pantheons

Pantheon refers to the collection or group of deities worshiped by a particular culture, religion, or community. The term comes from Greek pan “all” and theos “god.” In religious studies, it denotes the complete set of gods and goddesses recognized by a tradition, as opposed to individual myths or rituals. Some pantheons have a centralized core of major gods with clear hierarchies, while others are more diffuse and distributed across regions and communities.

Pantheons often reflect social, political, and geographic contexts. Major deities may preside over elements such as sky, weather, war, or fertility, and city or national cults may elevate a patron god or goddess. Local or household deities can accompany the main pantheon, shaping daily practice and identity. Ritual calendars, festivals, and sacred spaces reinforce communal bonds and guide moral norms. Over time, pantheons can expand through syncretism or contract due to cultural change, conquest, or religious reform.

Examples include the classical Greek and Roman pantheons, which feature a core group of Olympian gods and a broader spectrum of spirits and heroes; the Norse pantheon centered on the Æsir and the Vanir; and Hinduism, which presents a large and diverse array of deities with many regional and devotional forms. The term is also used for a temple dedicated to all gods, such as the Pantheon in Rome, a monumental building that embodies the idea of a universal sanctuary.