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Baal-shamen, Baal Shamin, Baal Shamayim The god of the heavens, of the sky in all its aspects, bright as well as weather. Phoenicia, Syria and Arabia Babbar Sumerian/Babylonian sun god. Same as Shamash, Utu. Near East. Babd Catha Celtic goddess of war. Mother aspect of the triple goddess. Symbolizes life, enlightenment, wisdom and inspiration. Ireland Bacchus Roman god of fertility, mirth, merriment, revelry, wine, wisdom, and inspiration. Bacchus was born of Zeus and Semele's union against the will of Hera, Zeus' wife. When the jealous Hera learned of Semele's pregnancy by Zeus she angrily plotted against them. She disguised herself and came to Semele, telling her she should ask that Zeus appear before her in all his glory as the god of thunder. Zeus swore to grant whatever wish Semele might have. Forced to abide by his oath, he appeared to Semele as a display of lightening and thunder, which killed her. As Semele died, she gave birth to Bacchus, who died as well. Zeus restored life to him and sent the child to be raised by the nymphs, out of Hera's jealous eye. As the god of spring, he is Bacchus is said to be in terrible pain during winter when the flowering plants and vines wither and die. His followers were called bacchants. After reveling and overindulging in wine, they danced around in a craze often trampling and tearing people and animals to pieces. Bacchanalia was a festival held which involved excessive drinking and drunken orgies. Also known as Dionysus [Greek]. Blessed are the disciples who become prophets, the Gnostics who hold the holy wand of god. Blessed are those who wear the ivy crown of the Conquering One-- Blessed, blessed are they, Bacchus is our god! -Bacchae Euripides, circa 400 BCE Greece Ba-Chi, Iju The god of the sky sends the fertilizing rain. The Margi, Nigeria Baeldaeg, Baldag Teutonic god of the day, of light—the name used among the Saxons and Westphalians. The Bagadjimbiri Two brothers, the names of all things and establishers of culture and initiation ceremonies. They ”transformed themselves into water snakes, while their spirits became the Magellanic Clouds.” The Karadjeri, Australia Bagaios The Phrygian equivalent of Zeus. Asia Minor Bagos Papaios A Phrygian sky god. Asia Minor Bag-Mashtu, Bag-mazda A sky god with whom Khaldi was identified. Armenia Bahkoore-Mahishtsedah A variant name of Akbatekdia, the supreme being. The Crow, Montana Bahyra The creator god of the heavens and the earth who ”expressed his wrath by thunder and lightning.” The Apiaca, Brazil Baiamai He is considered by some to be the creator. Others believe he created his son, Burambin, who then created the world. The Wellington tribes, Australia Baiame The omniscient intangible great spirit is self-created, lives in the sky, is the creator of all things. He is important in initiation rites; he ”receives the souls of the innocent.” His voice is the thunder, his will is manifest through the wind. The Kamilaroi, Wiradjuri, and Euahlayi, Australia Baira The supreme being of the Amar Kokke. Ethiopia Bairo The supreme being of the Banna. Ethiopia Bakuli The supreme being of the Mbula. Nigeria Bala A Hindu mother goddess. Balanke The name of the sun god among the Kekchi (Mayan). Balarama Hindu god of agriculture and physical strength. Symbolized by the club and the plow. Balder Norse god of joy, light, beauty, innocence, purity, and reconciliation. The beautiful and blameless god. His parents are Odin and Frigg. Balder's mother, Frigg, took oaths from all plants, creatures, minerals, and elements that they would not harm him, all except the mistletoe plant for she felt it was too young and too small to harm him. He was therefore considered immune from harm and the other gods would throw things at him in sport. Loki deceived Hod (Balder's blind brother) into throwing a spear made from mistletoe at Baldur. It was this, which killed him. Scandinavia Bali He was a Hindu god of the sky, but Vishnu took his power from him, casting him to the underworld where he would rule instead. Bali Penyalong The beneficent supreme being who is only and always approached with a sacrificial pig as messenger to him. He is also god of war. The Kenyahs, Borneo Bali (Balli) Utong The supreme being of the Klementans. Borneo Balli Lutong The supreme being of the Punans. Borneo Balor Celtic. Although he was born with two good eyes, one was ruined in an accident; the eye is so hideous that he only opens it in battle