Borrowing Mythologies: In the grand library of world literature, mythologies are the oldest shelves—etched with stories of gods, monsters, creation, destruction, and everything in between. From Zeus hurling thunderbolts to Anansi spinning webs of trickery, mythic traditions shape how we understand stories, archetypes, and even ourselves. But as authors in contemporary fiction increasingly blur genre lines and dive into worldbuilding, many have taken a daring and creative turn: rather than retelling existing myths, they’re inventing entirely new pantheons.

This isn’t just imaginative play—it’s literary innovation at its most ambitious. Authors are now building divine ecosystems, unique theologies, and fictional legends that reflect the themes of their stories and the complexities of modern existence. In this article, we’ll dive deep into how authors borrow from old myths to create new pantheons, why they do it, and how this trend is reshaping the landscape of fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction.

What Does “Creating a New Pantheon” Mean?

At its core, a pantheon is a group of deities belonging to a particular religion, belief system, or mythological structure. In literature, especially fantasy and science fiction, a “new pantheon” refers to the invention of gods, divine beings, or supernatural hierarchies that didn’t exist before.

But these aren’t random deities tossed into a book for flair. They come with

• Backstories and creation myths
• Distinct personalities and domains
• Cults, rituals, and followers
• Cosmic politics and divine drama
• Symbolism that enriches the story’s themes

Authors essentially step into the shoes of ancient storytellers—shaping worlds where gods walk among mortals or pull the strings from behind veils of mystery.

Why Authors Invent Their Own Mythologies

There are several compelling reasons why writers go this route, and each brings something fresh to the narrative table.

Creative Freedom

Existing mythologies come with baggage—cultural, historical, and even religious. Inventing a new pantheon frees authors from constraints and allows them to tailor a mythic system that perfectly fits their world and plot.

Think of it like designing a house: instead of renovating an ancient temple, they’re building a divine skyscraper from scratch.

Avoiding Appropriation

Cultural sensitivity is key in today’s literary landscape. Borrowing sacred myths without proper context or respect can be problematic. Authors often choose to create their own deities to avoid misrepresenting or exoticizing traditions that aren’t theirs to tell.

Deepening Worldbuilding

Myths shape how societies think, feel, and behave. When writers create fictional religions and pantheons, they enrich the cultural and political systems in their stories. Divine narratives influence laws, taboos, holidays, and even wars.

Exploring Modern Themes Through Divine Archetypes

New pantheons allow authors to explore contemporary issues—climate change, AI, colonialism, identity—through timeless mythic frameworks. Gods become metaphors for the fears, hopes, and moral dilemmas of today.

Famous Examples of New Pantheons in Fiction

Some of the most iconic and groundbreaking works of speculative fiction feature entirely original mythologies.

Neil Gaiman—American Gods

While Gaiman draws on global deities, he also invents new gods that represent modern obsessions—media, technology, and globalization. These fresh archetypes reflect how worship has shifted from temples to screens.

Key takeaway: New gods aren’t always supernatural—they can be symbolic reflections of collective belief.

Brandon Sanderson—Cosmere Universe

Sanderson doesn’t just build worlds—he builds cosmic systems. In novels like Mistborn and Stormlight Archive, gods are often flawed, mortal-born, or even shattered entities. His Shard system functions as a metaphysical framework for divinity.

Key takeaway: Deity doesn’t have to mean perfection—it can mean power + moral ambiguity.

N.K. Jemisin—The Inheritance Trilogy

In Jemisin’s trilogy, gods and godlings live, love, fight, and bleed. They interact with mortals, grapple with trauma, and reflect issues of race, gender, and power. Her pantheon includes deities like Itempas (order), Nahadoth (chaos), and Enefa (balance).

Key takeaway: Gods can embody emotional and social forces—not just natural ones.

Rick Riordan—The Kane Chronicles & Beyond

While Riordan is famous for repurposing Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Norse pantheons, he adds original twists and demigod hierarchies. In creating networks of divine-human relationships, he effectively builds his own modern mythos.

Key takeaway: Sometimes, remixing mythology becomes its own form of creation.

Tamsyn Muir—The Locked Tomb Series

This gothic sci-fi series blends necromancy with a complex pantheon of godlike beings known as the Lictors. They’re not traditional gods, but their powers, mysteries, and mythic roles function that way.

Key takeaway: Science and myth aren’t opposites—they’re narrative siblings.

The Blueprint of a Fictional Pantheon

If you’re wondering how authors actually pull this off—here’s what typically goes into the creative process of building a new pantheon.

1. Cosmology First

• How did the universe begin in this fictional world?
• Were gods born from chaos, stars, blood, or dreams?
• Is there one supreme creator, or a clash of titans?

