From the depths of the underworld, where chaos reigns and death is a constant visitor, come the gods of death and destruction.
These top 26 gods we’re about to share are powerful, mysterious, and menacing. They command respect and awe, and through their actions, they shape our existence.
Discover the dark, captivating world of these mighty gods of the underworld as we explore their stories and influence on our world.
Gods Of Death, Destruction, And The Underworld (Video)
These gods belong to different mythologies, most of which will have stories that will amaze and frighten you all at the same time.
Like life, death is an inevitable part of human life and can come at any time. Check out the list below of the top names of gods of death to find out who rules over this inevitable part of our lives.
1. Anubis
Anubis is the ancient Egyptian god of death and the afterlife. He is usually depicted as a man with the head of a jackal, a powerful animal associated with death in ancient Egypt.
Anubis was a protector of graves, and his role in the afterlife was to conduct souls to the underworld. He was associated with mummification and the weighing of the heart, a ceremony conducted after death to determine whether or not a soul would be admitted to the underworld.
Anubis was also believed to be the son of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, and Nephthys, the goddess of mourning. He was a popular figure in ancient Egypt, and his cult was widespread. He was often represented in tombs, temples, and other monuments. In some myths, Anubis helped the dead enter the underworld and judge their souls.
Anubis is still a popular figure in modern culture. He is often seen in movies, video games, and artwork. He is also seen in many modern religions, such as Kemetism, where he is still revered as a powerful figure. Anubis is a fascinating figure in Egyptian mythology, and his importance in ancient Egyptian culture is undeniable.
2. Thanatos
Second on our list of gods of death is the Greek god, Thanatos. He is depicted as a young boy or an old man, often with wings, and sometimes carrying a staff or a dagger. He is the twin brother of Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep.
Thanatos is said to have been born from Nyx, the goddess of night, and is the son of Erebos, the god of darkness. He is responsible for escorting souls to the underworld and ensuring that the cycle of death and rebirth is maintained. He is often seen as a kind and gentle god who helps the souls of the dead move on to the afterlife.
He is closely associated with the Fates, the three goddesses who control the course of human destiny. He is also closely linked to the concept of psychopomp, or a figure who helps souls cross over from life to death. Thanatos was believed to be the only being powerful enough to overcome the Fates and guide souls to the underworld.
Don’t forget to check out our list of the most iconic male Greek gods here.
3. Hades
Hades, in Greek mythology, is the ruler of the underworld, a dark and shadowy realm where souls go after death. He is also the brother of Zeus and Poseidon, the two most powerful gods in the pantheon.
Hades is often depicted as a stern and unforgiving figure. He is often portrayed with a three-headed dog, Cerberus, who guards the entrance to his realm. But he can also be compassionate, especially when it comes to honoring the dead.
Hades is often associated with wealth, as he is believed to possess the riches of the underworld, including precious metals and jewels. He is also associated with the riches of the spirit, as he is the leader of all souls.
He is believed to be a judge of the dead and a keeper of divine justice. He is sometimes seen as a bringer of punishment and retribution and a provider of rewards and benefits for those who are faithful to him.
4. Yama
Yama is the Hindu god of death in the Vedic pantheon. He is the son of the sun god, Surya, and the twin brother of Yami. As the god of death, Yama is responsible for judging the souls of the deceased and determining their fate.
He is often depicted as an old man with a long white beard and four arms. In his right hand, he holds a noose and a staff, representing the power of death and rebirth.
Yama is a complex figure in Hindu mythology and is associated with numerous other gods and goddesses. He is the father of Manu, the first man, and is also believed to be the son of the god Varuna.
Yama is often associated with the underworld and is believed to be the first mortal to die. He is also known as the Lord of Dharma, as he is responsible for judging the good and bad deeds of the deceased.
5. Freyja
Freyja is a Norse goddess associated with love, beauty, fertility, gold, war, and death. She is the daughter of the god Njord and is both the sister and the female counterpart of the god Freyr.
Freyja is a powerful goddess and is known as the leader of the Valkyries – female figures that brought fallen warriors to Valhalla. She is also associated with the practice of seidr, a form of magic.
Freyja is a beloved goddess whose name is often invoked in prayer and song. She is a figure of strength and resilience, and her story reflects the power of female energy in Norse mythology.
