gudarna

Gudarna is the definite plural form of gud in Swedish, used to refer to the deities worshiped in polytheistic belief systems. The term denotes both the collective pantheon and the individual figures within it. Etymologically, gud derives from Old Norse guð and is cognate with related Germanic terms for deity; the definite plural gudarna is formed by the suffix -na.

Across cultures, gods are often regarded as supreme beings who govern natural phenomena, fate, or moral order, and who interact with humans through myths, rituals, and offerings. In many traditions, gods are organized into pantheons with leaders and hierarchies, with prominent members in Greek, Roman, Norse, Hindu, and Egyptian mythologies. The specifics of their powers and relationships vary by culture.

In Swedish language and culture, gudarna is commonly used in discussions of Norse mythology, broader mythologies, or theology. It appears in folklore, literature, and academic writing when describing mythological beings or religious belief. In contemporary discourse, the term can be used descriptively to study belief systems, or critically when analyzing religion and secularism. The concept contrasts with monotheistic references to a single deity, gud, or Gud, in contexts where only one god is acknowledged.