# The Higher Men — Thus Spoke Zarathustra character guide > The Higher Men in Thus Spoke Zarathustra by Friedrich Nietzsche. **Role:** supporting **First appearance:** 0144-part-iv-lxxiii-the-higher-man ## Snapshot A strange procession of kings, magicians, beggars, and cripples who climb to Zarathustra's cave, each carrying a different wound and the same unfinished hope. ## Who they are They gather as the last remnant of great longing, great loathing, and great satiety — men who cannot live unless they learn to hope again, and who look to Zarathustra as their last teacher. But when he finally addresses them, he refuses to flatter: they are bridges, not destinations, too crooked and burdened to be his true heirs. Their arrival turns the book's final movement into a test of what the higher man is worth — and of whether Zarathustra is waiting for something greater still. ## Relationships ### [Zarathustra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/zarathustra) _psychological_ Zarathustra is both a teacher and a reluctant shepherd to these flawed seekers, who project their own inadequacies onto him. ### [The Superman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_superman) _psychological_ The Higher Men are flawed precursors who misunderstand the Superman, often mistaking their own petty ambitions for his greatness. ### [The Soothsayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_soothsayer) _psychological_ The Soothsayer preaches despair to the Higher Men, exploiting their weaknesses and pulling them toward nihilism. ### [The Tarantulas](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_tarantulas) _rivalry_ The Higher Men are often caught between the Tarantulas' vengeful ideology and Zarathustra's higher vision, creating tension. ### [The Magician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_magician) _psychological_ The Magician deceives the Higher Men with his performances, playing on their emotional need for meaning and validation. ### [Zarathustra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/zarathustra) _psychological_ Zarathustra is both a teacher and a reluctant shepherd to these flawed seekers, who project their own inadequacies onto him. ### [The Superman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_superman) _psychological_ The Higher Men are flawed precursors who misunderstand the Superman, often mistaking their own petty ambitions for his greatness. ### [The Soothsayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_soothsayer) _psychological_ The Soothsayer preaches despair to the Higher Men, exploiting their weaknesses and pulling them toward nihilism. ### [Zarathustra](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/zarathustra) _psychological_ Zarathustra is both a teacher and a reluctant shepherd to these flawed seekers, who project their own inadequacies onto him. ## In the story ### [Part I: Zarathustra’s Discourses](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-i-zarathustra-s-discourses) Those whom Zarathustra addresses as potential companions, though they fall short of the Superman. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/v) Implied as the opposite of the last men, who are content with mediocrity and comfort. ### [The New Truth](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/ix) Implied as the living companions Zarathustra seeks—creators and reapers. ### [II: The Academic Chairs of Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/ii-the-academic-chairs-of-virtue) Implied as the youths sitting before the wise man, seeking virtue for the sake of sleep. ### [V: Joys and Passions](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/v-joys-and-passions) Implied audience; the teaching on virtue and self-overcoming is directed toward those striving to surpass themselves. ### [VII: Reading and Writing](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/vii-reading-and-writing) Addressed as those who look aloft for exaltation, contrasted with Zarathustra who looks downward from his height. ### [VIII: The Tree on the Hill](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/viii-the-tree-on-the-hill) The youth represents a higher man in danger of losing his noble aspirations and falling into despair or sensuality. ### [The New Idol](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/xi-the-new-idol) Implied as 'great souls' and 'lone ones and twain ones' who are called to leave the state behind. ### [The Way of the Creating One](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/xvii-the-way-of-the-creating-one) Implied audience of those who seek the way of creation and self-overcoming. ### [Voluntary Death](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/xxi-voluntary-death) Zarathustra addresses his friends, likely the higher men, as the heirs of his goal, calling them to throw the golden ball. ### [The Bestowing Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/xxii-the-bestowing-virtue) Implied as the disciples who are called to become creators and fighters, and to eventually form a chosen people from which the Superman arises. ### [The Bestowing Virtue](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/i) His disciples, who strive for the bestowing virtue and are given the staff as a symbol. ### [XXIII: The Child with the Mirror](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii-the-child-with-the-mirror) Implied as the friends Zarathustra longs to rejoin and whose hearts he seeks as a soft sward for his wisdom. ### [XXVIII: The Rabble](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xxviii-the-rabble) Zarathustra addresses his friends, the higher men, inviting them to join him in his elevated home where the rabble cannot reach. ### [XXX: The Famous Wise Ones](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xxx-the-famous-wise-ones) The 'famous wise ones' are implicitly