard’s Champion, though he was still a child. As Shazam, he faced quite a few terrifying threats that the Courage of Achilles helped him take on. His inner willpower was also strengthened, allowing him to withstand both mental and chemical-based attacks. Just one of the many perks of wielding the power of Shazam.
Much like the Courage of Achilles, Shazam could use the Boldness of Atë to bolster his inner strength as needed. Atë is the Greek goddess of impulse, which gave Shazam an indomitable will that enhanced his indestructible form. He also gained immortality from Atë while in his adult Shazam form. The Boldness of Atë also increased Shazam’s reflexes to superhuman levels.
The Speed Of Mercury
Formerly: The Mystic Lightning of Mamaragan
Shazam gained incredible speed from Mercury, the messenger of the Roman Gods. Mercury is an avatar of the Olympian Hermes, the speedy demigod son of Zeus. Shazam has the same speed as a lightning bolt, which allows him to keep up with fast DC speedsters like Kid Flash. The Speed of Mercury also grants Shazam the ability to fly and increases his superhuman reflexes.
The Wizard was formerly known as Mamaragan, and he allowed Shazam to retain his control of the living lightning during the Darkseid War event. Billy Batson continued to use Mamaragan’s mystic lightning to transform into Shazam and manipulate electricity. The mystic lightning also allowed him to continue sharing his abilities with the other members of the Shazam Family.