Ancient Gods & Spirits
Ancient gods and spirits are powerful beings from a previous era or ancient age that are no longer worshipped as they once were. They are often forgotten, dead, imprisoned, or sleeping, and may only be worshipped by ancient civilizations, hidden factions, or obscure cults. Fictional ancient gods and spirits have a habit of returning, and make seek to overturn whatever new order has been established in their absence. Their return may bring about the apocalypse.
| Synonyms: old gods |
| Example Mythonyms: the Elder Gods |
| Gods |
Designing Fictional Ancient Gods and Spirits
Archetypes
Overview
Fictional ancient gods and spirits are often depicted as more powerful than their newer counterparts, but also less interested in the mortal realm. Their forms are often less human-like if they possess a form at all.
In narratives, ancient gods are often used as a threat to the newer world, and cults may be seeking to return them to power. They can also serve as a source of ancient knowledge and heroes or other characters may seek them out to better understand the world.
