therianthropic polytheism

Therianthropic polytheism refers to the belief in deities that possess both animal and human forms. This concept is a facet of polytheism, which is the belief in multiple gods.123

In various cultures, gods have been depicted with animal characteristics, a practice known as theriomorphism. Examples include the Egyptian sun god Re, who had the head of a hawk, and the Hindu deity Hanuman, who is half monkey and half human. This blending of animal and human forms in deities is an ancient practice, possibly stemming from rituals where priests wore animal masks, leading to the representation of hybrid beings.24

Polytheistic systems often feature a pantheon of gods, each with distinct roles and forms. While some deities are anthropomorphic (human-like), others are theriomorphic or a combination of both.2