so that its venom will slay whoever is unlucky enough to catch glimpse of it; his daughter marries Cian. Bamballe The supreme being of the Konso. Also called Waq. Ethiopia Bamya The goddess who ”guides the car of Mithra…and on the third night after death she shines before the righteous….She is obviously the Dawn.” Iran Bartsing With Dgagha, creators of ”the sun, moon, and stars.” The Amia, Formosa Basosenin A stellar deity, one of the Nijuhachibushu. Japan Batakagan The morning star, Venus, is invoked in prayers and at sacrifices. The Kankanay, Luzon, Philippines Batalalan ”Stars That Accompany the Moon” is a descendant of Umbuian, the moon. The Ifugao, Philippines Bathala Also called Abba. A bird god, the chief god and ”creator of all things—the sea, the sky, the earth, and all the vegetation.” He was just but, nevertheless, punitive of sinners. The Tagalog, Philippines Bathalang Meicapal A vague concept of a supreme being/creator deity. The Tagalo-Bisaya, Philippines Batto The creator god who is believed to be dead. The Sidamo, Ethiopia Bayagaw, Banagaw The god of wild animals and fish was also an omniscient supreme being and creator. The Negritos, Allakapan District, Philippines Beal,Beil, Beli See Bel Bec dilxil xastin Black Metal Old Man, a pre-existent deity, one of the four primordial beings (in one creation myth). In another he appears as one of the four creators of earth and sky. The Apache Indians and the San Carlos Indians, Arizona Begjag, Begiag A sky god, a grandson of Manoid and younger brother of Kaei, ”is the ruler of Ligoi, the place of the winds.’ His wife is Chemioi. The Kenta, the Kintak Bon, the Djahai, Malaya Behdety, Hor Bedetite Horus as defender of the king is ”represented in the form of a winged sun-disk.” Egypt Beive-Neida, Baei’ve The ”sun maiden,” daughter of the sun and its personification. The Lapps. Beiwe The god of the sun. The Lapps, northern Europe Bel, Belenus (variants—Beal, Beil, Beli) The sun deity and god of light, identified with Apollo, is also considered a god of health, of medicine, and of curative springs. Symbolizes element of fire, health. Celtic Ireland, Britain, Wales, Gaul Bel A Palmyrene and Nabataean creator god who rules the universe and man’s destiny. A later name of Enlil. Near East Benten Japanese-Buddhist river goddess derived from the Hindu goddess Saraswati. Goddess of music, eloquence, fortune, and wealth. Japan Benzautin Goddess of happiness and good luck. She is generous and kind, and is known for being sympathetic to men who are being chased by dragons, and helps them out. Queen of the sea. Provides protection from earthquakes. Bringer of inspiration and talent, wealth and romance. Can also bring love. Also known as Benzai. Japan Bero Gosai, Ber Pitia, Ber Chichha The sun god of the Malers, the Santal Parganas. India Beru Pennu The creator deity of the Khonds. India Bes Egyptian dwarf god. In contrast to the other Egyptian deities, who were usually depicted in profile, Bes was depicted full face. He was originally the protective deity of the royal house of Egypt, but came to be a popular household deity throughout Egypt. He was believed to guard against evil spirits, protect children, kill snakes, and ward off misfortune. Assisted Tawert in childbirth. Associated with fertility and human pleasures. Egypt Bezlea A solar god of Lithuania. Bhagavan, Bhagawan The supreme deity among the Korwas is also the sun god. Among the Raj Gonds he is ”the giver of life and death.” Among the Baiga he is the creator who instituted the rules of conduct and whose present ”functions are mainly concerned with life and death.” India Bhagwan The otherworldly supreme deity is revered but not worshipped, is identified with the sun among the Kawar and Korwas. Also the Baiga, the Bhils, India Bharat Mata Modern Hindu mother goddess. Bharati Hindu goddess of sacrifices. Bhima Hindu warrior god. Bhumidevi Hindu fertility goddess. Bhumiya Hindu fertility god. Bhutamata Hindu demon goddess. Bhuvanesari The benevolent ”goddess-of-the-spheres” who nurtures the three worlds. She is the ”consort of the Three-eyed Siva (Tryambaka).” India Bia-ka-pusud-an-langit ”Lady of the navel of heaven,” goddess of the sixth heaven. The Bagobo, Philippines Biaman A sky god of Southeastern Australia. Bia-t’oden The goddess of the fifth heaven is the wife of Salamiawan. The Bagobo, Philippines Biheko a beneficent but remote high god and the creator. Also known as Sebahanga, Kazoba. The Kiga, Uganda Biki ”Sticky,” twin/husband