Abner

In the biblical narrative (books of Samuel) Abner is introduced as the son of Ner and cousin to Saul, serving as commander of Saul's army. After Saul's death Abner sets up Ish-bosheth (Saul's son) as king at Mahanaim and leads the house of Saul in the struggle against David; later he defects to David after a negotiated settlement. Rabbinic Midrashic tradition expands and moralizes these episodes—offering legendary details (for example alternate parentage attributions and hyperbolic accounts of his strength)—but treats him as a mortal actor rather than a supernatural being.

Scriptural sources present Abner as a human military leader; no extraordinary physical form is described in the biblical account. Rabbinic Midrash uses hyperbolic imagery to portray him as extraordinarily strong (e.g., comparisons that one of his feet could hold the Israelitish army between his knees), which the sources present as homiletic exaggeration rather than literal supernatural description.

As a historical/literary figure Abner's "abilities" in the sources are political and military: he commands Saul's army, acts as a royal intermediary (for example introducing David to Saul after Goliath), slays Asahel in battle during pursuit (an act portrayed as killing in combat), installs Ish-bosheth as king at Mahanaim, negotiates with David and secures the return of Michal as part of his defection. Rabbinic texts attribute prodigious physical strength and pride in hyperbolic terms; these are presented as legendary expansions rather than literal powers.