She is an example of a feminine deity who wielded great influence in a time when women were often marginalized. Freyja is a reminder that there is power in embracing one’s femininity and honoring the divine feminine.
Want to learn about the toughest Viking warriors of all time? Check out our toughest Vikings post here.
6. Hecate
Hecate is an important figure in Greek mythology, often associated with magic, crossroads, and the underworld. Hecate is often depicted as a triple goddess, representing the three stages of a woman’s life: maiden, mother, and crone. She is often shown holding a torch or a pair of keys and is associated with the moon and night.
Hecate is associated with various magical powers, such as prophecy, healing, and protection from evil. She is also the goddess of witchcraft and sorcery; some say she was the first to use charms and spells.
Hecate is also the goddess of the crossroads and is said to grant travelers protection. She is also the guardian of the dead and the underworld, and her patronage is sought by those who wish to journey to the underworld.
7. Meng Po
Number 7 on our list of gods of death is the Chinese goddess, Meng Po. Meng Po is responsible for guarding the gates of Diyu, the Chinese underworld. She is known for her kindness, compassion, and wisdom.
Meng Po is known for offering a cup of tea to the departed, which is said to erase their memories of past lives and prepare them for their next journey in life. The tea also serves as a symbol of the transition from life to the afterlife.
In some versions of the myth, Meng Po is also known as the Lady of Forgetfulness, since she helps the dead to forget their past and look forward to their new life ahead. Her presence is said to bring peace and comfort to those who are transitioning, while also offering closure to the living.
8. Hel
Hel is a Norse goddess who rules over the realm of the dead. She is often portrayed as a dark and mysterious figure who is associated with death, disease, and the afterlife.
She is the daughter of Loki and Angrboda and is believed to be the twin sister of Fenrir, the giant wolf. In some stories, Hel is said to have been born with a half-black, half-white face, symbolizing the duality of life and death.
Hel is also sometimes seen as a compassionate figure, caring for those souls who cannot be saved. She is a figure of both fear and respect, and is an integral part of Norse mythology.
9. Morrighan (Celtic)
Morrighan is an ancient Celtic goddess often associated with battle, death, and the cycle of life. She is known as a triple goddess, representing the three stages of womanhood: maiden, mother, and crone. She is also thought to be a powerful figure in fate and destiny and is linked to the sovereignty of the land.
Morrighan is often depicted as a beautiful, strong-willed woman who is both feared and respected. She is a protector of justice, a bringer of both fortune and misfortune, and a guardian of the vulnerable.
In many stories, she is depicted as a shapeshifter, able to change her form to whatever she needs to be to accomplish her goals. Celtic goddess Morrighan is a powerful symbol of strength and resilience.
10. Osiris
Osiris is the ancient Egyptian god of resurrection and the afterlife. A significant deity in the Egyptian pantheon, he was usually depicted with green or black skin, wearing a crown of feathers. He was the Judge of the Dead and was responsible for judging souls on their journey to the afterlife.
In addition to his role as ruler of the underworld, Osiris was also seen as a symbol of fertility. He was also worshiped as a god of vegetation and the harvest.
Osiris was believed to have been killed by his brother Set, but later resurrected by his wife, Isis. This gave him the power to grant life after death to the souls of the faithful. And because of this, Osiris was also seen as a symbol of hope and the promise of eternal life.
11. Whiro
Maori god, Whiro, is the god of darkness and evil and is the son of Ranginui and Papatuanuku, the sky father and earth mother. He is also the brother of Tane, the god of the forests, and of Tangaroa, the god of the sea.
Whiro is seen as the adversary to his siblings, often causing destruction and chaos. He is also associated with death, destruction, and disease. He is said to have a magical club that he uses to cause destruction and chaos.
Whiro is often depicted as a tall, dark figure with a long, sharp nose. In some tales, he is accompanied by two fierce birds called Te Kahu o Te Rangi and Te Kahu o Te Uru. He is a powerful figure in Maori mythology and is seen as a representation of the darker sides of life.
12. Mot
Mot is an ancient Canaanite god, believed to be the god of death. He was often depicted as a skeletal figure with a long, black cloak and a scythe. He was believed to be the ruler of the underworld and was responsible for the death of mortal souls.
