Godhood

Godhood refers to the state or status of being a god or deity. In religious contexts, it denotes supreme power, immortality, and authority attributed to divine beings. The concept also covers notions of apotheosis, the elevation of a mortal to divine status, and the divinization of persons or places. The term is used across traditions with varying attributes and degrees of mystery.

Etymologically, "god" derives from Proto-Germanic roots, with related terms across Indo-European languages. The phrase "godhead" denotes the essential nature or essence of deity rather than any particular god. In scholarship, distinctions are made between ontological godhood (being a god) and functional or symbolic godhood (having divine authority or status).

In monotheistic religions, God is typically a unique, omnipotent, omniscient being whose godhood is absolute. In polytheistic traditions, multiple gods possess varied domains, often with hierarchical relationships and mythic biographies. Some systems teach humans can achieve godhood, whether in this life or after death, while others reserve divinity for supernatural beings. Hinduism features diverse understandings of divinity, including personal gods, impersonal ultimate reality, and modes of incarnation; Buddhism often emphasizes enlightenment rather than deity, yet spiritual beings and reverence for Buddhas exist in many schools.

Outside traditional religion, "godhood" is used metaphorically to describe extraordinary skill, power, or influence, as well as in literature, film, and games. Philosophical discussions question whether deity concepts are necessary, whether they reflect human cognition, and how divine attributes relate to problems such as evil and hiddenness. The social role of godhood includes legitimating authority, shaping ritual practice, and guiding moral ideals.