Small God

From Pluralpedia, the collaborative plurality dictionary
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small god ( n.)
Other formsGodlet, Godshard
Applies toheadmates
CoinerIšena Šimigiwe [Mercurial Gates Vhenah]

The term small god can mean one of two things, the first being a synonym for the term godlet, and the second being closely related but distinctly different.

In the second sense, a small god is a divine, spiritual, or deity-/god-adjacent headmate who might not have a spiritual role in their system, or be worshipped, venerated, or worked with. They may also not traditionally be considered a god or deity in the myth, folklore, or fiction they come from.[1]

A small god nevertheless identifies with or near to being a deity/intragod/godlet, due to a shared nature or origin, exoject-wise or simply in their system; with regards to how they formed, introjected, reached their system, or were reached by it. They specifically might identify as a lesser deity, “small god” or deity-adjacent headmate.

This term can be used for mythological nymphs or nature spirits, decidedly spiritual/religious beings who are not worshipped or worked with (either intrasys, and/or in the tradition or fiction they come from). This term is open to anyone who feels the term would be helpful for them.

The etymology of this term comes from Terry Pratchett's concept of "small gods" in his novel series of Discworld.

Related Terms

References