Guide Gods & Spirits
Guide gods and spirits are beings that guide humans between locations or through areas where they are likely to become lost. Fictional guide beings ferry souls between the mortal realm and other realms such as the afterlife or spirit realms. They may be especially important in locations such as the space between worlds or labyrinths.
| Synonyms: gatekeepers, guides |
| Example Mythonyms: the Ferryman, the God of Paths, the Keeper of Ways |
| Gods |
Designing Fictional Guide Gods & Spirits
Overview
Guide gods and spirits are often depicted in fictional settings as non-verbal. Their function is to show a lost character the route they must take and not to divulge any additional information about the path. Only being able to communicate in simple gestures or displays solves the problem of needing to show a character the way they must go while also ensuring some amount of mystery of what will occur once they pursue that route.
Guide beings are helpful – unless they are not. Fictional settings are full of beings that seem one thing, only to be something else. While guide beings may be leading characters to their ultimate goal, they may also be leading them into even greater danger.