2. The Divine Cast

Most pantheons follow a familiar structure:

• Supreme deity (like Zeus or Odin)
• Trickster or outcast god (think Loki or Eshu)
• Fertility/love deities
• Warrior gods
• Underworld rulers
• Balance keepers or time gods

Authors tweak these archetypes to fit their story’s emotional and thematic tone.

3. Myths and Origin Stories

Just like ancient cultures told stories about how spiders got their legs or how the moon was born, author’s craft folktales, parables, and legends to breathe life into their gods.

These can be passed down by fictional priests, inscribed on temple walls, or even forgotten and rediscovered—adding layers of mystery.

4. Worship Systems

No pantheon is complete without followers. Writers design:

• Rituals, sacrifices, or festivals
• Priesthoods or religious orders
• Sacred texts or relics
• Pilgrimage sites and holy wars

These traditions affect how societies in the book function—and often mirror real-world institutions in metaphorical ways.

5. Divine Conflicts

What’s a pantheon without some divine drama?

Jealousy, betrayal, forbidden love, cosmic battles—these mirror human behavior on a grand scale. The more nuanced the divine politics, the richer the mythology becomes.

Common Themes in Invented Pantheons

Let’s explore some recurring motifs that show up when authors invent divine systems:

Duality

Light vs. dark, order vs. chaos, creation vs. destruction—these opposing forces often anchor mythological systems and moral dilemmas.

Rebellion and Fall

From Lucifer to Prometheus, myths love a rebel. Many fictional gods are fallen, imprisoned, or exiled, creating narrative tension.

Forgotten Gods

Some stories feature dead or forgotten deities—echoing how belief systems fade or change. These can represent colonialism, lost languages, or cultural erasure.

Mortality and Divinity Blur

Modern authors frequently blur the line between gods and mortals. Some humans become gods; some gods choose mortality. This challenges the idea of fixed power and invites readers to question what makes someone “divine.”

Cultural Inspirations and Respectful Creation

When borrowing from real-world mythologies, authors walk a tightrope between inspiration and appropriation.

Cultural Fusion vs. Cultural Theft

Inventing a new pantheon inspired by multiple traditions can be exciting—but it must be done respectfully. It’s not about cherry-picking exotic elements for flavor; it’s about understanding, honoring, and reimagining with care.

Sensitivity Readers and Research

Many successful authors now work with cultural consultants or sensitivity readers when their pantheons draw inspiration from marginalized or sacred traditions. Doing the homework pays off in authenticity and depth.

Pantheon Creation in Interactive Media

It’s not just books. Games, films, and TV shows are diving into pantheon creation with enthusiasm.

Video Games

• Hades by Supergiant Games reimagines Greek deities with fresh aesthetics and personalities.
• Elden Ring and God of War: Ragnarok invent or remix divine systems to drive gameplay and lore.

Tabletop RPGs

Games like Dungeons & Dragons encourage players and DMs to create their own gods, complete with domains, alignments, and mythologies.

The Reader’s Role in a New Mythos

One beautiful side effect of fictional pantheons is how they invite reader engagement. Fans write their own myths, cosplay as fictional priests, and build wikis to track divine lineages.

The author creates the scaffolding—but the myth lives on through interpretation, fandom, and even criticism. Just like ancient myths were shaped by oral retellings and regional variations, modern mythologies evolve in the hands of readers.

In Conclusion, In a world where traditional narratives often fail to contain the vastness of human experience, inventing new pantheons offers something extraordinary. These stories allow us to rethink power, faith, identity, and morality. They let authors wield the narrative lightning bolt and create gods that reflect our hopes, flaws, and future.

So next time you pick up a book and encounter a sun god who’s afraid of fire or a goddess of language who speaks in code, remember: you’re not just reading a story. You’re witnessing the birth of a new mythology.

And in that moment—you’re part of it, too.

FAQs About Borrowing Mythologies

1. Do I need to be religious to enjoy fictional pantheons?

Not at all. Most fictional pantheons serve as metaphorical or symbolic storytelling devices. They’re more about narrative depth than religious belief.

2. Can anyone create a pantheon in their writing?

Absolutely! Whether you’re writing a novel, short story, or game, inventing a pantheon can deepen your worldbuilding and thematic richness.

3. How do I avoid cultural appropriation when drawing on real myths?

Do thorough research, give credit, and consider using cultural consultants. Better yet, create original deities inspired by values or ideas rather than copying existing gods.

4. Are new pantheons only for fantasy stories?

Nope. Sci-fi, magical realism, horror, and even literary fiction have used invented pantheons. The divine can appear in many forms—technological, alien, symbolic, or metaphorical.

5. What’s a good first step in inventing a pantheon?

Start with a creation myth. How did the universe begin in your world? Who shaped it, and why? From there, let your gods grow with purpose and personality.