The Evolution of Consciousness

A Creationist refers me to a book by the biologist Douglas Joel Futuyma http://www.amazon.com/books/dp/0878931872

The Creationist thought this book supported the idea that evolution did not account for consciousness. So I had to explain...

Creationist: Evolution cannot acount for everything. And it certainly can't account for universal beliefs. Here's a quote from a book: Evolution, by Douglas J. Futuyma. It’s a superb text, authoritative and well written. 

[Darwin's] alternative to intelligent design was design by the completely mindless process of natural selection, according to which organisms possessing variations that enhance survival or reproduction replace those less suitably endowed, which therefore survive or reproduce in lesser degree. This process cannot have a goal, any more than erosion has the goal of forming canyons, for the future cannot cause material events in the present. Thus the concepts of goals or purposes have no place in biology (or any other of the natural sciences), except in studies of human behavior. (p. 282)

And another quote from the same book referring to an experiment in bacteria: This experiment conveys the essence of natural selection: it is a completely mindless process without forethought or goal. (p. 285)

JimC: You've provided a superb summary of natural selection from Futuyama. His text books are excellent. I'm hugely reassured that you're reading his work. But I can't relate your comments about the evolution of a conscious to Futuyama's text. What makes you think evolution cannot account for a conscious? The mechanism for evolution of empathy, guilt and the other things that we know as "having a conscious" is the same mechanism as the evolution of any other attribute of life.

Let's ask Douglas J Futuyma ...

Question When we refer to humans, can natural selection explain how something like the human brain, associated with consciousness and the mind, can come about? Or are these questions outside the realm of biology?

Futuyama Well, it must be one of the most difficult questions that has to be explained but any phenomenon obviously deserves to be explained. There are things that don’t exist in the DNA, which are nevertheless the products of biological processes like cell membrane structure. I think the ability to reflect on ourselves, which I guess is part of what you call consciousness or intelligence, will result out of processes that natural selection seems to favour. The argument here is that in social species (such as ants, wasps, primates that cooperate with one another) there are more and more opportunities for intelligence to be exercised.

http://www.livemint.com/Politics/LWVwgNyoeqmtnDg7oBUyqO/The-evolutionreligion-controversy-will-never-go-away-Dougl.html

I also recommend reading Frans de Waal's evidence of the evolution of emotions, which was inspired by his work with primates and which expands on the principle Futuyama refers to. Essentially, humans (and primates) are social creatures with behaviour that can be costly to the individual but useful to the groups with large numbers of such individuals do better than those without. Therefore, the "social" groups expand over time at the expense of the groups that are composed of selfish individuals.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Age-Empathy-Natures-Lessons/dp/0285640380

Here's a fairly detailed article by De Waal...

http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_evolution_of_empathy

...and a brief extract...

So, how and why would this trait have evolved in humans and other species? Empathy probably evolved in the context of the parental care that characterizes all mammals. Signaling their state through smiling and crying, human infants urge their caregiver to take action. This also applies to other primates. The survival value of these interactions is evident from the case of a deaf female chimpanzee I have known named Krom, who gave birth to a succession of infants and had intense positive interest in them. But because she was deaf, she wouldn’t even notice her babies’ calls of distress if she sat down on them. Krom’s case illustrates that without the proper mechanism for understanding and responding to a child’s needs, a species will not survive.

During the 180 million years of mammalian evolution, females who responded to their offspring’s needs out-reproduced those who were cold and distant. Having descended from a long line of mothers who nursed, fed, cleaned, carried, comforted, and defended their young, we should not be surprised by gender differences in human empathy, such as those proposed to explain the disproportionate rate of boys affected by autism, which is marked by a lack of social communication skills.

Empathy also plays a role in cooperation. One needs to pay close attention to the activities and goals of others to cooperate effectively. A lioness needs to notice quickly when other lionesses go into hunting mode, so that she can join them and contribute to the pride’s success. A male chimpanzee needs to pay attention to his buddy’s rivalries and skirmishes with others so that he can help out whenever needed, thus ensuring the political success of their partnership. Effective cooperation requires being exquisitely in tune with the emotional states and goals of others.

Back to your comments on evolution...

Evolution doesn't explain "thought processes". Neuroscience explains thought processes, and how they arise from a brain. Evolution explains how our brains evolved, along with the the aspects of life, including behaviour.

Some cultures did indeed kill babies. They didn't kill babies for fun, but let's put that to one side. As I've explained elsewhere, they did this for superstitious reasons, as a way of pleasing the gods, improving crops or the weather and so on. It didn't give them an advantage and it's another example of human behaviour being corrupted when a few powerful people take control, for example a tribal priest claiming authority due to his "knowing" what the gods want and imposing his abnormal ideas on the rest of the group.

Killing your enemies and stealing their stuff might give you a short term advantage, but it's not sustainable and is self defeating, as history shows and as DeWaal explains (see above)

Blind forces (whatever they are) don't place your emotions inside you. I think we agree on that? Blind forces don't have goals or forethought (or thoughts). Your emotions haven't been "placed" - they have evolved over millions of years by the process of natural selection. Natural selection doesn't have a goal in the same way that photosynthesis doesn't have a goal. It is a natural process.

I'm still unclear about this HMFR mechanism that you refer to. What I don't get is how the explanation for morality affects moral behaviour. I think you're saying that we all share the same "moral knowledge" which is inbuilt into everyone, but we seem to be disagreeing on the explanations for the source of this "moral knowledge" (some explanations are religious, some are biological). To use your words... "My Source is God. So is yours. I acknowledge it. You don't. It's as simple as that."

So my question is this: How does the explanation (or acknowledgement) of moral belief affect someone's moral behaviour? For example, a thunderstorm can have a natural explanation and a supernatural explanation. But the effect of the thunderstorm is the same, regardless of which explanation I acknowledge or don't. 

Misleading Comparisons

A misleading comparison argument is a fallacy in which what is true in one situation is stated as necessarily true in a different situation.

Creationists and Religious Apologists will often make misleading comparisons. Ironically, these often act to disprove the argument they are trying to make in the first place.

Example 1: Religion may have been wrong about a few things, but science has been wrong about many more things!

Explanation: Science and Religion cannot be compared as they are completely different ways of explaining the world around is.  Scientific theories are deliberately falsifiable, so that they can be proved to be wrong if they are wrong. Religious theories are unfalsifiable, and are therefore impossible to test.

Example 2: By attempting to define all of intelligence through physical and biological processes you are ignoring the realm revealed by intelligence. It is as if you are defining an antenna through the processes that lead to its manufacture. 

Explanation: Antennae and brains cannot be compared because they perform totally different functions. An antenna could be compared to an eye because they both convert electromagnetic radiation into electrical energy. A brain could perhaps be compared to a computer, but they operate very differently. The manufacturing process of an antenna is not a good analogy for the processes that result in intelligence. An antenna is an artefact. Intelligence is a set of mental abilities. If an antenna has to be used in comparison, then a better analogy to intelligence would be the voltage produced by the antenna, but even that is a weak analogy. 

Example 3: God's genocide of the Midianites is justified because they had to die for the greater good. It's just the same as you having to blow up a bridge that has civilians on it, in order to defeat an advancing army.

Explanation: A human being may well be forced into killing civilians in order to defeat an army, but the Bible story of the Midianites describes commands given by God, not human beings. We are told that God is omnipotent and therefore He would be able to defeat an advancing army without having to kill any civilians or blowing up bridges.

Tip: Comparisons of any kind almost always are flawed. Think carefully before you accept any kind of comparison as evidence.

http://www.logicallyfallacious.com/index.php/logical-fallacies/97-faulty-comparison

How many gods?

How many gods are there? It's impossible to know as thousands of human cultures have come and gone without the details of their religions being recorded. But here's one list of the known gods...  Just over 4,000 on this list - but I've heard of other lists that go over 6,000. 

