Across cultures people address powers greater than themselves with names, stories, and offerings. A deity is such a god or goddess, regarded as worthy of worship and capable of influencing human affairs.

Deities may be conceived as cosmic creators, local protectors, embodiments of natural forces, or moral judges. Polytheistic systems populate the world with many deities who interact among themselves and with humans. Monotheistic systems concentrate divine attributes in a single supreme being. Images, temples, and myths give concrete form to the relationship.

Belief in deities shapes ethics, politics, and art. Ritual maintains the bond through prayer, sacrifice, and festival. Modern secularization has reduced the public role of deities in some societies, yet devotion continues vigorously in others. The idea of deity remains one of the most enduring features of human culture.

• God or goddess regarded as object of worship
• May be singular or multiple
• Associated with myths, images, and rituals
• Influences morality and social life