How did Hittites believe gods depended on human worshipers?

In Anatolian religion, the Hittites believed that their gods, while powerful, were dependent on human worshipers for their daily maintenance and well-being.1

The gods were envisioned as living within their temples, where they required constant service from humans to be fed, clothed, washed, and entertained. This relationship was structured similarly to that of a master and a servant; just as a servant attends to a master's needs, worshipers were expected to provide for the gods to ensure the continued stability of the world.1

This dependency was so critical that if the gods were neglected or if they withdrew in anger, life on Earth could wither and cease. Consequently, the Hittites utilized specific rituals, prayers, and magic to induce absent gods to return and resume their duties. Furthermore, the Hittite king, acting as the chief priest, played a central role in this system by overseeing the state religious cult, which included ensuring that festivals were celebrated at the proper times and that temple personnel performed their duties correctly to avoid divine vengeance.12