polytheós

Polytheós (Greek: πολύθεος) is a term used in Greek-rooted discourse to denote a person who believes in or participates in the worship of many gods. In English, the related terms are usually polytheist for a person and polytheism for the belief system. The word derives from the Greek components poly- meaning “many” and theos meaning “god.” In Greek, the corresponding concepts are often expressed as polytheism (πολυθεϊσμός) and a practitioner as πολυθεϊστής.

Conceptually, polytheós refers to a worldview in which multiple deities are recognized, worshipped, and often organized into a pantheon with distinct domains and relationships. This stands in contrast to monotheism, which centers on a single deity, and to henotheism, where one god is worshipped as supreme while others are acknowledged. Polytheistic systems can be found across ancient and some contemporary religious traditions, including classical Greek and Roman religion, various Hindu traditions, Shinto, many Indigenous belief systems, and several neopagan movements.

In practice, polytheistic religions vary widely in theology, ritual, and organization. Deities may be associated with natural forces, human activities, or moral realms; worship can include offerings, festivals, prayers, and mythic narratives. The concept of a centralized priesthood or temple structure also varies, with some traditions emphasizing communal cults and others focusing on localized worship.

Today, the term polytheós is more commonly encountered in Greek-language sources, while English-language scholarship typically uses polytheism and polytheist. The study of polytheism explores how communities understand divinity, ritual practice, myth, and the social and cultural functions of multiple gods.