List of death deities

Yama on buffalo

God A Ah Puch (Kimi)

El pesado del corazón en el Papiro de Hunefer

Ran by Johannes Gehrts

Hades-et-Cerberus-III

Enma

List of Death Deities encompasses various gods and goddesses across different cultures who are associated with death, the afterlife, and the management of mortal souls. These deities often embody aspects of the life cycle, particularly the end of life, and serve as guides for the deceased in the afterlife. They can also represent decay, destruction, and renewal. This article provides an overview of some of the most notable death deities from various mythologies around the world.

Egyptian Mythology

In Egyptian mythology, Anubis is one of the most prominent death deities. He is known as the god of mummification and the afterlife, guiding souls to the afterlife and weighing their hearts against the feather of Ma'at to determine their fate in the underworld. Another significant figure is Osiris, the god of the dead, resurrection into eternal life, and ruler of the underworld.

Greek Mythology

Greek mythology offers a rich tapestry of death deities, with Hades being the most well-known as the ruler of the underworld. His wife, Persephone, becomes the queen of the underworld for part of the year. Thanatos personifies death itself, often depicted as a winged spirit or a young man.

Norse Mythology

In Norse mythology, Hel is the ruler of Helheim, the realm of the dead. She is depicted as a figure who is half alive and half dead. Odin is also associated with death, as he welcomes slain warriors into Valhalla, the hall of the slain.

Hindu Mythology

Hindu mythology features Yama, the god of death, who presides over the resting place of the dead, Naraka. Yama judges the souls of the deceased and is also a protector of dharma (order).

Aztec Mythology

Aztec mythology includes Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl, the king and queen of Mictlan, the Aztec underworld. They preside over the festivals of the dead and are involved in various death-related rituals and themes.

Celtic Mythology

In Celtic mythology, the Morrígan is associated with fate and death, particularly in the form of battle. She is known for her ability to predict the death of warriors and influence the outcome of wars.

Japanese Mythology

Japanese mythology features Izanami, a goddess who becomes the ruler of Yomi, the land of the dead, after her death. Her story with her husband, Izanagi, explains the cycle of life and death.

Slavic Mythology

In Slavic mythology, Morana (or Marzanna) is the goddess of winter, death, and rebirth. She is celebrated and feared in rituals marking the end of winter and the rebirth of the land.

Summary

Death deities serve as a bridge between the world of the living and the afterlife, embodying the mysteries of death and the afterlife in their myths and legends. They play a crucial role in the religious and cultural practices of societies, offering comfort and explanation for the cycle of life and death.