Someone who can't be killed is called an immortal.
An immortal is fundamentally one who cannot die. This term describes a being or entity that possesses the characteristic of eternal life, meaning they are exempt from death and the process of dying.
Understanding Immortality
The concept of immortality fascinates humanity, representing an existence free from the ultimate limitation of death. While often explored in myths and fiction, it raises profound questions about life, time, and consciousness.
Biological vs. Absolute Immortality
It's important to distinguish between different forms of immortality. Biological immortality refers to a state where an organism's aging process halts or reverses, meaning they do not die of old age. However, such beings could still be killed by external factors like disease, injury, or violence. In contrast, absolute immortality implies an inability to die from any cause whatsoever, rendering the individual truly un-killable.
Here's a comparison of terms related to the concept of not dying:
| Term | Core Meaning | Key Distinction from "Can't Be Killed" |
|---|---|---|
| Immortal | One who cannot die; possessing eternal life. | Directly means exempt from all forms of death. |
| Undying | Not subject to death; everlasting. | Often used interchangeably with immortal; sometimes implies a state of not perishing rather than inability to be killed. |
| Invulnerable | Incapable of being wounded or damaged. | Can be harmed or destroyed by specific means; not necessarily immune to death, just incredibly difficult to injure. |
| Resurrectionist | One who can return from the dead. | Experiences death but can be brought back to life; not truly "un-killable" as death occurs. |
Immortality in Culture and Fiction
Across various cultures and literary works, the idea of beings who cannot be killed is a recurring motif. These characters often serve to explore themes of power, wisdom, loneliness, and the very meaning of existence. For further reading on the broader concept, you can refer to the Wikipedia article on Immortality.
Common examples include:
- Deities and Mythological Figures: Many gods in ancient pantheons (e.g., the Greek Olympians) are depicted as immortal, enjoying eternal life and youth unless specifically defied or subjected to unique circumstances.
- Fictional Races: Races like Elves in J.R.R. Tolkien's works are often considered immortal, not dying of old age but susceptible to death from violence or profound sorrow.
- Supernatural Beings: Vampires, while often requiring specific means to be "killed" (like a stake through the heart or sunlight), are generally portrayed as having an eternal, undying existence.
- Science Fiction Characters: Some characters in science fiction achieve immortality through advanced technology, regeneration, or consciousness transfer, making them exceptionally difficult or impossible to kill permanently.
The concept of immortality remains a powerful theme in human imagination, exploring the boundaries of life and existence.