Aa, Aakash, A'akuluujjusi, Aatxe, Aba, Abaangui, Ababinili, Aba-Inka, Abandinus, Abarbarea, Abarimon, Abaris, Abarta, Abas, Abassi, Abdals, Abellio, Abhean, Abhijit, Abnoba, Abuk, Abundantia, Abydos, Acacallis, Acacia, Academus, Acan/Ah-Chuy-Kak/Ah-Ciliz, Acantha, Acarnan, Acaste, Acat, Acca-Larentia, Acestes, Achaemenides, Achaeus, Achall, Achates, Achelois/-us, Acheron, Achimi, Achiyalatopa, Achtan, Achtland, Acidalia, Acis, Aclla, Acmon, Acoetes, Acolmiztli, Acolnahuacatl/Acolmiztli, Actaea, Acuecucyoticihuati, Ac-Yanto, Acyutah, Adachigahara, Adad, Adamanthea, Adaox, Adawulcanak, Adekagagwaa, Adeona, Adephagia, Adhidevata, Adim, Adimurti, Aditi, Adityas, Adjassou-Linguetor, Adjinakou, Adlet, Adlivun, Admete, Admetus, Adonis, Adroa, Adroanzi, Adsullata, Adur, Adya-Houn'tò, Aeas, Aedon, Aeëtes, Aefsati, Aegaeon, Aegaeus, Aegea, Aegimius, Aegina, Aegir, Aegis, Aegle, Aegyptus, Aello, Aelquntam, Aeneads, Aeneas, Aengus, Aeolus, Aequitas, Aera-Cura, Aericura, Aesacus, Aesepus, Aesir, AesSidhe, Aeternitas, Aether, Aethon, Aethra, Aetna, Aetolus, Aeval, Africus, Afrit, Aganippe, Aganju, A-gaskw, Agassou, Agastya, Agave, Agdistis, Agdistis/Angdistis, Agé, Agelasta, Agenor, Aghora, Aglaea, Aglaulus, Aglauros, Agloolik, Agni, agojo-so'jo, Agonalia, Agrius, Agron, Agrona, Agrotora, Aguara, agudar, Agugux', Agwe, Ahalya, Aha-Njoku, Ahau-Chamahez, Ahau-Kin, Ah-Bolon-Dzacab, Ah-Cancum, Ah-Chembekur, Ah-Chun-Caan, Ah-Cun-Can, Ah-Cuxtal, Ah-Hulneb, Ahi, Ahitescatoneh, Ah-Kin, Ah-Kumix-Uinicob, Ahmad, Ahmakiq, Ah-Mun, Ah-Muzencab, Aholi, Ahone, Ah-Patnar-Uinicob, Ah-Peku, Ah-Puch, Ahriman, Ahsonnutli, Ah-Tabai, Ahti, Ah-Uincir-Dz'acab, Ahuizotle, Ahul, Ahulane, Ahura-Mazda, Ah-Uuc-Ticab, Ai, Äiatar, Aibell, Aide, Aideko, Aigaion/Briares, Aigamuxa, Aigeiros, Äike, Aillen, Ailuros, Aimend, Ain, Aine, Aipaloovik, Airavata, Airesekui, Aireskouy-Soutanditnr, Airitech, Airmed, Aisoyimstan, Aita, Aitvaras, Aius-Locutius, Aizen-Myoo, Aja, Ajari-Joan, Ajatar, Ajbit, Ajilee, Aji-Shiki, Ajisuke-Takahikone, Ajok, Ajtzak, Akbaalia, Akba-atatdia, Akea, Aken, Aker, Akerbeltz, Akert, Akeru, Akh, Akhlut, Akhushtal, Akka, Akna, Akongo, Äkräs, Akshayapatra, Akshobhya, Akte/Cypris, Aktunowihio, Akuma, Akupara, Akycha, Ala, Alaghom-Naom/-Tzentzel, Alaisiagae, Alakapuri, Alapay-Mishupashup, Alastor, Alaunus, Alberich, Alberich, Albino-Spirit-animals, Albiorix, Albunea, Alcestis, Alcippe, Alcyone, Alcyoneus, Alecto, Alectrona, Alectryon, Alektca, Alemonia, Alevipoeg, Alexiares, Alfrodull, Alignak, Alisanos, Alkuntam, Allah, Allanque, Allowat-Sakima, Almo, Aloadae, Aloeus, Alom, Alom-bag-winno-sis, Alom-begwi-no-sis, Alope, Alowatsakima, Alpan, Alpheus, Alqol-ti-Mani-t'aix, Altjira, Alvis, Amaa, Amadlozi, Amaethon, Amaguq, Ama-Itsaso, Amala, Amaltheia, Amalur, Ama-No-Minaka-Nushi, Amaravati, Amata, Amaterasu, Amathaunta, Amatheia, Amatsu-Kami, Amatsu-Mara, Amatsu-Mikaboshi, Amaunet, Ambika, Ambisagrus, Amen, Amenemope, Amenhotep, Ame-No-Kagase-Wo, Ame-No-Mi-Kumari, Ame-No-Oshido-Mimi, Ame-No-Toko-Tachi, Ame-No-Wakahiko, Ament, Amentet, Amenthes, Amenti, Ameretat, Am-Heh, Amida, Amimitl, Aminon, Amitabha, Amitayus, Amitolane, Amlak, Ammavaru, Ammit, Ammon, Am-No-Tanabata-Hime, Amor, Amotken, Ampelos, Amphinome, Amphion, Amphiro, Amphithoe, Amphitrite, Amphrysos, Amrita, Amset, Amulius, Amun, Amunet, Amun-Re, Amun-Re-Kamutef, Amycus, Amymone, An, Anaisa-Pye, Anakes, Anala, Anan, Ananga, Ananke, Anann, Anansasem, Anansi/Aunt-Nancy, Ananta, Anantesa, Anat, Anath, Anatole, Anax, Anaxarete, anaye, Anbay, Ancamna, Anchises, Andajus, Andaokut, Andarta, Andhaka, Andhrimnir, Andiciopec, Andjety, Andraste, Andvaranaut, Andvari, Anedjti, Anenagi-tayapiwa'ciga, Anerneq, Anextiomarus, Angalkuq, Angatupri, Angerona, Angiris, Angita, Angitia, Angra-Mainyu, Angrboda, Anguta, Angwusnasomtaka, Anhor, Ani, Anicetus, Ani-Hyuntikwalaski, Anila, Animal-spirits, Aningan, Aniwye, Anjea, Ankh, Ankt, anl'tani, Anna, Annaed, Annamurti, Anna-Perenna, Annapurna, Annat, Annonaria, Annwn, Anog-Ite, Anouke, Ansa, Anshar, Anshitsu, Antaeus, Antea, Anteros, Antero-Vipunen, Antevorte, Antheia, Anti, Antiope, Anu, Anubis, Anuket, Anumati, Anuradha, Ao-Ao, Aoide, Aon, Ap, Apa, Apalala, Apam, Apam-Napat, Apanuugak, Apate, Apep, Aphaea, Aphrodite, Apicilnic, Apidanus, Apikunni, Apis, Apistotoke, Aplu, Apo, Apocatequil, Apollo, Apollyon, Apophis/Apep, Apotamkin, Apotequil, Apoyan-Tachi, Appiades, Appias, Apsaras, Apseudes, Apsu, Apu, Apu-Illapu, Apukohai, Apu-Punchau, Aqalax, Aquilo, araburu-kami, Arachne, Aranyani, Arasy, Arawn, Arcadia, Arcas, Arche, Ardescus, Ardhanari, Ardhanarisvara, Ardra, Arduinna, Arebati, Aredvi-Sura-Anahita, Arendiwane, Arensnuphis, Areong, Areong-Jong, Ares, Ares-Lusitani, Arethusa, Arges, Argia, Argiduna, Argus, Arianrhod, Aristaeus, Arjuna, Arklys, Arktos, Arnakua'gsak, Arnemetia, Arria, Artemis, Artio, Artume, Aruna, Arundhati, Arvernus, Aryaman, Aryman, As, Asa, Asagwe, Asase-Ya, Ascanius, Asch, Asclepius, Asdiwal, A-senee-ki-wakw, Asgaya-Gigagei, Ash, Asha-Vahishta, Asherah/Athirat, Ashta-Dikpalas, Ashuku-Nyorai, Asia/Clymene, Asiaq, Asin, Asintmah, Ask-wee-da-eed, Aslesa, Asmodeus, Asobëe, Asopus, Assanut-li-je, Assur, Astamatara, Astar, Astarte-Ashtoreth, Astennu, Asteria, Asterion, Asterios, Astomi, Astraea, Astraeus, Astrild, Asura, Asuras, Asvayujau, Aswini, Aswins, Asynjur, Atacokai, Ataguchu, Atahensic, Atahocan, Atai, Ataksak, Atarrabi, Ate, Atégina, Aten, Atergätus, Atharvan, AtharvaVeda, Athena, Athos, Athtart, Aticandika, Atiratu, Atisokan, Atius-Tirawa, Atl, Atla, Atlacamani, Atlacoya, Atlantides, Atlas, Atlas, Atlatonan, Atlaua, Atman, Aton, Ato-sees, Atri, Atropos, Atshen, Atsolowas, Attis, Atum, Atum-Ra, Atunis, Atys, Audėja, Audhumla, Auf, Aufaniae, Auge, Augeas, Aulanerk, Aumanil, Aunggaak, Aurora, Ausaas, Ausautas, Auseklis, Auslavis, Ausonia, Aušrinė, Auštaras, Auster, Autonoe, Auxesia, Auxo/-esia, Avalloc, Avalou, Avatars-of-Vishnu, Averna, Avernus, Aveta, Awabi, Awaeh-Yegendji, Awakkule, Awes-kon-wa, awe'sus, AwitelinTsta, Awonawilona, Axius, Axular, Ayaba, Ayauhteotl, Ayida-Weddo, Ayizan, Ayo-Caddi-Aymay, Ayyanar, Ayyappan, Ayya-Vaikundar, Azaka-Tonnerre, Azeban, Ba, Baal, Baal-Zebub, Baatsi, Baaxpee, Babaužis, Babi, Bacab/-s, Bacalou, Bacchus/Baki, Backlum-Chaam, Badb, Badessy, Badi-Mata, Badrinath, Bagadjimbiri, Bagala, Bagalamukhi, Bagucks, Bahloo, Bahuchara-Mata, Baiame, Bakbakwalanooksiwae, Bakemono, Bakha, Bakoos, Baku, Bala, Balaji, Balakrsna, Balam, Balam-Agab, Balam-Quitzé, Balanke, Balanos, Balarama, Balder, Baldhead, Bali, Balin, Balius, Balmung, Balor, Bamapana, Banaitja, Banba, Bandonga, Banebdjetet, Banga, Bangpūtys, Banka-Mundi, Ba-Pef, Barastyr, Baron-Kriminel, Baron-Samedi, Barraiya, barstukas, Basa-Jaun, Basamacha, Basepef, Basileus, Basket-Woman, Bassareus, Bassarids, Bast/Bastet, Basti, Bat, Bata, Bateia, Batsolowanagwes, Baubas, Baubis, Baucis, Ba-Xian, Bead-Spitter, Beag, Bear, Bear-Medicine-Woman, Bear-Woman, Beaver, Beaver-Doctor, Beb, Bebhionn, Bec-dilxil-xastin, Bedig-wajo, Beeralingeswara, Begizko, Behanzin, Behedeti, Beher, Beigorri, Belatu-Cadros, Beldegg, Belenus, Belial, Belisama, Bellona, Beltis, Benkei, Benten, Benu, Benzai, Benzai-Ten, Benzozia, Berecyntia, Bergelmir, Bergelmir, Berith, Beroe, Berserks, Bes, Beset, Betadur, Bethel, Beyla, Bhadra, Bhaga, Bhairava, Bhairavi, Bharadwaja, Bharani, Bharati, Bharat-Mata, Bhavani, Bhima, Bhrigus, Bhumidevi, Bhumiya, Bhutamata, Bhutas, Bhuvaneshvari, Bhuvanesvari, Bia, Bifrost, Big-Heads, Big-Man-Eater, Big-Tail, Big-Twisted-Flute, Bikeh-Hozho, Bile, Billing, Bimbogami, Bimbomushi, Binbeal, Binzuru-Sonja, Birao, Birrahgnooloo, Bishamon, Bishamonten, Bistonians, Bitol, Bixia-Yuanjin, Black-Hactcin, Black-Tamanous, Blind-Boy, Blind-Man, Blizgulis, Blodeuwedd, Blood-Clot-Boy, Blue-Dragon, Blue-Jay, Bmola, Boann, Bobas, Bodb, Bodb-Dearg, Bokwus, Bolbe, Boli-Shah, Bolontiku, Bolon-Ts'akab/Dzacab, Bomazi, Bombay-Kamayan, Bommatsuri, Bona-Dea, Bor, Boreads, Boreas, Borghild, Bormanico, Borvo, Bosatsu, Bossou-Ashadeh, Boum'ba-Maza, Bowyer-God, Bragi, Brahma, Brahman, Brahmani, Brahmapura, Brahmastra, Bran, Branwen, Brauron, Brea, Breg, Brekyirihunuade, Bres, Briareus, Bride, Brigantia, Brigid/-t, Brigindo, Brihaspati, Britannia, Britomartis, Brizo, Bromios, Bronach, Brono, Brontes, brownies, Brunhilde, Búanann, Bubas, Bube, Bubilas, Bubis, Bubona, Buchis, Buddha, Buddhi, Budha, Budhi-Pallien, Buffalo, Bugid-Y-Aiba, Buku, Buluc-Chabtan, Bumba, Bunjil, Buri, Burnt-Belly, Burnt-Face, Bussumarus, Buto, Butsu, Butsudan, Butsudo, Butterfly, Bylgia, Byzas, Cabaguil, Cabari, Cabiri, Cabrakan, Caca, Cacoch, Cacus, Caduceus, Caeculus, Caer, Caerus, Cagn, Caha-Paluma, Caicus, Caieta, Cailleach, Cai-shen, Cakixia, Cakulha, Callianassa, Callianira, Calliope, Callirhoë, Callirrhoe, Callisto, Calypso, Camaxtli, Camazotz, Camenae, Camilla, Camma, Campe, Camulatz, Camulus, Canace, Candelifera, Canens, Cannibal-Grandmother, Cannibal-Woman, Canola, Canopus, Canotila, Can-Tzicnal, Cao-Guo-jiu, Capa, Caphira, Captain-Debas, Cardea, Cariociecus, Carman, Carmenta, Carna, Carpo/Xarpo, Carpus, Cartimandua, Carya, Cassotis, Castalia, Castores, Caswallawn, Catamitus, Catequil, Catillus, Cauac, Caucasus, Caugh, Cautha, Cavillaca/-e, Cayster, Cebren, Cecrops, Cedalion, Celaeno, Celestial-kings, Celmis, Ceneus, Cenn-Cruaich, Centaurs, Centeotl, Centimani, Centzon-Totochtin, Centzonuitznaua, Cephalus, Cephissus, Cerberus, Cerceis, Cercopes, Ceres, Ceridwen, Cerklicing, Cernunnos, Ceryx, Cessair, Cetan, Cethlion, Ceto, Ceyx, Chaac, Chac, Chac-Uayab-Xoc, Chahnameed, Chaitanya, Cha-kal-le, Chalchiuhtecolotl, Chalchiuhtlatonal, Chalchiuhtlicue, Chalchiuhtotoliq, Chalchiutotolin, Chalmecacihuilt, Chalmecatecuchtlz, Chalmecatl, Chama, Chamer, Chamunda, Chanda, Chandanayika, Chandarupa, Chandavati, Chandesvara, Chandi, Chandika, Chandogra, Chandra, Chandrasekhara, Changing-Bear-Woman, Changing-Woman, Chantico, Chaob, Chaos, Chareya, Charis, Charites, Charon, Charontes, Charred-Body, Charun, Charybdis, Chasca, Chasca-Coyllur, Chaturmurti, Chaya, Cheimon, Chekechani, Chelone, Chem, Chemosh, Chemy, Cheng-huang, Chensit, Chentamentet, Chentechtai, Chenti-cheti, Chenti-irti, Chepi, Chepre, Cheribakef, Cherti, Cherufe, Chhinnamasta, Chibaiskweda, Chibiabos, Chibirias, Chicchan, Chicomecoatl, Chicomexochtli, Chiconahui, Chiconahuiehecatl, Chien-shin, Chiha-Yo-Changgun, Chih-Nu, Child-Born-in-Jug, Chimalmat, Chimatano, Chimata-no-kami, Chimera, Chinnamastaka, Chione, Chiowotamahke, Chirakan, Chiron, Chiruwi, Chitra, Chitragupta, Chiuta, Chlidanope, Chloe, Chloris, Chnubis, Chnum, Choimha, Chons, Chontamenti, Chremetes, Chronos, Chrysaor, Chryseis, Chu-Jiang, Chujo-Hime, Chukwu, Chulyen, Chumong, Chup-Kamui, Churning-of-the-Ocean, Cihuacoatl, Cilix, Cimmerians, Cin-an-ev, Cinteotl, Cinxia, Cipactli, Cipactonal, Cirapé, Circe, Cit-Bolon-Tum, Citlalatonac, Citlalicue, Ciucoatl, Ciuteoteo, Civatateo, Cizin, Cladeus/Kladeos, Clarius, Clementia, Cleobis, Cleochareia, Cleodora/Kleodora, Clermeil, Cleta, Cliffogre, Clio, Cliodhna, Clitunno, Cloacina, Clota, Clotho, Clymene, Clytia, Clytius, Coatlicue, Cochimetl, Cocidius, Coco-macaque, Cocytus, Coelus, Coeus, Cofrit, Cogaz, Coi-Coi-Vilu, Colel-Cab, Colo-Colo, Colop-U-Uichkin, Conall-Cernach, Conchobar, Concordia, Condatis, Conditor, Congo, Coniraya, Conn, Consus, Contrebis, Convector, Copacati, Copia, Corb, Corcyra, Coronis, Corus, Corybantes, Corythus, Cottus/-geit, Cottyto, Cotys, Coventina, Coyolxauhqui, Coyopa, Coyote, Cragus, Cranto, Cratais, Crateias, Cratos, Creiddylad, Creidhne, Creneis, Creusa, Crinisus, Cripple-Boy, Crius, Crom-Cruach, Cronus, Crow, Crow-Woman, Cthulhu, Cuaxolotl, Cuba, Cuchulainn, Culsu, Cumaean-Sibyl, Cum-Hau, Cunawabi, Cunina, Cupid, Cura, Curetes, Cu-Roi, Curoi-mac-Daire, Curtius, CwnAnnwn, Cybele, Cychreides, Cyclopes, Cydippe, Cydnos, Cyhiraeth, Cyllene/Kyllene, Cylleneius, Cymatolege, Cymo, Cymodoce, Cymothoe, Cynosura, Cynthia, Cyone, Cyrene, Cytherea, Da, Dactyls, Dagda, Dagon, Dagur, Dagwanoenyent, Dahdahwat, Daibosatsu, Daibutsu, Daikoku, Daimon, Dainichi, Dainichi-Nyorai, Daira, Daityas, Dajoji, Daksha, Dakshayani, Daldal, Dalhan, Dalia, Dalnim, Damara, Damasēn, Damballa, Damia, Damkina/Dumkina, Damocles, Damona, Danaides, Danaus, Dan-Petro, Danu, Dan-Wédo, Daode-Tianzun, Daphne, Daphnis, Daramulum, Dardanus, Darzamate, Dasim, Dasyus, Dattatreya, Davlin, Dawn, Da-yu, Dea-Dia, Dea-Matrona, Dea-Sequana, Dea-Tacita, Dechtere, Decima, Dedun, Dedwen, Dei-Lucrii, Deimos, Deino, Deiopea, Deirdre, Dekla, Demeter, Demiurge, Dendid, Dendrites, Deng, Deo, deohako, Dero, Despoina, Deucalion, Deva, devak, Devaki, Devapurohita, Devasena, Devata, Dever, Devera, Deverra, Devi, Dewi, Dewing, Dewing-Uschinge, Dexamene, Dhakhan, Dhanistha, Dhanvantari, Dhara, Dharani, Dharma, Dharti-Mata, Dha-shi-zhi, Dhatar, Dhatri, Dhisana, Dhruva, Dhumavati, Dhumorna, Dhumravati, Dhurjati, Dia, Diable-Tonnere, Dia-Griene, Diana, Dian-Cecht, Di-Cang, Diejuste, Dieva-deli, Dievas, Dievas-Senelis, Dievini, Dievs, Dievturiba, Di-guan, Dii-Mauri, Di-Inferi, Dike, Dilga, Dimstipatis, Dinclinsin, Dione, Dionysus, Dirae, Dis, Disciplina, Discordia, Disen, Dis-Pater, Dithyrambos, Diti, Dius-Fidus, Divytis, Di-ya, Diyin-dine, Dizikas, Djebauti, Djien, Djigonasee, Djinn/Jinn, Dodona, Do-gakw-ho-wad, Dohkwibuhch, Dokibatt, Domfe, Domiduca, Domiducus, Domitius, Don, Donbettir, Dongo, Dong-yue-da-di, Doris, Dorus, Dosojin, Doto, Dou-mu, Dove-Goddess, Dozoku-shin, Dragon-Carp, Dragon-kings, Draupadi, Drosera, Drug, dryads, Drymo, Dryope, du-I-Halasa, Dua, Duamutef, Duat, Duberdicus, Duellona, Dunanui, Dund, Durga, Durgha, Dvalin, dwarves, Dwyn, Dyaush, Dyaus-Pita, Dyavaprthivi, Dylan, Dynamene, Dysis, Dysnomia, Dzee-dzee-bon-da, Dzelarhons, Dzi-dzat, Dziva, Ea, Eagentci, Eagle, Earth-Shaman, Eate, Ebajalg, Ebisu, Echenais, Echidna, Echo, Edain, Edda, Edinkira, Edusa, Eeyeekalduk, Efile-mokulu, Efnisien, Efreisone, Egbere, Egeria, Egestes, Egoi, Egungun-oya, Eguzki, Eguzku, Ehaema, Ehecatl, Ehlaumel, Eiar, Eidyia/Idyia, Eileithyia, Eingana, Einherjar, Einmyria, Eione, Eir, Eirene/Irene, Eisa, Eithinoha, Ekaitz, Ekchuah, Ekera, Ekhi, Eki, Ekibiogama, Ekibiogami, Ekkeko, Eksitaja, Elara, Electra, Eleggua, Elen, Elete, Eleusis, Eleutherios, Elli, Elohim/El-Elyon, Elom, Elpis, elves, Elymus, Ema, Emanopsus, Emeli-hin, Emer, Emma-O, Empanda, Empusa, emuus, Enceladus, Endovelicus, Endymion, Enekpe, Enipeus, En-kai, Enki, Enlil, Ennead, Enosichthon, Enumclaw, Enyalius, Enyo, Eos, Eosphorus, Epaphus, Ephesus, Ephialtis, Ephyra, Epicaste, Epimetheus, Epona, Erasinus, Erato, Erditse, Erebus, Erensuge, Ereskigal, Erge, Eri, Eridanus, Erinle, Erinyes, Erio, Eris, Eriu, Er-lang, Eros, Ersa, Erycina, Erytheia, Erzulie, Esaugetuh-Emissee, Eschetewuarha, Eseasar, Esenchebis, Eshu, Eshu/Elegba, Estanatlehi, Esus, Etain, Ethne, Ethon, Etsai, Euboea, Eucrante, Eudore, Eulimene, Eumenides, Eumolpe, Eunice, Eunomia, Euphrates, Euphrosyne, Eupompe, Euporia, Euri, Europa, Eurotas, Eurus, Euryale, Eurydice, Eurynome, Euterpe, Evadne, Evagore, Evan, Evander, Evarne, Eventus-Bonus, Evenus, Ewah, Ezerinis, Ežerinis, Fabulinus, Facunditas, Faelvaera, Fagus, fairies, Fama, Fames, Fand, Fan-kui, Farbauti, Faro, Fauna, Fauns, Faunus, Faustitas, Faustulus, Favonius, Febris, Februus, Fei-Lian, Felicitas, Feng-Bo, Feng-huang, FengPo-po, Fenrir, Ferdiad, Ferentina, Fergus, Feronia, Feronia, Fianna, Fides, Fionnuala, Firbolg, Flora, Fodla, Fomorians, Fontus, Fornax, Forseti, Forseti, Fortuna, Fraus, Freya, Freyr, Frigg, Fudo, Fudo-Myoo, Fufluns, Fugen, Fugen-Bosatsu, Fujin, Fuku-Nyorai, Fuku-Roku-Ju, Fulgora, Fuls, Funadama, Funzi, Furies, Furina, Furrina, Futen, Futsu-Nushi-no-Kami, Fu-Xi, Fu-xing, Gabija, Gabjauja, Gadintoja, Gae-Bulg, Ga-gorib, Gaia, Gaixtoak, Gaizkin, Gaki, Gakido, Galatea, Galaxaure, Galene, Galli, Galtzagorri, Gama, Gamab, Gama-Konsensei, Gama-Sennin, Gandharvas, Ganesha, Ganga, Ganglere, Ganiklis, Ganymede, Gaol, Gao-Yao, Garang, Gardaitis, Garm, Garuda, Gauargi, Gaueko, Gaunub, Gauri, Gayatri, Gbadu, Geb, Gefion, Geirrod, Gekka-O, Gemini, Geminus, Gendenwitha, Genius/Juno, Geong-Si, Gerd, Geryon, Gewi, Ghaddar, Ghanan, Ghanshyam, Ghede, Ghede-Doubye, Ghede-Linto, Ghede-Loraj, Ghede-Nibo, Ghillie-Dhu, Gigantes, Giltine, Gindri, Ginnungagap, Gitche-Manitou, Gjallar, Gladsheim, Glauce, Glauconome, Glaucus, Glen, Glispa, Glúm, Gluskab, Glut, Gna, gnomes, Gnowee, goblin, godi, Gohei, Gohone, Goibniu, Goikoa, Goloka, Gong-De-Tian, Gongen, Gong-Gong, Gor, Gordias, Gorgons, Gorritxiki, Go-ShinTai, Gou-Mang, Govannon, Govinda, Gozu-Tenno, Graeae, Grand-Bois, Granicus, Gran-Maître, Grannus, Gratiae, Gualichu, Guan-di, Guan-yin, Guda, Gugaie/Guge, Gui, Gui-Xian, Gukumatz, Gulbis, Gullveig, Gun, Gunab, Gunnar, Gunuko, Gusainji, Gwaza, Gwenn-Teir-Bronn, Gwydion, Gwynn-ap-Nudd, Gyges/Gyes, Gyhldeptis, Gymnastika, Ha, Habaek, Hacha'kyum, Hachiman, Hac-Tao, Hadarniel, Hades, Haemosu, Haemus, Haenim, Hafaza, Hafgan, Hagones, Hah, Hahgwehdaetgan, Hai, Ha'iaka, Ha'il, Haimavati, Hai-uri, Haldjas, Haliacmon, Halie, Halimede, Halirrhotius, Hall, haltijja, hamadryads, Hamadryas, Hämarik, Hamori, Han, Hananim, Hanan-Pacha, Haniyasu-hiko, Haniyasu-hime, Hanlnim, Hännamees, Hannya, Hanuman, Han-Xian-zi, Haokah, Hapi, Harakhti, Har-em-akhet, Harendotes, HarHawenniyo, Hari, Harihara, Härjapõlvlane, Harmachis, Har-mau, Harmerti, Harmonia, Har-nedj-itef, Haroeris, Har-pa-khered, Harpies, Harpina, Harpocrates, Harpokrates, Har-sa-iset, Harsiese, Har-wer, Hasteoltoi, Hastshehogan, Hasu-Ko, Hathor, Hatmehit, Hauhet, Haulili, Haumea, Haurvatat, Haya-Ji, Hebat, Hebe, He-Bo, Hecate/Hekate, Hecatonchires, Hededet, Hedj-hotep, Hegemone, Heh, Heike, Heimdall, Heimskringla, Heitsi-eibib, Heka, Heket, Hel, Helene, Helenus, Helheim, Heliadae, Heliades, Helicon, Helios, Hellen, Hemen, Hemera, Hemsut, Heng, Heng-o/Chang-o, Heo-Hwangok, Hephaestus, Heptapora, Heptaporus, Hera, Heracles/Hercules, Herischef, Hermanubis, Hermaphroditus, Hermes, Hermod, Hermos, Hermus, Heron, Herren-Surge, Herse, Hersilia, Herulus, Heryshaf, Hesat, Hesperia, Hesperides, Hesperius, Hesperos, Hestia, Hetepbakef, Hetepet, He-Xian-gu, Hez-ur, Hidari, Hidesato, Hiiakawawahilani, Hiieneitsid, Hiisi, Hike, Hikohohodemi, Himalia, Himerus, Hinakuluiau, Hinegba, hi-no-kagu-tsuchi-no-kami, Hippeia, Hippo, Hippocampus, Hippocrene, Hippona, Hipponoe, Hippothoe, Hipta, Hiranyagarbha, Hiranyakashipu, Hiruko, Hisa-Me, Hishe, Hladgunnr, Hlin, Hobnil, Hod, Hodei, Hoderi, Hoidja, Hoji, Holler, Holy-Spirit, Honir, Honos, Honosuseri, Honsi, Honsu, Hooded-Spirits, Hoori, Horae, Horatus-Cocles, Hor-Hekenu, Horta, Horus, Horus-Iunmutef, Hoso-No-Kami, Hotai, Hotei, Hotei-Osho, Hotoke, Hototogisu, Hou-Ji, Hou-Tu, How-chu, How-too, Hozanek, Hsi-Wang-Mu, Hu, Huang-chuan, Huang-Di, HuangFei-hu, Huang-lao, Huang-lao-jun, Hubal, Hubeane, Huehuecoyotl, Huehueteotl, Huehueteotl/Xiuhtecuhtli, Huginn, Huh, Huitzilopochtli, Huixtocihuatl, Hu-Jing-de, Hullos, Hunab-Ku, Hunahpu-Gutch, Hunahpu-Utiu, Hun-Came, Hunessai, Hunhau, Hun-Hunahpu, Hun-nal-ye, Hunsi, Huntin, Hurakan/-qan, Huve, Huwe, Huyaendon-Aeldar, Hwanin, Hwanung, Hyacinthus, Hyades, Hybris, Hygieia, Hymen, Hymir, Hyperboreans, Hyperion, Hypnos, Iacchus, Iaera, Iambe, Ianassa, Ianeira, Ianira, Ianthe, Iapetus, Iasius, Iaso, Iblis, Icarius, Icaunus, Icelus, Ichor, Ida, Idaea, Idargi, Ida-Ten, Idun, Iduzki, Idzumo, Ieltxu, Ifa, Ife, Igai, Igaluk, Iguzki, Iha-Naga, Ihi, Ihy, Ika-Zuchi-No-Kami, Iki-Ryo, Ilamatecuhtli, Ilargi, Ilazki, Ilithyia, Illalei, Illapa/Ilyap'a, Illuyanka, Ilmaneitsi/Ilmatütar, Ilmarine/Ilmasepp, Ilmarinen, Ilmatar, Ilmatecuhtli, Ilo, Ilu, Ilyuba, Imana, Imhotep, Imilozi, Imiut, Imporcitor, Imra, Imset, In, Inachus, Inanna, Inara, Inari, Indigites-Dii, Indivia, Indra, Indrani, Inghean-Bhuidhe, Inguma, Iñizitu, Inkosazana, Inmutef, Ino, Inti, Intulo, Intxixu, Inuus, Inyana, Io, Ion, Iosheka, Ipet, Ipet-weret, Iqi-Balam, Iratargi, Irene, Iris, Iritxu, Īśāna, Isdes, Isfet, Isha, Ishara, Ishtar, Ishvara, Isis, Isis-Sopdet, Ismene, Ismenus, Isora, Išskalbėja, Issunboshi, Isten, Istrus/Ister, Italus, Itan, Itherther, Itsaso, Ittan-momen, Itxasgorrieta, Itzamna, Itzananohk'u, Itzlacoliuhque, Itzli, Itzpapalotl, Itztlacoliuhqui-Ixquimilli, Iunmutef, Iusaaset, Iuski, Ix, Ixazaluoh, Ixbalanque/Xbalanque, Ix-Chebel-Yax, Ixchel, Ixmucane, Ixpiyacoc, Ixtab, Ixtlilton, Ixzaluoh, Izanagi, Izanaki, Izanami, Iztaccihuatl, Izu-San-Gongen, Jagaddhatri, Jaganmatri, Jagaubis, Jagganath, Jah, Jahnu, JainGoikoa, Jalamdhara, Jambu-dvipa, Jana, Janis, Janus, Jar'Edo-Wens, Jarl, Järvevana, Jasy-Jatere, Javinė, Jeebo, Jehovah/Yahweh/Yhwh, Jengu, Jesus, Jian-Di, Jiang-Shi, Jian-Lao, Jievaras, Jigami, Jigoku, Jikininki, Jikoku, Jimmu-Tenno, Jingo, Jingu, Jin-Jia, Ji-Nu, Jinushigami, Jizo, Jo, Joh, John-Frum, Jok, Jomali, Jord, Jormungand, Jotuns, Jove