Defining Divinity
2. Exploring the Characteristics of Deities
Before we can definitively label the Traveler as a god (or not), we need to establish some ground rules. What exactly is a god, anyway? Its a surprisingly tricky question with a multitude of answers depending on who you ask and what mythology you're referencing. For some, a god is a creator, the architect of the universe, responsible for bringing everything into existence. For others, a god is a force of nature, a personification of the elements that shape our world. And for still others, a god is simply a being of immense power, capable of performing feats beyond human comprehension.
Common traits often attributed to deities include immortality, omnipotence (all-powerful), omniscience (all-knowing), and omnipresence (present everywhere). Of course, not all gods possess all of these qualities. Greek gods, for example, were notoriously flawed and prone to human emotions like jealousy, anger, and lust. They were immortal, yes, and possessed incredible powers, but they were far from perfect. Conversely, some deities are depicted as distant and detached, intervening only rarely in the affairs of mortals.
Another key aspect of divinity is often the concept of worship. Gods are typically beings to whom prayers are offered, sacrifices are made, and temples are built. They are revered as sources of guidance, protection, and ultimately, salvation. But what happens when the object of worship is an ambiguous, potentially dangerous, or even indifferent entity like the Traveler? Does that change the definition of divinity? It definitely throws a wrench in the works!
So, back to our original question. Does the Traveler meet the criteria for godhood? Well, that depends on how we define those criteria, and how closely the Traveler adheres to them. And that, my friends, is where things get interesting.
