Stargods

Stargods is a term used in fantasy and science fiction to denote deities, beings, or powers that originate in or command the cosmos. The concept is not tied to a single tradition; it appears across genres as a way to personify celestial forces or advanced intelligences. The phrase combines star and god, and its use spans early speculative fiction and myth-inspired storytelling, where civilizations may revere, fear, or interact with beings beyond their world.

In myth and fiction, stargods are often depicted as creators or rulers of the heavens, distant and supremely powerful. They may be described as ascended beings, aliens, or manifestations of cosmic phenomena such as starlight, gravity wells, or orbital cycles. Narratives frequently explore the relationships between humans and these beings, including themes of awe, polytheism, and the limits of human understanding.

In contemporary media, stargods appear as plot devices, factions, or pantheons within video games, novels, tabletop role-playing games, and films. They can serve as antagonists, benevolent patrons, or enigmatic forces guiding cosmic events. The term is commonly used to evoke grandeur and mystery, rather than to establish a single, canonical doctrine.

Despite varied depictions, stargods share a focus on celestial origins and the tension between mortal beings and superlative powers. They intersect with genres such as cosmic horror, space opera, and mythopoeic fantasy, and provoke questions about knowledge, power, and the nature of divinity in a star-spanning context. See also celestial beings, star deities, and cosmic power.