, Jüri, Juesaes, Juichimen, Julana, Julunggul, Jumal/-a, Jumis, Junda, Junit, Juno, Jupiter, Juras-mate, Jūratė, Jurojin, Jurupari, Jusaas, Justitia, Jutta, Juturna, Juturna, Juudaline, Juventas, Jyotiba, Ka, Kääbas, Kaakwa, Kaang, Ka-Ata-Killa, Kabir, kado-mori-no-kami, Kaevukoll, Kagutsuchi, Kahil, Kaitabha, Kaitsja, Kaka-Guie, Kala, Kalaipahoa, Kalfu, Kali, Kalki, Kalm, Kalmuneiu, Kalpataru, Kaluannuunohonionio, Kalunga, Kama, Kamado-gami, Kamaitachi, Kamakshi, Kamalatmika, Kamapua'a, Kami, Kamidana, Kami-Kaze, Kami-Musubi, Kaminari, Kamohoali'i, Kamoolii, Kamui, Kamutef, Kamu-Yamato, Kamu-Yamato-Iware-Hiko, Kan, Kanaloa, Kanayama-hiko, Kanayama-hime, Kandaulēs, Kane, Kane-hekili, Kannaki, Kannon, Kannon-Bosatsu, Kan-u-Uayeyab, Kan-xib-yui, Kanzeon, Kaonohiokala, Kapila, Kapohoikahiola, Kappa, Kapua, Kari, Karitei-Mo, Karl, Karora, Karta, Karttikeya, Karya, Kasha, Kashiwa-No-Kami, Kashyapa, Kasyapa, Katavi-, Kathyayini, Katinas, Ka-Tyeleo, Kauil/Kawil, Kaukas, Kauket, Kaupe, Kauravas, Kauriraris, Kaustros, Kaval, Kave, Kawa-no-Kami, Kawaya-no-kami, Kayanuhime-no-Kami, Kaze-no-Kami, Kazikamuntu, Kebechet, Kebechsenef, Keliu-dievas, Kematef, Kemuer, Kemwer, Kenro-Ji-Jin, Keoahikamakaua, Keres, Ketill, Kewkwaxa’we, Khandava, Khandoba, Khanzab, Khatushyamji, Khem, Khentamenti, Khepera, Khepri, Khnum, Khonsu, Khonvoum, Ki/Ninhursag, Kianto, Kidili, Kiha, Ki'i, Kiji, Kijo, Kiku, Ki-lin, Kilunge, Kim-Alji, Kimpurushas, KimSuro, K'in, Kingu, Kinich-Ahau, Kinich-Kakmo, Kinnaras, Kintaro, Kirin, Kis, Kishar, Kishi-Bojin, Kishijoten, Kishimo-Jin, Kisin, Kiškis, Kitsune-Tsuki, Kiyo, Kobo, Kobo-Daishi, Kodama, Kodomo-no-Inari, Kodukäija, Koerakoonlane, Koeulla, Koit, Kojiki, Kojin, Koki-Teno, Kokopelli, Kokutai-Shinto, Koleamoku, Koll, Kolumats, Kombu, Komoku, Kompera, Kon, Konaki-Jiji, Kongo, Kongo-Kai, Ko-no-Hana, Kore, Koro-pok-guru, Kosensei, Koshin, Kotitonttu, Kõu, Koyangwutti, Koya-No-Myoin, Koya-Shonin, Kraneia, Kratt, Krishna, Krittikas, Kronos, Krumine, Kshathra-Vairya, KsheeraSagara, Ku, Kuahairo, Kuahana, Kuang-Shi, Kubebe, Kubera, Kud, Külmking, Kui-xing, Kujiga, Kuk, Kukailimoku, Kuka-Mama, Kukaoo, Kukulcan, Kuku-No-Chi, Kukunochi-no-Kami, Kullervo, Kumarbi, Kumari, Kumiho, Kumo, Kunapipi, Kunitokotachi, Kuni-Toko-tachi, Kunitsu-Kami, Kun-lun, Kupolė, Kura-Okami, Kurat/Kuri/Vanakuri, Kurdalaegon, Kurma, Kuru, Kuruma, Kurupi, Kusanagi, Kushuh, Kutkh, Kuu, Kuula, Kvasir, Kwannon, Kwoth, Kypris, Laamaomao, La-Basa-andere, Lachesis, Lactans, Ladon, Laelaps, Laga, Lagua, Laima, Laima, Laino, Laka, Lakakane, Lakshman, Lakshmana, Lakshmi, Lalitha, Lalli, Lamētrus, Lamia, Laminak, Lämmeküne, Lampetia, Lampos, Lan-Cai-he, Landvaettir, Laño, Laodice, Lao-jun, Laomedia, Laomedon, Lapė, Lapi-nõid, Lara, Lara, Laran, Larenta, Lares, Larissa, Larvae, Lasa, Lasair, Latarius, Latiaran, Latinus, Latona, Laukpatis, Laukų-dvasios, Lauku-mate, Laumė, Laurits, Laverna, Lavinia, Leander, Leda, Legba, Leiagore, Lei-gong, Lei-zi, Lemba, Lempo, Lenaeus, Lethe, Leto, Letum, Leucetios, Leucippe, Leucippus, Leucothea, Leucothoe, Levana, Leza, Lia-Fail, Liber, Libera, Liberalitas, Liber-Pater, Libertas, Libitina, Libya, L'ie, Lietuvonis, Ligea, Liknites, Lilaea, Lilim, Lilith, Lima, Limba, Limnoreia, Linda, Lingbao-Tianzun, Ling-guan, L'inglesou, Ling-Xiao-Bao-Dian, Linus, Liriope, Litai, Li-Tie-guai, Li-T'ien, Liu-Bei, Liza, Llew-Llaw-Gyffes, Llyr, Loa/Lwa, Loco, Locrus, Lofn, Lokaloka, Lokapalas, Loki, Loko, Long, Long-wang, Lono, Lonomakua, Lopu-mate, Losna, Lotis, Louhi, Loviatar, Loxias, Lua, Lu-Ban, Lucina, Lud, Lu-Dong-bin, Lugh, Lugos, Luison, Lukos, Lummutis, Luna, Luna, Luonnotar, luonto, Lupercus, Lur, Lurbira, Lurra, Lurs, Luupainaja, Lu-xing, Luxovius, Lyaeus, Lycorias, Lydian-Lion, Lynceus, Lysianassa, Lysithea, Ma’at, Maa-alune, Maaema, Maahes/Mahes, maahinen, Maajumalad, Maat, Ma'at, Mabon, Macaria, Macha, Machaon, Macuilcozcacuauhtli, Macuilcuetzpalin, Macuilmalinalli, Macuiltochtli, Macuilxochitl, Mademoiselle-Charlotte, Madurai, Maenads, Maera, Mafdet, Mafed, Magatama, Magna-Mater, Magni, Mago, Mahadeva, Mahaf, Mahakala, Mahalasa, Mahavidya, Mahavishnu, Mahes, Mahisha, Mahrem, Mahucutah, Mahulu, Maia, Maide, Maiesta, Mait'-Carrefour, Maîtresse-Délai, Maîtresse-Hounon'gon, Maitreya, Majas-gars, Majauss, majinai, Maju, Makara, Mala-Vision, Malik, Malinalxochi, Malinalxochitl, Malsumis, Mama-Allpa, Mama-Cocha, Maman-Brigitte, Mama-Oello, Mama-Pacha, Mama-Quilla, Mama-Zara, Ma-mian, Mami-Wata, Mamlambo, Mammon, Mana, Manannan-mac-Lir, Manasa, Manawydan, Manco-Capac, Mandulis, Maneki-neko, Manes, Mangala, Mangar-kunjer-kunja, Mani, Mania, Mania, Mania-Etrusc, Manikanta, Mannan, Mantus, Manu, Manua, Maponos, Mara, Marassa, Marassa-Jumeaux, Marduk, Mari, Mariamman, Marica, Marid, Marinette, Marisha-Ten, Maro, Maro-deives, Marras, Mars, Mars-Cariocecus, Marsyas, Mart, Marttanda, Maruts, Mary, Massassi, Massim-Biambe, Master-of-Animals, Matangi, Matarisvan, mate, Math-Mathonwy, Matlalceuitl/Matlalcueje, Matres, Matrikas, Matronae, Matsya, Matuta, Maui, Maumas, Mavors, Ma-Wang, Mawaya-No-Kami, Mawu, Maya, Maya-Basque, Mayahuel, Mayi, Mazikeen, Mbaba-Mwana-Waresa, Mbere, Mboi-Tui, Mbomba, Meander, Mechenti-en-Irty, Medb, Medeina, Meditrina, Medr, Medusa, Meenakshi, Meenush, Mefitis, Megaera, Mehen, Mehet-Weret, Mehit, Mehturt, Melaina, Mēles, Melete, Melia, Meliboea, Melicertes, Melissa, Melisseus, Melite, Melite, Melkart, Mellona, Melpomene, Melusine, Men, Mena, Mendes, Meness, Menestho, Menhit, Menippe, Menninkäinen, Menoetius, Menrva, Mens, Men-shen, Menthe, Menthu/Montu, Mentu, Mėnuo, Mephitis, Mercury, Meret, Meretseger, Mereveised, Merimutef/-em-taentem, Merodach, Merope, Mert-sekert, Meru, Mesembria, Mesenet, Meška, Meskhenet, Messor, Metančioji, Metatron, Metioche, Metis, Metope, Metsaema, Metsavana, Metsik, Metztli/Tecuciztecatl, Mextli, Meza-mate, Meza-Virs, Mezentius, Mhasoba, Mictecacihuatl, Mictlan, Mictlantecuhtli/Tzontemoc, Midas, Midir, Mielikki, Mihos, Mikelats, Milu, Mimas, Miming, Mimir, Min, Minaksi, Min-Amun, Mincius, Minerva, Minerva, Minga-Bengale, Min-Kamutef, Minoan-Snake-Goddess, Minos, Minotaur, Minthe, Minyas, Miro, Miroka, Miroku-Bosatsu, Misenus, misogi-harai-no-kami, Misogi-Kyo, Mistress-of-Wild-Animals, Mithras, Mitnal, Mitra, Mixcoatl, Miyazu-Hime, Mizuhame-no-Mikoto, Mjollnir, Mneme, Mnemosyne, Mnevis, Mnewer, Moaalii, Mochi, Modi, Modron, Mog-Ruith, Mo-hi-hai, Mohini, Moira, Moirae, Mokele-Mbembe, Moksa, Mokualii, Moloch, Mombu, Momotaro, Momoye, Momus, Moneta, Monia, Monju, Monju-Bosatsu, Monkey, Monkey-King, mono, Month, Mooaleo, Mookambika, Morea, Moria, Mormo, Moros, Morpheus, Morrigan, Mors, Morta, Moschel, Moshanyana, Moshiriikkwechep, Mot, Mounanchou, Mountain-Man, Mountain-Woman, Mousika, Moxus, Mozorro, Mucalinda, Mugasha, Mu-Gong, Mujinto, Mu-king, Mukuru, Mukyaprana, Mulac, Mulciber, Mulungu, Mumm, Mummu, Mundilfari, Muniandi, Muninn, Murcia, Murigen, Murueit, Murugan, Musaeus, Musagetes, Muses, Musikavanhu, Muspell, Musso-Koroni, Musubi-No-Kami, Mut, Muta, Muthappan, Muthyalamma, Mutinus-Mutunus, Muwakkil, Muyingwa, Mwari, Myiagros, Myrrha, Nabia, Nabu, Nabuchodonosor, Nacon, Naenia, Naga, Nagaraja, Nagas, Nago-Shango, Nagual, Nahual, Naiads, Naina, Nai-No-Kami, Naka, Nakatsu-Hime, Naka-Yama-Tsui-Mi, Naka-Yama-Tsu-Mi, Nakisawame, Näkk, Näkki, Nakshatras, Nala, Nambo-Nansi, Nammu, Namuci, Nana/Nanahuatzin, Nana-Buluku, Nanauatzin, Nandi, Nandin, Nandini, Nandni, Nankil'slas, Nanna, Nanna-Norse, Nanook, Nanse, Nantosuelta, Nantosuetta, Nantosvelta, Napaeae, Narada, naraka, Narasimha, Narcissus, Naryana, Nascio, Nataraja, Naum, Naunet, Nauplius, Nausithoe, Nausithous, Nburu, Neaera, Nebele, Neb-er-tcher, Nebet-achu, Nebet-anch, Nebethetepet, Nebo, Neb-taui-djeser, Nebtuu, Necessitas, Nechbet, Nechmetawaj, Nectar, Neferhor, Nefertem, Neheb-ka, Nehebkau, Nehemetawai, Neilo, Neiterogob, Neith, Nekhbet, Neleus, Nemausus, Nemertes, Nemesis/Adrasteia, Nemestrinus, Nemetona, Nemti, Nenun, Neomeris, Neper, Nephele, Nephthys, Nepit, Neptune, Neptune, Nereids, Nereus, Nergal, Nerio, Nerrivik, Nesaea, Neso, Nessus, Neter-khertet, Nethuns, Ngai, Ngen, Nguruvilu, Niamh, Nibhaz, Nichiren, Nidhogg, Nidra, Nijuhachi-Bushu, Nike, Nikko-Bosatsu, Nikobo, Nilakantha, Nilus, Ninazu, Ningyo, Ninigi, Ninigi-No-Mikoto, Ninip, Ninlil, Nintu, Ninurta, Ninyo, Niobe, Niobids, Nioo, Nirrith, Nirriti, Nirrta, Nirrti, Nisien, Niskam, Niu-Wang, Niu-you, Nixi, Njirana, Njord, Nodens, Nodutus, Nogomain, Nohochacyum, Nõid, Nomia, Nominosukune, Nomkubulwana, Nona, Nookambika, Norns, Nortia, Nott, Notus, Novensilus, Nox, Ntoa, Nu, Nuada, Nü-gua, Nukirpėja, Numakulla, Numa-Pompilius, Númen, Numicius, Numitor, Nun, Nundina, Nunet, Nuogalis, Nurikabe, Nut, Nuwa, Nyadenga, Nyalitch, Nykštukas, Nymphaeus, Nymphe, nymphs, Nyorai, Nyx, Nyyrikki, Nzame, O-Ana-Mochi, Oannes, Oanomochi, Oaztargi, Obà, Obaluwaye, Obarator, Obassi, Obatala, Obizoth, Occator, Oceanids, Oceanus, Ocnus, Ocypete, Ocyrhoe, Ocyrrhoe, Odin, Odudua, Oengus-Mac-Oc, Oenone, Oenotrus, Ogdoad, Oghene, Ogma, Ogmios, Ogoun, Ogun/-da, Ogygia, Ogyruan, Ohkuninushi, Oho-Kuninushi, Ohonamochi, Oho-Yama, Ohyamatsumi, Oizys, Ojin-Tenno, Okina, Oko, Okuninushi, Okuni-Nushi, Olenus, Oloddumare, Olofi, Olokun, Olopue, Olorun, Olwen, Olympia, Omacatl/Tezcatlipoca, Ombwiri, Ometecuhtli, Ometeotl/Omecihuatl, Ometotchtli, Omfalē, Omitsunu, Omokage-no-Ido, Omphalos, Onamuji, Onatha, Ondine, Oneiroi, Oni, Onuris, Ophion, Opis, Opochtli, Ops, Orbona, Orcus, Oreads, Oreithuia, Orgelmir, Orion, Orisha, Orithyea, Orithyia, Orko, Oromila, Orphne, Orseis, Orthosie, Ortzadar, Ortzantz, Orungan, Orunmila, Oryonggeo, Osawa, Oshumare, Oshun, Oshunmare, Osiris, Ossa, Ost, Ostara, Ostots, Ostri, Osun, Otohime, Otso, Otus, Ouli, Ouranos, Ourea, Owatatsumi, Oxlahuntiku, Oxomoco, Oxosi, Oxylus, Oya, Oyamatsumi, Oya-Shima-Guni, Ozain, Ozkarri, Pa, Pa-cha, Pacha-Camak, Pactolus, Paean, Pah, Päike, Painaja, Päivätär, Pakane, Pakhet, Pak-Hyeokkeose, Pakoc, Pakua, Palaci, Palaemon, Pales, Palici, Palinurus, Palk, Pallas, Pamba, Pan, Panacea, Pandavas, Pandia, Pandora, Pandorus, Pandrosus, Pandu, Pa-neb-taui, Pangu, Pan-Jin-Lian, Panopaea, Panope, Panopea, Panoptes, Papa, Papa-Legba, Papiokė, Paplėštakis, paqok, Parashurama, Parasiva, Parasurama, Parcae, Pardiajaja, Pariacaca, Paricia, Parjanya, Parthenius, Parthenos, Partula, Parvati, Pashupati, Pasiphae, Pasithea, Pasithoe, Patalena, Patecatl, Patrimpas, Patuek, Patulas, Paventia, Pax, Paynal, Pegasus, Peitho, Pek(k)o, Pelagon, Pelasgians, Pelasgus, Pele, Pell, Pellervo, Pemphredo, Penates, Peneus, Peng-lai, Peng-zi, Penia, Penpen, Penthus, Pergrubrijus, Periboea, Perkele, Perkons, Perkūnas, Perse/Perseis, Persephone, Perses, Petbe, Petesuchos, Petraea, Peuchen, Phaenna, Phaethon, Phaeton, Phaetusa, Phanes, Phantasos, Phasis, Pheme, Phemonoe, Pherusa, Philammon, Philemon, Philonoe, Philotes, Philyra, Phlegethon, Phobetor, Phobos, Phoebe, Phoebus-Apollo, Phoenix, Phorcydes, Phorcys, Phoroneus, Phthinoporon, Phthonus, Phyllodoce, Picumnus, Picus, Pie, Pietas, Pietys, Pihassassa, Pihatonttu, Pillan, Pilumnus, Pinga, Pirene, Piru, Pishashas, Pisuhänd, Pitane, Pitru-ganas, Pitys, pixies, Piznai, Plata-Yvyguy, Pldans, Pleiades, Pleione, Plexaure, Plouto/Pluto, Plur-na-mBan, Plutus, Pluvius, Podarge, Poena, Poliahu, Polias, Polidarius, Polydeuces, Polydora, Polyhymnia, Polyphemus, Pombero, Pomona, Pontomedusa, Pontoporia, Pontus, Popocatepetl, Popol-Vuh, Poppy-Goddess, Põrguneitsi, Porphyrion, Portunes, Porus, Poseidon, Postverta, Potah, Pothos, Potina, Potnia, Poulunoe, Praamžius, Pradyumna, Prajapati, Prajapatis, Praxithea, preta, Priapus, Prisni, Prithvi, Procas, Prometheus, Promitor, Pronoe, Prorsa-Postverta, Proserpina, Proteus, Proto, Protogenea, Protogonus, Protomedia, Providentia, Prthivi, Pryderi, Prymno, Psamathe, Psyche, Psychopompos, Ptah, Ptelea, Ptireus, Puchan, Pudicitia, Puea, Pueulla, Pukis, Punchau, Pundjel, Puranas, Purusha, Pusa, Pusaitis, Pushan, Puta, Putana, Puuk, Pwyll, Pygmalion, Pypalas, Pyrrha, Pytajovai, Pythia, Python, Qadschu, Qaholom, Qeb, Qebui, Qetesh, Qi-Gu-niang, Qin-shu-pao, Quamta, Quetzalcoatl, Quilaztli, Quirinus, Quiritis, Ra/Re-Egyptian, Radha, Ragana, Ragana, Ragshiel, Rahko, Ra-Horakhty, Rahu, Raicho, Raiden, Raijin, Raiju, Raiko, Rait, Raitaro, Rakan, Raksha, Raktavija, Raluvimbha, Ram, Rama, Ramachandra, Ramnathi, Ran, Ran-deng, Ranganatha, Rangi, Ra-Polynesian, Rasa, Rashnu, Rat, Rati, Ratri, Rat-taui, Raudongalvis, Raudongerklis, Ravana, Ravi, Rbhus, Rederator, Reiko, Renenet, Renenutet, Renpet, Renuka, Repit, Reret, Reschef, Reshef, Reshep, Revanta, Rhadamanthys, Rhea, Rhea-Silvia, Rhesus, Rhiannon, Rhibus, Rhine, Rhode, Rhodia, Rhodius, Rhodope, RigVeda, Rishis, Risis, Robigo, Robigus, Robur, Rock-Sene, Rohini, Rosmerta, Rõugutaja, rta, Rudianos, Rudra, Ruginis, Rugutis, Rukmini, Rumina, Runcina, Runesocesius, Ru-Shou, Rusina, Ruti, Ryangombe, Ryo-Wo, Rytys, Ryugu, Ryujin, Saa, Sabazia, Sabazius, Sabrina, Sabus, Sachmet, Sadhyas, Sae-no-Kami, Safa, Saga, Sai, Sajigor, Sakhmet, Sakre, Salacia, Salamis, Salmacis, Salus, SamaVeda, Sambara, Sambo-Kojin, Samebito, Samhain, Samsu, Sanbai-Samo, Sancus, Sandan, Sangarius, Sangen-Samo, San-huang, Sani, San-qing, San-shil-yong, San-xing, Sao, Saone, Sarama, Saranyu, Sarasvati, Saritor, Sarpedon, Sarruma, Sarudahiko, Sarutahiko-Ohkami, Sarvik, Sarwan, Satan, Satana, Satet, Sati, Satis, Saturn, Satyr, Satyrs, Saubarag, Saule, Saulė, Saules-meitas, Savitar, Savitr, Savitri, Savriti, Scamander, Scathach, Sceaf, Schai, Sched, Schentait, Schenut, Schepsi, Schesemtet, Schesemu, Schu, Scylla, Seb, Sebek, Sechat-Hor, Securitas, Sed, Sedna, Sefegiru, Segomo, Seimos-dievas, Seker, Sekhmet, Selene, Selket, Selvans, Sem, Semataui, Semele, Semnai, Semonia, Sengen, Sengen-Sama, Sennin, Sentait, Sentia, Seok-T'alhae, Sepa, Septu, Serapis, Sergestus, Sergėtoja, Serket, Serq, Seschat, Seschmet, Sesha, Seshat, Sesmu, Seth, Sethlans, Seti/Set, Setlocenia, Shabbat-Hamalka, Shachihoko, Shai, Shait, Shaka, Shakpana, Shakti, Shakuru, Shamash, Shangdi, Shango, Shannon, Shantadurga, Shapsu, Shasti, Shaushka, She-di, Sheila-na-gig, Shekhina, Shennong, Shen-nung, Shen-Yi, Shesanaga, Shichi-Fuku-Jin, Shiko-Me, Shimegi, Shinda, Shine-To-Be, Shine-Tsu-Hiko, Shi-Ryo, Shitatera-Hime, Shi-Tenno, Shiti-Dama, Shiva, Shoden, Shodo-Shonin, Shojo, Shoki, Shoko-O, Shoney, Shoten, Shotoku, Shou-lao, Shou-xing, shtabai, Shu, Shui-guan, Shun, Sia, Siaurys, Sibyl, Siddhas, Siduru-sabaut, Sif, Sigmund, Sigurd, Sileni, Silenus, Silvanus, Silvius, Simbi, Si-ming, Simoeis, Sin, Sinope, Sirens, Sirona, Sisyphus, Sita, Siu-Yan, Si-Wang-Mu, Sjofn, Skadi, Skambha, Skanda, Sleipnir, Slogutis, Smauglys, Smertios, Smintheus, Sno-Nysoa, Snotra, Sobek, Sobo, Sogbo, Sokar, Soku-no-Kumi, Sol, Sol-Invictus, Solmundae-Halmang, Soma, Somnus, Somtus, Song-Di, Song-ziniang-niang, Sopdet, Sopdu, Sopedu, Sophia, Soranus, Sorguiñ, Sors, Sousson-Pannan, Speio, Spenta-Armaiti, Spercheus, Sperchius, Spes, Sphinx, Spiniensis, Spio, Sponde, Sraosha, Sri, Ssu-Ling, St-Anne, Stata-Mater, Statanus, Stator, St-Eloi, Stercutus, Sterope, Steropes, Sthenno, Stheno, St-Hervé, Stimula, Strenua, Strymon, Styx, Su, Suadela, Subrahmanya, Subruncinator, Sucellos, Sucellus, Sudharma, Sugaar, Sugoi, Sugriva, Suijin, Suitengu, Sukra, Sukuna-Biko, Sukuna-Biko-Na, Sul, Summanus, Sun-Hou-zi, Sun-pi, Sun-Wu-Kung, Supay, Sura, Surm/-o, Surt, Surya, Susanoh, Susanoo, Susanowa, Sutvaras, Suzano, Svadilfari, Svaha, Svalin, Svarga, Svartalfar, Sventpaukstinis, Swaminarayan, Swenet, Syke, Syn, Syrinx, Ta’xet, Taara, Tabaldak, Ta-Bitjet, Taevataat, Tages, Tailtiu, Taiowa, Taishaku, Tai-sui-xing, Tai-yi, Tai-yue-da-di, Tajet, Takama-gahara, Takami-Musubi, Takara-Bune, Takimi-kazuchi-no-Mikoto, Taki-Tsu-Hiko, Talassio, Taliesin, Talocan, Tama-matsuri, Tamayon-Hine, Tamesis, Tamon, Tamuno, Tanagra, Tanen, Tang, Tangaroa, Tangun, Tanit, Taniwha, Tanuki, Tao-de-tian-zong, Taouris, Tapati, Taphius, Tapio, Tara, Taraka, Taranis, Taras, Tarchon, Tarhunt, Tartaro, Tartarus, Tartessos, Tarvos-Trigaranos, Ta-senet-nofret, Ta-tchesert, Tatenen, Tatsuta-hime, Tau, Taurt, Taweret, Taygete, Tchue, Tecciztecatl, Tecumbalam, Tefnut, Tejaji, Teju-Jagua, Telchines, Telemus, Telepinu, Telesphorus, Telesto, Teliavelis, Tellervo, Tellumo, Tellus, Temet, Tempestes, Ten, Tenem, Tenemet, Tenenit, Tengri, Ten-Gu, Tenjin, Tennin, Tenshi, Ten-Ten-Vilu, Teoyaomicqui, Tepeu, Tepeyollotl, Tepoztecatl, Terafim, Termessus, Terminus, Terpsichore, Terra, Terra-Mater, Teshub, Teteoinnan, Tethra, Tethys, Teutates, Tezcatlipoca, Thalassa, Thaleia, Thalia, Thallo, Thalna, Thamuatz, Thamyras, Thanatos, Thaumas, Thebe, Theia, Thelxinoe, Themis, Themisto, Theros, Thesan, Thespia, Thetis, Thiazi, Thoe, Thoosa, Thor, Thot, Thoth, Thrall, Thriae, Thrice-Hero, Thrud, Thyrsus, Tia, Tiamat, Tian, Tian-di, Tian-guan, Tian-Hou, Tian-long, Tian-mu, Tian-wang, Tian-zong, Tiberinus, Tibertus, Ti-Jean-Petro, Ti-Jean-Quinto, Tikdoshe, Timaeus, Ti-Malice, Tinia, Tipoplo, Tirawa, Tir-na-n-Og, Tirupati, Tishtrya, Tisiphone, Titlacauan, Tityos, Tjaisepef, Tjenenet, Tlachtga, Tlacolotl, Tlahuixcalpantecuhtli, Tlaloc, Tlaltecuhtli, Tlazolteotl, Tlillan-Tlapallan, Tloquenahuaque, Tmolus, Toci/Temazcalteci, Toeris, Tohil, Tokebi, Tokoyo-no-Kuni, Tokutaro-San, Tol-Harubang, Tõll, Tonacacihuatl, Tonacatecuhtli, Tonantzin, Tonatiuh, Tonenili, Tongoenabiagus, Tõnn, Tonttu, Tooni, Toor/Tooru, Tore, Torngasoak, Torto, Totec, Toutatis, Toyo-Mike-Nu, Toyo-Tama, Toyo-Uke-Bime, Toyo-Uke-Omikami, Trebaruna, Trimurti, Tripura-Sundari, Trisiras, Triton, Tritone, Trivia, trolls, Tronagarru, Tsetse, Tsoede, Tsohanoai, Tsui, Tsuki-Yomi, Tsuyu, Tuat, Tuatha-Dé-Danann, Tuchulcha, Tu-di, Tulihänd/Pisuhänd, Tuonetar, Tuoni, Tupa, Turan, Turiacus, Turms, Tursas, Tutu, Tutyr, Tuule-Ema, Tuuleisa, Tuulikki, Tvashtri, Twm-Shon-Catti, Txaalgorri, Tximistarri, Tyche, Typhon, Tyr, Tzadikiel, Tzakol, Tzitzimime, Tzitzmitl, Tzununiha, Uachilla, Uastyrdzhi, Uathach, Uba, Uca-Pacha, Ueuecoyotl, Uga-Jin, Uga-no-Mitama, Uhlakanyana, Ujigami, Ukanipo, Ukemochi, Uke-Mochi, Ukko, uKqili, Uku, Ulaulekeahi, Uli, Ull, Ultor, Uma, Umashiashikabihikoji, Umvelinqangi, Uneg, Ungnyo, Ungud, Uni, Unkulunkulu, Un-nefer, Unumbotte, Unut, Unwaba, Upinis, Upuaut, Ur, Urania, Uranus, Urashima-Taro, Urcaguary, Urci, Urcuchillay, Urthekau, Urtzi, Urvasi, Ushas, Usins, Usiququmadevu, Utgard, Uthlanga, Utu, Uwibami, Uzume, Vach, Vacuna, Vadatajs, Väinämöinen, Vaishnodevi, Vakarinė, Vakaris, Vali, Valkyries, Vamana, Vanadevatas, Vanatühi, Vanemuine, Vanir, Vanth, Var, Varaha, Varuna, Vasishtha, Vasu, Vasudeva, Vasuki, Vasus, Vayu, Ve, Vedas, Veda-vyasa, Vedenemo, veehaldjas, Veer, Veerabhadra, Veer-Mhaskoba, Veiovis, Veive, Veja-mate, Vejopatis, Vėlės, Veli, Vellamo, Velnias, Velns, Velu-mate, Venkateshwara, Venus, Venus, Verbeia, Vercvactor, Verethragna, Veritas, Verminus, Verpiančioji, Vertumnus, Vesta, Vestius-Alonieus, Veteema, Vetevana, Vica-Pota, Vichama, Victoria, Vidar, Viduus, Vidyadharas, Vili, Vilkacis, Vilkas, Virabhadra, Viracocha, Viraj, Virbius, Viriplaca, Virmalised, Virtus, Vishnu, Vishwakarma, Visvapani, Vithoba, Vitumnus, Vivasvat, Vohu-Manah, Voltan, Voltumna, Volturnus, Volumna, Vor, Vosegus, Votan, Vritra, Vucub-Caquix, Vulcan, Vulcan, Vulturnus, Vytautus, Waaq, Wadjet, Wadj-Wer, Wak, Wakahiru-me, Wala, Wang-Mu-niang-niang, Warihu, Wata-tsu-mi, We-duo, WeiCheng, Wei-tuo, Wekufe, Welchanos, Wele, Wen-chang, Wenet, Wennam, Wen-shu, Wepwawet, Weret-Hekau, Whope, Wi, Wichama, Wild-Hunt, Wollunqua, Wosret, Wosyet, Woto, Wu-di, Wu-Guan, Wuluwaid, Wuriupranili, Wu-Yo, Xamaba, Xaman-Ek, Xanthus, Xecotcovach, Xevioso, Xian, Xibalba, Xilonen, Xipe, Xipe-Totec, Xi-Shi, Xiuhcoatl, Xiuhtecuhtli, Xi-Wang-mu, Xmucane, Xochipilli, Xochiquetzal, Xocotl, Xolotl, Xpiayoc, Xu, Xuthus, Xwycau, Yaaru, Yabune, Yacatecuhtli, YajurVeda, Yaksha, Yakushi, Yakushi-Nyorai, Yaluk, Yam, Yama, Yama-no-kami, Yamato, Yamato-Take, Yama-Uba, Yami, Yande-Yari, Yangeulla, Yang-Jing, Yangombi, Yan-lo, Yansan, Yao, Yao-shi, Yao-yorozu-no-kami, Yarikh, Yasha, Yaxche, Yazatas, Yehwe-Zogbanu, Yellamma, Yemaja, Yen-di, Yeta, Yhi, Yi-Ti, Ymir, Yo, Yofune-Nushi, Yogini, Yolkai-Estasan, Yomi, Yomi-no-kuni, Yondung-Halmoni, Yongwang, Yoni, Yonne, Yorimasa, Yosei, Yoshitsune, Yosho, yoyolche, Yu, Yuanzhi-Tianzun, Yudhisthira, Yuga, Yu-huang, Yu-huang-Shang-di, Yuhwa, Yuki-Onna, Yum-Caax, Yum-Kimil, Yu-qiang, Yu-ren, Zac-Cimi, Zagreus, Žaliaakis, Zalmoxis, Zam, Zao-Gongen, Zao-jun, Zaramama, Žebris, Zelus, Zemepatis, Zemes-mate, Zemininkas, Žemyna, Zenenet, Zenmyo, Zephyrus, Zethus, Zeus, Zeuxo, Zezengorri, Zhang-Fei, Zhang-Guo-lao, Zhang-Xian, Zhi-ni, Zhi-Song-zi, Zhong-kui, Zhong-Li-quan, Zhu-Rong, Zhu-yi, Zibelthiurdos, Ziburinis, Zipacna, Zi-yu, Zocho, Zotz, Zuberoa, zuijin, Zvaigzdės, Zvaigzdikis, Zvoruna

