Forgotten Realms Gods and Goddesses: A Comprehensive Overview
The world of the Forgotten Realms is rich with a wide array of gods and goddesses, some of whom are more familiar than others. This article will delve into some of the lesser-known but equally intriguing divine beings within this vast and vibrant realm.
Overview of Forgotten Realms Gods
Forgotten Realms is known for its plethora of unique and diverse deities. This article will focus on those who originate from within the world's mythology, rather than those who were imported from other realms or cultures. These gods and goddesses each hold unique roles and stories that shape the fabric of the Realms.
Forgotten Realms Gods
Ontivero: Ao - The Overgod
Ao, known as the 'Overgod', is a reclusive deity with a singular purpose: to keep watch over the actions of the other gods to ensure that they abide by the rules of the cosmos. His creators, the primordials, are said to have laid the groundwork for Abeir-Toril by first splitting the planet and creating the crystal sphere. Ao, in turn, created the crystal sphere that encloses Abeir-Toril and restricts access to outside worlds. Worship of Ao is strictly forbidden, and he actively avoids any form of communication with mortal beings, leaving behind no tangible proof of his existence.
Chaotic Immortal: Cyric - God of Strife and Lies
Once an unfortunate mortal rogue, Cyric managed to amass considerable power through the use of Godsbane, a magical sword capable of slaying gods. His ambitions were thwarted, and he became the god of strife and lies, a role that does not suit him well. In an attempt to regain his lost power, Cyric crafted a powerful book that compelled any reader to worship him. This ultimately led to his own uncontrollable megalomania, highlighting the dangers of unchecked power.
Kelemvor - The Divine Arbiter
Kelemvor was once a mortal, a noble warrior who adventured alongside Cyric before becoming a divine being. He was granted power over death and became a benefactor of the afterlife, ensuring justice and fairness. Unlike other gods of death, Kelemvor was not evil and strove to reject his human emotions, ensuring that those who passed would be judged based purely on their actions. His unwavering dedication to upholding fairness and duty stands in stark contrast to the tumultuous lives of many other deities.
Optimist of the New Day: Lathander
Lathander, the optimistic god of new beginnings, embodies the spirit of renewal and hope. As the god of birth, spring, and the dawn, his philosophy is one of limitless potential and positivity. Despite his optimistic outlook, Lathander's weakness lies in his naivety. His misguided attempts at eradicating evil from the world have caused more harm than good, leading to numerous unintended consequences and innocent lives lost. Nevertheless, he continues to fight for a better world, though his methods remain questionable.
Mystra - The Goddess of Magic
Mystra, the goddess of magic, is the embodiment of the Weave, a magical ether that serves as the foundation for all sorcery in the Forgotten Realms. Mystra actively safeguards and nurtures the Weave, ensuring that it remains intact and accessible to those who can harness its power. Although she was the third incarnation of a deity dedicated to magic, her predecessors perished in an attempt to protect the Weave from destruction.
Selne - The Goddess of Light
Selne, often associated with the moon, was among the first gods created by Ao. Selne's creation of the sun enabled life on Toril to thrive, yet she is more closely linked with lunar mythology. She is the patron of non-evil lycanthropes and those who seek to preserve light in the face of darkness. Her sister, Shar, embodies the opposite as the goddess of darkness and loss, often engaged in a cosmic struggle for dominance over the balance of light and shadow.
Shar - The Goddess of Darkness
Shar, Selne's sister, embodies the destructive force of darkness. When Selne defied her wishes to create the sun, a battle ensued, resulting in Selne sacrificing a part of herself to emerge victorious. This loss turned Shar into a force of nihilistic evil, causing her to retreat into seclusion for countless millennia. When she eventually resurfaced, she became a formidable enemy to those who coveted light and order.
Sune - The Goddess of Love and Beauty
Sune is the goddess of love and beauty, often portrayed as a passionate and flirty deity. Her focus on beauty extends beyond physical attributes, emphasizing that beauty can transcend superficial appearances. Sune encourages creativity and passion, but her involvement in these aspects is fleeting, requiring constant rekindling to maintain her interest.
Talos - The God of Destruction
Talos is a destructive deity, motivated by the desire to bring down whatever others build. His actions are driven by a pattern of destruction and domination, often resulting in natural disasters such as earthquakes and storms. Talos is depicted as an immature and relentless force, incapable of understanding the value of construction and order.
Tempus - The Herald of Resolve
Tempus, the god of war, was appointed to his role after besting his predecessor in a significant battle of wits and tactics. Known for his honorable nature, Tempus does not favor one side over another in combat, as long as they uphold principles of honor. However, he is not opposed to causing destruction if the situation warrants it, valuing order and resolve over absolute peace.
These divine beings, among others, contribute to the rich tapestry of the Forgotten Realms. Each deity brings unique stories, motivations, and philosophies that shape the world they inhabit and the characters who interact with them.