of Kele, the first primal twins born of Touiafutuna. Parents of Taufulifonua and Havea-lolo-fonua. The Tongans, Polynesia Bilika The supreme god who when angry sends bad weather and kills people. His wife is Mite. The Akarkede, Australia Bintang Tunang The god of the evening star is the husband of the moon. The Mantra, Malay Peninsula Biral ”The greatest spirit “ of the Kabi and Wakka tribes. Queensland, Australia Beri Bela The sun god of the Oraons. The same as Dharmes. India Bitol One of the four quarters of the cosmos, of directions—with Tzacol (Tzakol), Alom, Cajolom. Through their mediation they brought about ”the birth of light”—material and spiritual. He is an hypostasis of Cabahuil as creator god-Seven. The Quiché, Guatemala Bitol ”Maker,” with Tzacol, ”Creator,” the primeval pair of deities of the Maya Lowlands, Central America Black Hactcin The most powerful of the Hactcin, the only beings of the beginnings when nothing existed—yet they possessed all necessary for the creation of the universes and all pertaining to it. They lived in the underworld where Black Hactcin created the original animal and bird from which all others derived, mankind, the sun and the moon. The Jicarilla Apache, New Mexico Blodeuwedd Celtic maiden form of the Triple Goddess. She was changed into an owl for committing adultery and plotting to kill Lleu. Symbolizes wisdom, lunar mysteries, and initiations. Known to help a garden or a child grow. Wales Boa, Buga The omnipotent and omniscient supreme being and sky god who controls all life. The Tungus, Siberia Bochica The great culture hero of the Chibcha was identified with the sun. Colombia (Cana) Boda ”Lady Sun.” Andaman Islands, Bay of Bengal Bogdo-Gegen Mongolian god of the dawn. Bolatosa God of the sky of the Kullo. Ethiopia Bonga Sky god of the Tunguses. Siberia see also Buga Bonsu A sky god ”who dwells above the seven levels of the sky.” Younger brother of Teng. The Semang, the Bateg, Malay Peninsula Boora Pennu, Bella Pennu The god of light and the supreme deity of the Khonds of Orissa. He created his consort, Tari Pennu. India Boorala The benevolent creator god of the Cape River tribes. Southeastern Australia Bope The self-existent, omnipresent creator god who is in all things, all things are him. Most animals, fish, and important plants are his food ”and must be offered to him through an intermediary before consumption.” He is identified with the jaguar and is believed to cause deaths. When one occurs the Bororo take revenge by killing a jaguar, which is ”surrounded with ritual.” Brazil Bor Father of Odin, son of Buri. Scandinavia Boram The greatest of the gods. The sun god and the creator who is invoked at the sowing season. Same as Bhagwan, Bero. The Bhuiyas, Bengal Boro The supreme being of the Kharias. India Bozenos A solar god of Asia Minor identified with Apollo. Brahm Hindu entity; the union of Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Brahma Hindu god, one of the members of the Hindu Trinity, along with Shiva and Vishnu. He symbolizes the aspect of the Supreme Reality that brings forth the creation. Because of this, he is regarded as the creator of the universe. His consort is the goddess Saraswati, who provides him with the wisdom and knowledge needed to create the universe. As creation is the greatest work of the mind, Brahma symbolizes the concept of the universal mind, as well as the individual intellect. Because of this, mostly those seeking understanding or knowledge, like students and teachers, worship him. O Brahma, thou rare old Divinity, First Person of the Hindu Trinity, You sit there so calm and securely, With feet folded up so demurely -- You're the First Person Singular, surely. -Polydore Smith The Prajapatis ”are called his spiritual sons, enumerated as Marici, Atri, Anginas, Pulastya, Pulaha, Kratu, and Vasistha.” India Brahmini A Hindu mother goddess. Bran Celtic god of health. A beautiful woman appeared before Bran and told him to search for a group of islands where there was no sorrow, sickness, death, or evil. He voyaged until he found these islands, most importantly the Isle of Women. He eventually was lured away by a friend, but when he found he was unknown in his native Ireland, he left again. Brother of Branwen. Also known as Bran the Blessed. Ireland Branwen Celtic goddess of love and beauty. The sister of Bran the Blessed and Manannan Mac Lir, daughter of Lir, and wife of the Irish king Matholwch. Died of a broken heart after Bran's