Even in times other than those of war, disputes of succession were settled by jousts and tourneys.
This fact is seen in the present day among the lower animals, who in their natural state live in tribes; the leader is usually the strongest, the wisest, and the most courageous.
The strong men of all times have excited the admiration of their fellows and have always been objects of popular interest.

The Bible celebrates the exploits of Samson of the tribe of Dan.

During his youth he, single handed, strangled a lion; with the jaw-bone of an ass he is said to have killed 1000 Philistines and put the rest to flight.
At another time during the night he transported from the village of Gaza enormous burdens and placed them on the top of a mountain.
Betrayed by Delilah, he was delivered into the hands of his enemies and employed in the most servile labors.

When old and blind he was attached to the columns of an edifice to serve as an object of public ridicule; with a violent effort he overturned the columns, destroying himself and 3000 Philistines.
In the Greek mythology we find a great number of heroes, celebrated for their feats of strength and endurance.

Many of them have received the name of Hercules; but the most common of these is the hero who was supposed to be the son of Jupiter and Alemena.