anthropomorphic polytheism

Anthropomorphic polytheism is a form of religion where multiple gods are recognized, and these deities are depicted in human form or with human characteristics. This contrasts with monotheism, which centers on the worship of a single god.1

In polytheistic systems, gods can take on various forms, including animals (theriomorphism) or hybrid human-animal figures, reflecting aspects of nature and the divine. For example, ancient Egyptian religion featured theriomorphic deities like Re, the sun god, and Nut, the sky goddess, often associated with animal forms like a hawk.12

While some traditions show a tendency to unify divine forces under a single supreme being, polytheism generally involves a pantheon of deities with distinct roles and attributes. The concept of anthropomorphism is central, as it allows humans to relate to the supernatural by modeling gods after themselves, influencing their depiction in art and mythology.31