Goddesses: meaning, definitions and examples

Used mainly in mythology, religion, and literature to refer to female deities with powerful and supernatural attributes.

• The ancient Greeks worshipped goddesses like Athena and Hera.
• The goddess of love, Aphrodite, played a major role in myths.

Refers to gods and goddesses together, often used in a more general sense or when discussing multiple cultures' figures of worship.

• Hinduism has many deities, including Shiva, Vishnu, and Durga.
• The ancient Egyptians believed in deities such as Ra and Isis.

A more modern and broad term used to describe female figures of worship or spiritual significance, sometimes outside traditional mythology or religion.

• The novel features divine females who guide the protagonist on their journey.
• Some cultures have divine females as symbols of fertility and wisdom.

Often used in folklore and tales to describe supernatural beings that might not have the status of gods but still possess significant powers or influence.

• In Slavic mythology, female spirits like the Rusalka inhabit rivers and lakes.
• Female spirits in the story provided guidance and protection to the hero.