Gods

Gods are immortal beings of immense power who exercise great influence over Midgard - the realm of mortals - despite usually dwelling in other realms. The nature of each god varies widely - some are more powerful than others, and there are those who dispute that others should be considered gods at all. Most mortals, who live at the mercy of the forces of nature, worship the gods in order to gain their favor and protection. Others simply try their best not to incur their wrath.

The major pantheons are described below.

Astra Aeterna

The Cult of Astra is one of the only monotheistic religions in Wulfgard. They believe that a creator being they call Astra Aeterna exists far above the other gods, rarely interacting with the mortal realm. Through deep ascetic soul-searching, they hope to come to a greater understanding of Astra.

For more info, see the main Astra Aeterna article.

The Olympians

Most Achaeans worship a pantheon of gods they believe to dwell upon Mount Olympos, the highest summit in the very center of the Jagged Edge. The twelve main Olympian gods are Zeus, Hera, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Poseidon, Demeter, Dionysus, Hermes, Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephaestus. The pantheon also includes many other gods, such as Hades, god of the Underworld.

For more info, see the main Olympians article.

The Aesir and Vanir

The men, elves, and dwarves of Northrim all follow a similar pantheon. It includes both the Aesir and Vanir, two groups of gods who eventually became allies after a long and bloody feud. The Aesir are the more powerful and warlike of the two. They include Odin, Frigga, Thor, Baldur, Tyr, Heimdall, and Forseti. The more peaceful and nature-loving Vanir include Njord, Freyja, and Freyr. They regularly interact with the Jotnar, and some are considered part of the pantheon, including Loki, Skadi, and even Hel.

For more info, see the main Aesir and Vanir pages.

The Old Kingdom

The gods of Kemhet are sometimes referred to as the Old Kingdom, because the Kemheti believe them to be far older than most other gods, perhaps from the days of the Titans. Most are closely associated with beasts, often being depicted as beastfolk. Others are closely associated with death and the Underworld. The major gods include Ra, Bes, Geb, Hathor, Horus, Khepri, Isis, Osiris, Anubis, Thoth, Set, and the foul demonic Apophis. There are many minor gods as well.

For more info, see the main Old Kingdom Pantheon page.

Exiled Gods

The gods are just as subject to passions, disputes, and conflicts as mortals. However, they are much harder to permanently kill. So when the gods make war or sentence another god to be punished, the result for the defeated is usually exile to the Underworld. Many of these exiled gods, stripped of their omnipotence, become powerful demon lords seeking to strike back against the gods that exiled them - and against the gods' creations on the mortal realm, such as men. These formerly-divine demonic powers include Apophis, Lord of Malice, and Nemesis, Lady of Hate. Other exiled gods remain imprisoned in the darkest pits imaginable, at the very bottom of the earth, imprisoned for eternity. These include the monster-god of dragons, Typhon, and the Titans.