A deity is a god or goddess: a supernatural being with powers far beyond those of humans. In ancient Greek mythology, Zeus was the king of the deities, controlling thunder and lightning from Mount Olympus. The ancient Egyptians worshipped deities like Ra, the sun god, and Anubis, who guided souls to the afterlife. Norse mythology featured deities like Thor and Odin, while Hindu tradition honors deities including Vishnu, Shiva, and Ganesha.

Different cultures throughout history have imagined their deities in different ways. Some religions, like Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, believe in one all-powerful deity (which makes them monotheistic religions). Others, like ancient Greek, Roman, and Hindu traditions, include many deities with different roles and personalities (these are called polytheistic religions). Some deities were thought to control natural forces like the sun, sea, or harvest, while others represented concepts like wisdom, war, or love.

You might hear someone called a minor deity as a playful exaggeration, suggesting they act like they have god-like powers or importance, though of course they don't actually. When studying world cultures and literature, understanding different societies' deities helps you understand what those people valued and how they explained the world around them.