Mot was closely associated with the underworld river and was said to be the father of Baal and Anat, two other Canaanite gods. He was also believed to have been responsible for the great flood that destroyed the whole world.
13. Adro
Next on the list of the top gods of death is Adro. Adro is an ancient African god and one of the most important deities of the traditional African faith system. He is the god of thunder and lightning and is believed to bring both good and bad luck. He is also associated with fertility and prosperity.
Adro is often depicted as a tall, strong figure with a thunderbolt in his hand. He is also said to have a deep, booming voice that can be heard in storms.
Adro is one of the oldest gods in African culture, and he is still worshipped by many tribes today. He is seen as a powerful protector who keeps evil spirits away from his people.
He is also believed to bring good luck and prosperity, and it is said that he will help bring success and good fortune to those who believe in him.
14. Sekhmet
Sekhmet, the ancient Egyptian goddess of war and healing, was believed to be the daughter of Ra, the sun god. Worshipped primarily in the city of Memphis, Sekhmet was a fierce goddess, often represented as a lion-headed woman wearing a sun-disk headdress and armed with a bow and arrows.
She was believed to have great magical and healing powers and was worshipped as a protector of the pharaohs. However, she was also the goddess of vengeance. Sekhmet was said to be able to bring destruction and plague upon her enemies.
In Egyptian mythology, Sekhmet was a revered figure frequently depicted in art and literature. She was often called upon for guidance and protection, and many ancient Egyptian temples were dedicated to her.
15. Crnobog
Crnobog is a Slavic god of darkness and death, often depicted as a malevolent spirit. He is said to bring misfortune upon those who anger him, and his name translates to ‘black god’.
He is often associated with the winter solstice, when it is said that his power is strongest. He is sometimes depicted as a giant black bird and is the antithesis of his brother Svetovid, the god of light and fertility.
Crnobog is a figure of great importance in Slavic mythology, and still is to this day. He is often used to explain bad luck and misfortune, as well as to warn against going against the natural order of things. In addition, he serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting the natural cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
16. Elrik
In the 16th spot on our list of the top gods of death names is Elrik. Elrik is an ancient Siberian god who is associated with the elements of fire and wind. He is known to be a powerful deity with dominion over storms and the sky.
His power is often seen as a representation of the strength of nature and its ability to both create and destroy.
Elrik is also a god of fertility, often depicted with a bow and arrows to symbolize his role in providing life and abundance. He is thought to be a god of justice, helping to protect his people from harm and the elements.
17. Shiva
Shiva is one of the most revered gods in the Hindu faith. He is known as the Destroyer, which is a reflection of his power and his position as the supreme being.
He is often depicted as a meditating ascetic with a blue throat, wearing a crescent moon, and a snake around his neck. He is also often seen with a trident, representing his power and his role as the destroyer.
Shiva is known as the god of transformation and regeneration. He is believed to be the guardian of cosmic order, with the power to both create and destroy. He is also associated with fertility and is sometimes seen with his consort, Parvati.
Shiva is an essential part of Hindu worship and his presence is seen in many Hindu rituals and festivals. He is a powerful symbol of strength and resilience, and his presence is a reminder of the ever-changing nature of life.
18. Sedna
Number 18 on our list of Gods of death is Sedna. Sedna is the Inuit goddess of marine animals and the sea. She is generally depicted as a beautiful woman with long dark hair and dark blue skin.
According to Inuit mythology, Sedna is said to be the daughter of Anguta, the master of the sea and sky. She was created by her father to live in the sea, where she would be the protector of all marine animals.
Sedna is often invoked by Inuit hunters to ensure a successful hunt and to protect them from danger while they’re out in the sea. She is also a powerful spirit that can bring good luck and fortune to those who honor her.
In some Inuit communities, Sedna is seen as the ruler of the underworld and the keeper of souls. She is also believed to be able to help people find their way in life and to make them wiser and more compassionate.
19. Coatlicue
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One of the most revered Aztec gods of death is Coatlicue. Coatlicue is the Aztec goddess of motherhood, fertility, and life. Mother of Aztec gods Huitzilopochtli and Quetzalcoatl, she is often portrayed wearing a skirt made of serpents (her name means “skirt of snakes”) and a necklace of human hearts, hands, and skulls. She is also often depicted with a snake headdress and claws.
