What is the worship of many gods called?
Definitions
The term for the worship of many gods is polytheism. This word is derived from the Greek roots poly (meaning "many") and theos (meaning "god"). A person who practices this belief system is known as a polytheist.
In a polytheistic system, deities are often viewed as distinct entities with specific roles, personalities, and domains of influence—such as a god of the sea, a goddess of wisdom, or a deity of the harvest. These gods may interact with one another and with humanity in complex, often dramatic ways.
Quick Reference Table
To understand the spectrum of religious belief, it is helpful to compare polytheism with its counterparts:
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Polytheism | Worship of many gods | Ancient Greek, Norse, or Hindu traditions |
| Monotheism | Worship of one single god | Judaism, Christianity, Islam |
| Atheism | Lack of belief in any gods | Secular humanism |
| Pantheism | Belief that the universe is divine | Spinozism, certain forms of Taoism |
Real-World Examples
Polytheism has been the dominant form of religion throughout much of human history. Here are a few notable examples:
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Ancient Greek Religion: The Greeks worshipped a pantheon of twelve major Olympians, including Zeus, Hera, and Poseidon, each governing different aspects of the natural and social world.
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Norse Mythology: This tradition featured gods like Odin, Thor, and Freyja, who were deeply embedded in the cultural identity of Germanic and Scandinavian peoples.
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Hinduism: While complex and often described as monistic, many branches of Hinduism are polytheistic in practice, as devotees offer worship to a vast array of deities such as Ganesha, Shiva, and Vishnu, viewing them as manifestations of the divine.
Common Pitfalls
It is easy to confuse polytheism with other similar-sounding terms. Here are two common points of confusion:
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Polytheism vs. Henotheism: Henotheism is the worship of one god without denying the existence of other gods. A polytheist believes in many gods; a henotheist chooses to focus their devotion on one, even while acknowledging that others exist.
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Polytheism vs. Animism: Animism is the belief that objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence. While a polytheist might believe in spirits, the two terms are not synonymous. Polytheism specifically requires the existence of named, individual deities.