guddommene

Guddommene is a Norwegian term meaning "the deities" or "the divine beings." It is the definite plural form of guddom, a word for a deity or divine power. The term originates in the Norwegian language from Old Norse or Proto-Germanic roots for deity, with the -dom suffix forming a noun denoting a status or realm.

In usage, guddommene refers to the gods of any pantheon in a neutral, formal way. It is common in religious studies, history, and literary discussion when speaking of multiple gods collectively or of the concept of deity in general. In everyday Norwegian, people more often use gudene or specific names, but guddommene appears in academic writing and translations of mythic texts.

The expression can be applied to polytheistic traditions (Norse, Greek, Hindu, etc.) and to the idea of divine powers across cultures. When discussing Norse sources, scholars may contrast guddommene with terms like goð or godar in Old Norse materials, while modern Norwegian retains guddommene as a general label for deities. The term conveys both personal divine beings and personified powers, depending on context.

See also: deities, pantheon, religion, theology.