Coatlicue is known for her fierce protection of her children and her ability to create and destroy life. She is a reminder of the powerful influence of women in ancient Aztec culture and is often seen as a great example of feminine power.
20. Ahriman
Ahriman, also known as Angra Mainyu, is a powerful deity from the ancient Persian religion of Zoroastrianism. He is known as the Prince of Darkness and embodies evil and chaos. Ahriman’s mission is to deceive, corrupt, and destroy everything good in the world.
He is the enemy of Ahura Mazda, the Supreme God of Zoroastrianism, and is forever attempting to overthrow the divine order. Ahriman and his demonic forces seek to bring an end to the creation of the world.
Ahriman is traditionally depicted as a fierce dragon with a human face. He is believed to have created the world’s most destructive and dangerous creatures, such as snakes and scorpions. Ahriman is associated with death, disease, and suffering and is often seen as a symbol of despair and destruction.
He is a powerful symbol of the ultimate force of evil in the universe, and his presence is a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for humans to stay vigilant in their struggle against evil.
21. Batara Kala
Batara Kala is a god of the underworld in traditional Balinese and Javanese mythology. He is the god of destruction and is usually associated with the eclipse and the night. He is also the god of justice and is said to be the one who will punish wrongdoers.
Batara Kala is often depicted as a fierce warrior that’s half-man, half-beast with a large club in his hand. Believed to be associated with the sun and moon, he represents the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
22. Kali
Kali is an important Hindu goddess associated with power, destruction, and transformation. Most know her with four arms, wearing a necklace of skulls, and standing on top of her husband, Shiva. She is said to represent the dark forces of nature and to be a force for change.
Kali is associated with time’s creative and destructive power and is seen as a symbol of motherly love, care, and protection. She is worshipped as a protector of homes and families and is often invoked during difficult times.
She is also seen as an embodiment of shakti, or female creative energy, and is revered as a goddess of liberation.
23. Ah Puch
Ah Puch is an ancient Mayan god of death and destruction. He was believed to be the ruler of the Mayan underworld and was feared by many.
Many know the Mayan god as a skeletal figure who was known for his ability to cause earthquakes, pestilence, and famine. He was also known to bring terror and bad luck to those who displeased him.
Locals say they still feel his presence in the dark and mysterious places of the Mayan jungle.
24. Shinigami
One of the most well-known Japanese gods of death, Shinigami, is an important deity in Japanese mythology and culture. He is often personified as a skeletal figure wearing a robe, carrying a scythe and an hourglass.
Shinigami is said to have control over the cycle of life and death and guides the souls of the dead to the afterlife. In some stories, he also grants wishes and curses. He also has the ability to bring the dead back to life.
25. Apophis
In Egyptian mythology, Apophis is the God of Chaos and the Lord of Darkness. People believed that he was a giant snake that would threaten the daily voyage of the sun god, Ra.
He was the enemy of order and light and sought to prevent the sun from rising each day. As a result, early Egyptians feared Apophis. He was the symbol of the destructive power of chaos.
Still, he was also seen as a protector, protecting those who invoked him. He was even seen as a symbol of fertility, as many believed that his coils represented the fertile ground of the Nile.
26. Mictlantecuhtli
Mictlantecuhtli, the last on our list of Gods of death, was one of the most important Aztec gods of death. He was often depicted as a skeleton with a skull for a face, and his symbols were bones and darkness. The Aztecs believed that Mictlantecuhtli was the judge of the dead and the guardian of the underworld.
He was also associated with fertility and was believed to be the provider of the souls of unborn children. He was also known as a ‘trickster’. He was cunning and deceiving, making him one of Aztec mythology’s most powerful gods.
Top 26 Gods Of Death, Destruction, And The Underworld – In Conclusion
From the ancient gods of death, destruction, and the underworld to modern-day interpretations, all 26 of these gods have an interesting, often dark, history.
Each of these gods has a unique story and a fascinating legacy to explore. While their roles in mythology have changed over time, one thing remains clear: these gods have captivated us for centuries, and they continue to do so today.