Marvel's Captain America often represents everything a good hero needs. He's loyal, strong, and will always protect those in danger. This is why he has his shield instead of a powerful hammer or laser beams for his eyes. He is the protector and always will be. Due to this protective status, it was only right to grant Cap a shield as powerful as he is.
However, despite the shield being such a popular symbol for this patriotic hero, there's still so much mystery surrounding both Cap and his weapons. There have been countless explorations into this mystical shield since he obtained it in 1941 during the first Captain America comic. Due to the amount of information released over time, there are definitely some surprises a lot of Marvel fans may not know.
6 It Wasn't Intended To Be A Shield
Captain America's shield was surprisingly not intended to be either a shield or for Captain America in the first place. When it was created by Dr. Myron MacLain, both the inventor of adamantium and one of the main people working for the USA in the Second World War, he was actually trying to come up with a way to make tanks stronger.
It was largely an element of luck that made this shield come together but originally it was meant to be a tank hatch cover, hence the shape. After it formed and Dr. MacLain couldn't replicate it, the creation was handed to Cap a few months after he began being a superhero.
5 It's Not Just Made Out Of Vibranium
Despite what the movies may say, Captain America's shield is not entirely made out of Vibranium. It's easier to just say it was rather than explaining all about how it was made and what it was made of, partly because it's still under a lot of speculation from everyone involved in creating this powerful object.
Nevertheless, when Dr. MacLain was trying to create more powerful tanks he researched the metal Adamantine, an indestructible alloy that's often known as either the metal of the gods or the metal that Wolverines claws are made of. In his attempt to create this metal he invented proto-adamantium. After this Dr. MacLain added some Vibranium and some steel alloy. Unfortunately, during this process the doctor fell asleep, but once he woke he found these metals had merged, creating the shield fans know and love. He could never replicate the item, making this shield a one-of-a-kind.
4 It Can't Be Controlled By Magneto
Thankfully Captain America hasn't gone up against too many villains who have the power to control objects because this weapon can absolutely be controlled by the likes of telekinesis. However, from the few battles fans have seen between Captain America and Magneto it becomes quickly clear that Magneto's incredible powers do not extend to Cap's shield.
This is interesting due to the notion that Magneto can control Wolverine's claws which are made out of a similar metal to the shield. However, it must be due to the fact that it is such an unseen combination of metals that Magneto just can't quite get a grip on this complex object. While it may not set Cap completely above Magneto, it does give him a good edge in the fight.
3 The Shape Was Down To A Lawsuit
Interestingly, the original design wasn't the circle many know and love. It was meant to be a more medieval shape that fans can see in the first two comics. However, this shield had a design that was rather similar to the design of The Shield, a hero from MLJ Publications.
After finding out, MLJ Publications warned the creators of Captain America that they would file a lawsuit if the design wasn't changed. To avoid any problems, they changed it to the circular design, which is a lot more aerodynamic.
2 It Was A Gift
The original shield given to Captain America by the US army ended up being changed quickly to a more circular design. However, this wasn't just handed to him by the army as a thank you for his service. Instead, the shield many know and love was a gift from President Franklin Roosevelt.
The shield itself has many origins and designs, however, this was almost like an upgraded version and is the design that many fans see in both the comics and the movies alike. This change and gift were due to a lawsuit from a rival publisher who argued that the comics stole their design. This was the answer within the lore.
1 It's Not Indestructible
With a combination of two particularly strong metals that are typically unseen in the world, it would be realistic to assume this shield was indestructible. After all, many fans have seen it deal with the likes of Hulk's fists or even the legendary Mjolnir and not have so much as a scratch on its face. However, although not particularly common, Captain America's shield does actually get destroyed on more than one occasion.
As seen in Endgame, the titan Thanos is capable of destroying this powerful shield which isn't too much of a surprise considering the power of this villain. However, it's actually broken by a lot more than just titans. Ultron destroys the shield in the comics, and King Hyperion does the same, along with so many more villains.