Fictional Metals Trivia Quiz

Answer: Vibranium

Vibranium is one of the most sought-after metals in the Marvel universe. It is known for its ability to absorb vibration and kinetic energy which makes it virtually indestructible as it disperses the force of any impact. The most famous item made from vibranium is Captain America's shield, which can withstand explosions, gunfire and even the blows of super-powered beings.

Vibranium first appeared in "Daredevil" #13 (1966), but became more famous after the introduction of Wakanda and its ruler, Black Panther, in "Fantastic Four" #53 (1966). Black Panther, also known as T'Challa, is the king of Wakanda and a superhero who uses a vibranium-enhanced suit that gives him superior strength, agility and protection. Wakanda is a mysterious, advanced African nation that has built its power and prosperity around vibranium. Another version of the metal - Antarctic vibranium (or "anti-metal"), has the rare ability to disintegrate other metals on contact.

Answer: Mithril

Mithril is a legendary metal from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings" (1954), a classic fantasy novel set in the world of Middle-earth. Known for being as light as a feather yet stronger than steel, mithril was highly prized and incredibly rare. One of the most famous mithril objects is a chainmail shirt given to Frodo Baggins, a humble hobbit and the main hero of the story, by his uncle Bilbo. This shirt saved Frodo's life on several occasions by fending off deadly attacks.

Mithril is described as a shiny silver metal of extraordinary strength. It was mined and forged by the Dwarves, a proud and skilled race of underground craftsmen, in their great city of Khazad-dûm (later known as Moria). But their greed led them to dig too deep and awakened a terrible ancient creature called the Balrog. This fiery monster drove the Dwarves from Moria and made mithril almost impossible to find. Because of its rarity and value, mithril was more precious than gold in Middle-earth and was used to make the finest weapons, armour and artefacts.

Answer: Unobtainium

Unobtainium is a fictional metal often used in science fiction and engineering to describe a material that is extremely rare, impossibly strong, or defies known physics. The term has been around for decades as a joke among engineers and writers, but gained widespread recognition through its use in the 2009 film "Avatar".

In "Avatar", unobtainium is a highly valuable superconducting mineral found only on the distant moon Pandora. It is the reason for humanity's presence on Pandora, as they attempt to mine it despite opposition from the indigenous Na'vi people. The mineral's name reflects its almost impossible rarity and immense value.

Beyond "Avatar", unobtainium has been used in various science fiction stories, often as a plot device to justify futuristic technology or impossible materials. Engineers also humorously use the term to describe any hypothetical material that would solve a problem - if only it actually existed.

Answer: Beskar

Beskar, also known as Mandalorian iron, is a nearly indestructible metal from the "Star Wars" universe. It is most famously associated with the Mandalorians, a warrior culture known for their advanced armour and combat skills. Beskar is highly resistant to blaster fire, extreme environments, and even direct strikes from a lightsaber, making it one of the strongest materials in the galaxy.

Mandalorian armour is crafted from beskar and passed down through generations. It symbolises both protection and honour, as Mandalorians believe their armour is part of their identity. The metal is so valuable that it is often used as currency within Mandalorian society.

Beskar gained mainstream popularity with "The Mandalorian" (2019), a "Star Wars" series that follows Din Djarin, a bounty hunter who wears Beskar armour. Throughout the series, he attempts to restore the traditions of his people while protecting Grogu, a mysterious Force-sensitive child. The metal's incredible durability makes it an important part of Mandalorian history and one of the most coveted resources in the "Star Wars" universe.

Answer: Nth Metal

Nth Metal is a powerful, mysterious substance from DC Comics, best known for its association with Hawkman and Hawkgirl. This extraordinary metal has anti-gravity properties, allowing its users to fly. It also increases strength, speeds healing and provides resistance to magic, making it one of the most versatile and valuable metals in the DC Universe.

Nth Metal originates from the planet Thanagar, home to the Thanagarians, a warrior race who use it to craft weapons and armour. The most famous wielders of Nth Metal are Carter Hall (Hawkman) and Shayera Hol (Hawkgirl), who reincarnate throughout history due to the metal's mystical properties.

In addition to flight and durability, Nth Metal disrupts magical forces, making it particularly effective against supernatural foes. It has been featured in several DC Comics stories, often as a key element in battles involving magic, alien technology and ancient mysteries. Its ability to defy gravity and enhance combat skills has cemented its status as one of the most unique and powerful fictional metals in comics.

