Theories of Religion: Worship of Multiple Gods

Religion is a term several people have a hard time explaining without being biased. This term has to do with beliefs, gods, customs, and so much more. Though a definite beginning of religion cannot be identified, there is research on why and about when religion came to be. Mesopotamia is one of the very first communities that religion has been identified. Egypt, Greece, and Rome follow with their own customs in religion. Though each region developed at a different time, each one had similar reasons for their actions. The original definition of religion states, “a belief in something sacred”. Each region created their own version of religion to have a better understanding of the world around them. “How” and “why” are the questions these original regions strived to answer. Each region worshipped their own set of gods that allowed them to have a further understanding of the world. An important god that region worshipped in one way or another is the god of water.

Considering Mesopotamia literally stand for “middle river”, one would assume that the main water god of Mesopotamia would be a river god. Surprisingly enough, the main water god of Mesopotamia resides in the ocean and is a god of fresh water. This god is called “Ea”. He is considered one of the three most important gods in the Mesopotamian religion. Since the Mesopotamian gods were known to hate their people this god was believed to be the sole creator of floods to rid the world of the people he created and despised. Ironically, he was also the protector of the floods. Perhaps he would spare a life from a flood if a tasteful sacrifice was received. Though he resides in the ocean, Ea’s home is important to the cosmic geography of Mesopotamia. Babylon, a sacred city, was said to be built atop Ea. (Horry).

Egypt had a very strong religion and a lot of its power was based on the Nile river. The Nile river provided Egypt with several means of survival. So, it is not a surprise when the water god is one of the most powerful gods in their religion. By making the water god the most powerful, he then becomes the most popular as well. This well-known god is worshipped by the name of “Happi”. One could find this a coincidence since the Egyptian gods highly favored their people. This in return made the people very happy. Happi was not only the god of water, but also fertility since the river brought allowed their crops to survive, it was also seen as a “life giver”. Happi’s home was considered in the Nile. He connected the upper and lower parts of Egypt, therefore, unifying them. The river was said to flow from Happi’s home, through the heavens and the land of the undead before it spewed out of a mountain. (Hill). Several people would throw offerings into the river to please Happi and in return he would allow their crops to survive and their houses to stay unharmed by waters.

Greek religion had gods they worshipped happily and some they were terrified of. There was a decent balance between the two. Roman religion came around and basically adopted all the Greek gods, changed most of their names, and worshipped them very similarly to the Greek. The water god, better known as the “Lord of the sea” in these regions were worshipped almost exactly the same way; the just contained different names. Greek religion called their “Lord of the sea” by Poseidon, whereas the Roman “Lord of the sea” went by the name of Neptune. (Donn “Neptune”). Both gods are said to have features that personify the ocean, such as blue/ green eyes and wavy green hair. It was no coincidence they became a lord of the beautiful body of water. Both gods were also said to be one of the original titan children that Zeus saved from the belly of their father, and each was given a title of some sort to be rulers over the Earth.

Poseidon lived on the northern boundary of Greece. (Donn “Poseidon”). Since Greece only had one ocean boundary, many people did not feel the need to be terrified of this god. The citizens on the coastline on the other hand, terrified him. Poseidon and Neptune both had the power to stir up a sea storm anytime they felt it necessary. Though neither region felt the “Lord of the sea” to be a “main” god, he was very powerful and must be kept happy. In order to keep their god happy, both Greek and Roman people built temples to please him. They would bring each one gifts, and the gifts would determine whether a sea storm would make an appearance, or a beautiful, calm sea was in store. (Donn) The four regions that have been discussed took their religion very seriously. Gods had varied powers and respect. The water god is important in each religion. Even if he was not one of the main gods, the people knew that water was a powerful source and he was often kept happy.