The three central considerations in the design of fictional imprisoned gods and spirits are 1) why they were imprisoned, 2) how they are imprisoned, and 3) what would occur if they were to escape or be set loose. Often these questions can be answered by the development of a history of the world or religion. The escape of an imprisoned god may serve as the basis for a narrative or as the basis for a myth. Their escape may herald in the end times.

The trick to imprisoning powerful beings is creating a more powerful prison. Fictional imprisoned gods and spirits are often housed in remote locations – mountains, islands, or underground regions can serve this purpose. Often these beings are bound by chains crafted from some fantastic material or magical barriers formed by occult symbols. Developing a method of restraining powerful beings can be problematic, and worldbuilders often turn to anti-magic solutions. If the god or spirit being restrained has a domain (such as a god of fire or spirit of ice), the prison may seek to nullify those powers to weaken that being).

While robust prisons may serve some settings, there is also a history of powerful beings constrained in unusual places or even jailed within objects. Circles of salt, jars with lead stoppers, or magic lamps may also be used in certain fantasy worlds.

The imprisonment of a god or spirit can symbolize the control of chaos, the suppression of rebellion, or the fragility of even the most powerful beings. It allows for exploration of themes of power dynamics and the limitations of divinity.