Answer: Uru

Uru is a magical metal from Marvel Comics, best known as the material used to forge Thor's enchanted hammer, Mjolnir. This mystical metal is incredibly durable and can channel vast amounts of energy, making it one of the most powerful substances in the Marvel Universe.

Uru is found primarily in Nidavellir, one of the Nine Realms, home to the Dwarves - master blacksmiths skilled in forging powerful weapons. The metal is naturally capable of absorbing and storing magical energy. The Norse god Odin enchanted Mjolnir and gave it additional powers, including the ability to summon lightning. Only those deemed worthy can lift the hammer, a magical restriction tied to Odin's spell.

In addition to Mjolnir, Uru has been used to create other legendary weapons, such as Stormbreaker, the axe wielded by Thor in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and Jarnbjorn, his earlier battle axe. Uru's mix of magical properties, indestructibility and connection to the gods makes it a defining element of Asgardian lore in "Marvel Comics".

Answer: Rearden Metal

Rearden Metal is a revolutionary alloy featured in "Atlas Shrugged" (1957), a novel by Russian-American author and philosopher Ayn Rand. It was created by industrialist Hank Rearden, who spent years developing the metal to be lighter, stronger and more durable than steel. Rearden Metal resists corrosion, withstands extreme pressure and is considered a breakthrough in metallurgy.

Despite its superiority, the metal becomes a source of controversy. In "Atlas Shrugged", the government and rival businesses attempt to discredit Rearden Metal out of jealousy and fear of economic disruption. Hank Rearden, a self-made entrepreneur, refuses to give up control of his creation, embodying Rand's philosophy of individualism and innovation.

The novel uses Rearden Metal as a symbol of human achievement, free enterprise, and the struggle between creators and bureaucrats. Although fictional, it has become a metaphor for groundbreaking but misunderstood technological advances in real-world discussions.

Answer: Naqahdah

Naqahdah is a rare and powerful element in the "Stargate" franchise, serving as the basis for much of the series' advanced alien technology. An extremely dense and energy-reactive metal, it was originally introduced as the primary material for the construction of the stargates - massive ring-shaped devices that allow almost instantaneous travel across the galaxy.

Beyond its role in the stargates, naqahdah is highly valued for its energy-generating properties. It can amplify power sources to extraordinary levels, making it indispensable in advanced weaponry and reactor technology. The Goa'uld, a race of parasitic alien conquerors, use naqahdah extensively in their starships and staff weapons, while the more advanced Asgard and Tok'ra civilisations also exploit its potential.

A more potent variant, naqahdriah, appears in "Stargate SG-1", offering even greater energy output but with the risk of instability. Due to its incredible power and strategic importance, naqahdah is one of the most sought-after resources in the "Stargate" universe and leads to countless conflicts.

Answer: Upsidaisium

Upsidaisium is a fictional metal from "The Adventures of Rocky and Bullwinkle and Friends", a classic animated television series that aired from 1959 to 1964. Unlike ordinary metals, upsidaisium is unique in that it is naturally anti-gravitational, meaning that it floats rather than being affected by gravity.

In the show, upsidaisium is found in the mysterious Mt. Flatten, a mountain that floats in the air due to its high concentration of the metal. The plot revolves around the villains Boris Badenov and Natasha Fatale, who are ordered by their boss, the Fearless Leader, to steal the metal for their evil purposes. However, Rocky the Flying Squirrel and Bullwinkle the Moose keep thwarting their plans.

The metal is portrayed in a humorous, satirical way, poking fun at Cold War-era espionage and resource conflicts. Though entirely fictional, upsidaisium remains one of the most memorable elements of classic animated television.

Answer: Runite

Runite is a rare and highly valuable metal in the "RuneScape" universe, a popular MMORPG (massively multiplayer online role-playing game) developed by Jagex. It is one of the strongest metals available for forging and crafting high-level weapons and armour.

Runite ore can only be mined by players with a high Mining skill, and it requires considerable smithing expertise to refine into usable equipment. Due to its power and rarity, runite weapons and armour are considered a major milestone for players as they progress through the game.

The metal has become an iconic part of the "RuneScape" in-game economy, as Runite equipment is often a prized possession for warriors preparing for dangerous quests or PvP combat in the game's wilderness. Its exclusivity and value make it one of the most enduring and recognisable materials in the world of "RuneScape".