death. Ireland Brighid Celtic. One of the triple goddesses of the Celtic pantheon. She is the daughter of The Dagda, the deity of the Tuatha de Danaan, one of the most ancient people of Northern Europe. Some say there are actually three Brigits; one is in charge of poetry and inspiration; one is in charge of midwifery and healing, and the last is in charge of crafts and smiths. She probably began as a sun goddess. According to legend, she was born at sunrise and a tower of flame beamed from her head. As goddess of fire and water, many wells and springs immortalize her. Most important of her monuments, though, was a shrine at Kildare where there was a perpetual flame burning for Brigit. Nineteen virgins called the Daughters of the Flame tended it. They would not talk to men, nor could men come near the shrine. When Christianity began its onset, so loved was Brigit that she was made a saint. However, the upkeep on her flame was considered pagan by the church and it was extinguished out of more than a thousand years of burning. St. Brigit remains one of the most popular Irish saints today, along with Saint Patrick. Identical to Juno, Queen of Heaven. Symbolizes human potential. Also known as Brigit, Brigid, Brigindo, and Bride. Dark the bitter winter, cutting its sharpness, but Bride’s mantle brings spring to Ireland. -Translated from Gaelic text. Ireland Brihaspati Hindu astral god, considered a helper in creation, the lord of prayer and a priest of gods. He is associated with fire and is a mediator of gods, and because of this is often confused with his son Agni. Bris The Celtic god of fertility and agriculture. He is the son of Elatha, a prince of the Fomorians, and the goddess Eriu. Ireland Brond (Anglo Saxon), Brono (Scandinavian) God of daylight, son of Balder (Baeldaeg). Bruku, Buku The omniscient supreme god, a sky god. Dahomey/Togo Buddha The benevolent highest of the gods of the Sinhalese. Ceylon Buddha A Hindu minor goddess of knowledge and insight. Budh, Budha The planet Mercury is an auspicious god who brings good fortune, is the god of merchants and their wares. His attribute is the bow and arrow. India and Nepal Budha Deo With Dhula Deo the benevolent yet punitive supreme deities. The Gonds of the Eastern Ghauts, India Budhan Mercury is worshipped by the Kaniyan who are astrologers. Southern India Buga The heaven god who caused the land and water to form and who also created humans. The Evenks, the Tungus, Siberia Buga Nubrana The sun. Tasmania Buir Sagan Ugugun A heavenly spirit who, with his wife Qwir Sagan Qamagan, is worshipped at springs. The Buirat, Siberia Buku The sky gold and omniscient high god of the Atakpames. Togo/Dahomey Bumba The self-existent primordial creator who vomited up his creations: the sun, moon, and stars, and ”nine living creatures,” Koy Bumba, Pongo Bumba, Ganda Bumba, Yo, Kono Bumba, Tsete, Myanyi Bumba, Budi, and mankind. He had three sons: Nyonye Ngana, Chonganda, and Chedi Bumba. The Bushongo, Zaire Bumi Truko Sang-y-ang Dewato Bator The all-powerful god. Java, Indonesia Bundjil, Bunjil ”Our Father,” a beneficent god and demiurge who bestows his powers on the novice medicine man. After creating the earth, the trees, men, and the animals withdrew and lives beyond the ”dark heaven” manifesting his will through the rainbow. He is the father of Bimbeal and Karakarook. Among some he is the demiurge and the star Altair. The Kulin, the Kurnai, the Wotjobaluk, the Wurunjeri, Australia Bunene Charioteer of Shamash (Babbar). Babylonian and Assyrian Buolia The god of the sky of the Gofa. Ethiopia Burambin Some consider him the creator of the world rather than Baimai, his Father. The Wellington tribes, Australia Bura Pen(nu) The supreme being and creator god. Also the god of light. His wife is Piteri. The Kandhs, Khonds, India Burha-Burhi The androgynous earth deity. Bengal Buruku A supreme being and creator goddess identified with the moon. Among some a male deity. The Akan, Ghana But The main Egyptian Delta goddess commonly associated with serpents and snakes, especially the cobra. She would protect those she favored by spitting poison into their face or burning them with her glare. She is the Queen of the goddesses and a symbol of the pharaoh’s reign over the land. Egypt bya Khyung dkrung nyima The personification of the sun—in the ”gLing Chos” (the Mythology of Tibetan Folklore). bya so mig dmar The personification of the morning star. Tibet Byelobog Slavonic god of light—the beneficent ”white god.” |