contrasted with the higher men, though they themselves are not yet the free spirits Zarathustra seeks. ### [XXXIII: The Grave-Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xxxiii-the-grave-song) Implied as the enemies who stole Zarathustra's youthful visions and caused his suffering. ### [XL: Great Events](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xl-great-events) Implied as the disciples who listen to Zarathustra's tale and are anxious about his disappearance. ### [XLI: The Soothsayer](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xli-the-soothsayer) Zarathustra's disciples gather around him, interpret his dream, and urge him to return to them. ### [XLII: Redemption](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xlii-redemption) Implied as the disciples to whom Zarathustra addresses his discourse on redemption and the Will. ### [XLIII: Manly Prudence](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-ii-xliii-manly-prudence) Addressed as 'ye highest men' whom Zarathustra doubts, suspecting they would call the Superman a devil. ### [The Vision and the Enigma](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-xlvi-the-vision-and-the-enigma) Addressed as 'daring venturers and adventurers' to whom Zarathustra tells his enigma. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-i) Implied audience of daring venturers and adventurers to whom Zarathustra addresses his speech. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-ii) Addressed as 'ye venturers and adventurers' who are called to solve the enigma of the vision. ### [On Passing-By](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-li-on-passing-by) The fool's speech implicitly critiques the higher men and their virtues, which are described as 'appointable' and tied to the court and shopmen. ### [The Apostates](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-lii-the-apostates) Implied as the former followers who have become apostates, now weary and pious. ### [The Three Evil Things](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-liv-the-three-evil-things) Implied as those who might understand the revaluation; Zarathustra speaks of 'free hearts' and 'lion-willed' individuals. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-ii) Implied in the critique of those who carry too many extraneous burdens and fail to discover themselves. ### [LVI: Old and New Tables](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-lvi-old-and-new-tables) Addressed as 'my brethren' throughout, called to break old tables and create new values. ### [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-vii) Implied audience as 'discerning ones' who are urged to break the old tables. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-xii) Addressed as 'my brethren' and called to a new nobility of self-overcoming and future-oriented love. ### [XVI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-xvi) Addressed as 'my brethren', the higher men are called to break the new table and embrace the will to create. ### [XVIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-xviii) Implied as the 'brethren' Zarathustra addresses, who are to guard the hero from the 'cultured' vermin. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-xx) Addressed as 'brethren' who are called to push what is falling and learn to fall faster. ### [The Convalescent](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iii-lvii-the-convalescent) Indirectly referenced through Zarathustra's critique of the 'great man' and 'small man' and his disgust at humanity. ### [LXI: The Honey Sacrifice](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxi-the-honey-sacrifice) Implied as the 'strangest human fish' Zarathustra seeks to lure to his height. ### [The Cry of Distress](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxii-the-cry-of-distress) Referenced as the source of the cry of distress calling for Zarathustra. ### [LXIII: Talk with the Kings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxiii-talk-with-the-kings) The kings seek the higher man, whom they consider the true lord of the earth, and bring an ass as a gift for him. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) Referenced as the object of the kings' search and Zarathustra's own quest. ### [LXV: The Magician](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxv-the-magician) Zarathustra initially mistakes the Magician for a higher man based on his cry of distress. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) The higher man is introduced as a trembling old man, isolated and in great distress, who delivers a lament about a cruel, unfamiliar God. ### [LXVIII: The Voluntary Beggar](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxviii-the-voluntary-beggar) Implied as part of the broader context of Zarathustra's journey, though not directly present. ### [LXXI: The Greeting](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxi-the-greeting) All the despairing ones gathered in Zarathustra's cave, including the kings, magician, pope, beggar, shadow, conscientious one, soothsayer, ass, and ugliest man. ### [LXXII: The Supper](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxii-the-supper) The subject of conversation during the supper. ### [The Higher Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxiii-the-higher-man) The primary audience of the chapter; Zarathustra addresses them directly, calling them to surpass themselves and reject the herd. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) Addressed directly by Zarathustra, who instructs them to avoid the marketplace and the populace. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ii) Zarathustra's audience, who are frightened but called to become masters. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-iii) Addressed directly; praised for their despising and despair, which makes them worthy of love and hope. