polytheism

Table of Contents

Introduction
The nature of polytheism
Forms of polytheistic powers, gods, and demons
- Natural forces and objects
- Vegetation
- Animal and human forms
- Functional deities
Types of polytheism
- Greco-Roman religion
- Germanic, Scandinavian, Celtic, and Slavic mythologies
- Egypt and the Middle East
- Early Indo-Iranian religions
- Classical and modern Hinduism
- Buddhism
- East Asian religions
- Religions of ancient Mesoamerica
- Modern ethnic religions in Africa and elsewhere

References & Edit History Related Topics

Images

Hinduism: Trimurti

Peter Paul Rubens: Venus and Adonis

For Students

polytheism summary

Read Next

Candles Burning On Table In Church

What Is the Most Widely Practiced Religion in the World?

African American man praying in church with stained glass in background

Why Do People Say “Amen” at the End of a Prayer?

Ahura Mazda - relief of the Zoroastrian god Ahura Mazda at the ancient ruins of Persepolis in Iran. Also known as Ormazd Zoroastrianism,

Which Religion Is the Oldest?

Discover

Amendments 1-10 to the Constitution of the United States constitute what is known as the Bill of Rights on an American flag.

What Is the Emoluments Clause?

Aurochs. Bos primigenius. Skeleton. Extinct animal. Skeleton of an Aurochs, an extinct wild ox.

6 Animals We Ate Into Extinction

Periodical Cicada, Adult, Magicicada spp. Requires 17 years to complete development. Nymph splits its skin, and transforms into an adult. Feeds on sap of tree roots. Northern Illinois Brood. This brood is the largest emergence of cicadas anywhere

Why Do Some Cicadas Appear Only Every 17 Years?

Close up of books. Stack of books, pile of books, literature, reading. Homepage 2010, arts and entertainment, history and society

12 Novels Considered the “Greatest Book Ever Written”

Poker game. Card game. Royal Flush in poker. Hearts suit gambling

Poker Hands Ranked

Berries and leaves of the bittersweet nightshade (Solanum dulcamara) plant. Poisonous plant

7 of the World’s Deadliest Plants

Shadow of a man holding large knife in his hand inside of some dark, spooky buiding

7 of History's Most Notorious Serial Killers

polytheism: Related Content

Written and fact-checked by The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Photos

Hinduism: Trimurti

Peter Paul Rubens: Venus and Adonis

See All Images →

Topics

henotheism nature religion god pluralism and monism dualism atheism monotheism agnosticism esotericism occultism cult irreligion anthropomorphism supernaturalism

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

dualism: Polytheistic themes

Key People

Aedesius

Greek philosopher