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-vi) The higher men are addressed directly; Zarathustra criticizes their petty sufferings and challenges them to endure more. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-viii) Addressed directly by Zarathustra, cautioned against false ambition and self-deception. ### [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ix) Addressed directly by Zarathustra as 'ye higher men, ye enheartened ones! Ye openhearted ones!' ### [On the Higher Man](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-x) Addressed directly as those who seek to ascend but may rely on others. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xi) Addressed as 'ye creating ones' and 'ye higher men'; urged to unlearn the false 'for' of petty virtue. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xii) Zarathustra's audience, called 'ye creating ones' and urged to purify themselves. ### [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xiv) Depicted as shy and ashamed after their failed attempts. ### [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xv) The higher men are addressed as failures and half-shattered ones, yet are encouraged to see the future striving within them. ### [XVII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xvii) Zarathustra addresses his 'brethren' and 'good dancers,' likely referring to the higher men who are capable of self-overcoming. ### [XIX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xix) The audience of Zarathustra's exhortation to lift their hearts and legs. ### [XX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xx) Addressed directly by Zarathustra, criticized for not having learned to dance or laugh beyond themselves. ### [The Song of Melancholy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxiv-the-song-of-melancholy) The higher men are the audience for the magician's performance, addressed directly as those who suffer from the 'great loathing' and await a new god. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) Remain in the cave; Zarathustra implies they bring an unpleasant odor. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ii) Addressed by the magician as his audience and companions. ### [LXXV: Science](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxv-science) Are entranced by the magician's song and later applaud his remarks, laughing together with Zarathustra. ### [Among Daughters of the Desert](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxvi-among-daughters-of-the-desert) The kings and others present are implied as part of the group the shadow addresses. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) Referenced collectively as those who might fall into gloom without Zarathustra. ### [LXXVII: The Awakening](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxvii-the-awakening) The assembled guests, including kings, the pope, magician, beggar, wanderer, shadow, soothsayer, conscientious one, and ugliest man, engage in laughter and then in a pious litany before the ass. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) They are noisy, laughing, and rejoicing in the cave; Zarathustra sees them as convalescents who are becoming thankful. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ii) All the higher men, including the two kings, the pope, the magician, and others, kneel and worship the ass. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ii) The guests, referred to as wags and buffoons, are accused of dissembling and regressing to childlike behavior. ### [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-iii) Addressed as 'new friends' and 'higher men'; they have become joyful and blossomed. ### [The Drunken Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxix-the-drunken-song) Rush to Zarathustra in gratitude, laughing and weeping, and participate in the midnight celebration. ### [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-i) Hearing the ugliest man's question, they become conscious of their transformation and rush to thank, honor, and caress Zarathustra, each in their own way. ### [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-ii) Hold Zarathustra in their arms and listen with him to the midnight bell. ### [The Night Song and the Midnight](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-iii) The higher men are the audience of Zarathustra's midnight address. ### [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-iv) Zarathustra directly addresses the higher man, warning him to heed the voice of deep midnight. ### [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-v) Addressed directly as dancers who have not yet flown high enough, urged to free the dead and awaken. ### [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-vi) Addressed directly by Zarathustra as 'Ye higher men'. ### [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-viii) Zarathustra addresses the higher men, calling them deaf ones who do not understand him. ### [The Intoxicated Song](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-x) Addressed directly by Zarathustra, who warns them not to mistake him for a soothsayer or dreamer. ### [XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xi) Zarathustra directly addresses them as 'ye higher men,' telling them that joy longs for their woe. ### [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-xii) Zarathustra addresses the higher men, urging them to sing the song of eternal recurrence. ### [LXXX: The Sign](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/chapters/part-iv-lxxx-the-sign) Still sleeping in Zarathustra's cave; they awaken and flee in terror when the lion roars. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters/the_higher_men - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/thus_spoke_zarathustra_se/characters