The Fallacious Straw Man Argument

A straw man is based on the misrepresentation of an opponent's position. To "attack a straw man" is to create the illusion of having refuted a proposition by replacing it with a superficially similar yet unequivalent proposition (the "straw man"), and to refute it, without ever having actually refuted the original position. Let's call the straw man user person B and the opponent person A. Person A's actual proposition is replaced by Person B with a similar sounding proposition that is actually different. This modified proposition is then refuted by Person B even though it was never proposed by Person A.

To test that we have identified a Straw Man argument we need to look for three things... We need a starting proposition presented by person A a modified version of the proposition from person B and a refutation of the modified proposition by person B

Examples from a religion discussion board…

	Starting Proposition from Person A	Modified version of the proposition from person B	Refutation of the modified proposition by person B	Straw Man?	Explanation
a	To return to the infinite regress and the futility of invoking God to terminate it, it is more parsimonious to conjure up, say, a ‘big bang singularity’, or some other physical concept as yet unknown. Calling it God is at best unhelpful and at worst perniciously misleading.	Nobody is claiming that the evidence at this point leads to the Judaeo/Christian understanding of God.	Your conclusion is therefore wrong.	Yes	Person B has modified the original premise provided by Person A by implying that Person A is arguing against the "Judaeo/Christian understanding of God". Person A made no such claim.
b	If God is unchanging then God can't do anything. God is already everything that God could ever be. In which case, there's no potential (and there will never have been any potential) for God to be able to act or be in any way different from what God is now or was in the past.	Who claims that God doesn't change His mind and opts to do something new or different?	You are offering a false dichotomy and a false "either or" choice	Yes	Person B is providing a modified version of the proposition from person A. Person B has constructed an argument about God changing His mind which was never made. Person B then refutes his own modified version of Person A's argument
c	There's a fascinating hypothesis for the nature of our universe which has come from development in the words created in computer games and there is evidence to support it.	I welcome your admission that intelligent creation is part and parcel of our human experience and the indirect admission that such plays a part in the creation of our universe!	Please ask me for further details regarding such--thanks!	Yes	Person B has provided what he claims is an "admission" from Person A which Person A has never made. He then goes on to sarcastically agree with a statement that was never made.
d	It's hard to tell if religion came first because recorded history only begins 6000 years ago and humans have been around for 200,000 years. But I think it's fair to say that religion is an evolutionary phase that humanity goes through. It's how stone age and bronze age people explained the universe.	Whatever scientific errors those "stone age" people may have made, at least they recognized the reality of the spiritual dimension and the fact that there is more to reality than mindless mechanistic forces.	Those who make "science" their religion fail to understand its limits as a human tool in approaching the totality of reality.	Yes	Person B has given a proposition regarding scientific errors which was never made by Person A. Person B then goes on to refute an argument about science that was created by Person B - not Person A
e	Religious arguments have to be inductive. And the appeal to emotion is of course very powerful.	You aren't appealing to inductive reasoning at all!	You may appear to be doing so by subtly appealing to overall prejudice against what you refer to as a "religious" viewpoint while exempting your own "religious" viewpoint form those same standards--such standards being necessary for a rational discussion here!	Yes	Person A is making a point that religious arguments have to be inductive (as opposed to deductive). Person B then refutes an argument about Person A not using inductive arguments – something which person A never claimed to be doing.
f	If God revealed himself gradually to ancient civilizations, why did he stop all revelation 2000 years ago with the Bible. It seems more likely that God continually reveals himself to us as we evolve in our ability to understand his overall plan. Such evolution is probably never complete.	This is where we arrive at the point which makes the false claim that because Christians disagree on specific matters that Scripture is rendered meaningless	The opposite is true. Christians are applying consistent, God-given values--those being to love God wholeheartedly and others as ourselves--and applying that fixed standard to changing circumstances.	Yes	Person A makes a point about the concept of “Salvation History” - specifically, why would it just stop 2000 years ago. Person B then refutes an argument about the Bible being meaningless. But Person A made no such suggestion.
g	Observing the differences between Christianity and Islam, who supposedly follow the same God, made me realise the flaws in Christian scripture.	Your great peace-loving religion believes it is fine to kill infidels, that is all persons of the Islam faith who convert to Christianity. It is a specific verse. I don't have a copy of your Quran so I can't give a complete citation.	Perhaps there are "flaws in" Islam scripture?	Yes	Person A (a pantheist) notes differences between Christianity and Islam. Person B then refutes an argument about Person A's Islamic faith and Islam in general (as well as confusing the word “infidel” for “apostate”). However, Person A never claimed to be a Muslim.
h	There's good reason to think objective morality does not exist and the closest we can get to it is to understand that there are actions that are either good or bad for society. That does seem to be the benchmark that we all use, even if we do so subconsciously.	A counter claim would have to make the case that one's religious views have absolutely no impact on one's life and decisions and moral responses, which is exactly what Person A is claiming.	There is no way to rationally justify such.	Yes	Person B has provided a “counter-claim” which has not been proposed by anyone and does not have to be made at all. Person B claims this is exactly what person A is claiming. But Person A has said nothing about religious views and how they may affect morality. Person B then refutes the proposition he has invented.
i	I don't reject the existence of any gods. I consider the existence of gods to be extremely unlikely, given the lack of evidence and the weakness of the arguments by those making the claim. But gods could indeed exist.	I'm interested in why and on what basis you conclude with 80-95+% surety that god/s doesn't/don't exist	I'm not interested in whatever loophole you give yourself on the issue
j	You have provided no strong evidence for "intelligent creation" and you refer to a theory which is the "default" position but you don't explain what the theory is.	You're the one asking us to believe that a universe creates itself without intelligence, and to consider that the "default" position	and that is all you can offer to explain your perspective.

Incorrect attribution of the Straw Man

The term "straw man" is often misused by people who don't understand the concept (or trolls!) when it is applied to a statement they don't agree with. For an argument to be labelled "straw man" it has to pass three tests: 

(1) a starting proposition presented by person A 

(2) a modified version of the proposition from person B and 

(3) a refutation of the modified proposition by person B 

Some examples of the incorrect straw man claim...

	Statement from Person A	Response from Person B	Test 1	Test 2	Test 3	Explanation
1	It's the argument from which all religions spawned. That cave is a good shelter. I can make shelters. Something much bigger and more intelligent and stronger than me must have made that cave. And I didn't see them do it. Probably invisible. I bet it lives in the sky. And that cave keeps me warm so they probably made it for me. Must care for me... let's call it God	This is a straw man. Begins with a false premise and continues with such.	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A has provided a proposition suggesting the origin of religions. Person B feels the proposition is based on a false premise, but that doesn't make it a fallacious straw man.
6	Intelligent Design aims to demonstrate that the theory of evolution by natural selection is wrong because certain aspects of the natural world could not have evolved naturally.	Some may argue so, and of course the theory of evolution need not be sacrosanct and beyond critique, but ID need not reference evolution at all, therefore you are using a fallacious straw man argument.	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A is providing an opinion which Person B disagrees with. Person B explains why he disagrees. There is no fallacious straw man argument. It is merely a difference of opinion.
7	You are wrong to assert that the common moral frame of reference is based on fixed values. The values evolve. However it is possible that they are evolving towards a universal standard.	False claims not backed up by any logical perspective. Therefore you are using a fallacious straw man argument.	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A is providing an opinion which Person B disagrees with. Even if Person A's claim is false, it is not a fallacious straw man argument.
13	We now have an agreed definition. Unfortunately, you still haven't grasped the meaning.	Your statement is a straw man	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A proposes that Person B has not understood the meaning of an argument. Person B obviously disagrees. However, Person a has not used a fallacious straw man argument.
14	It seems we agree [with a previous proposition]	If you claim I made any agreement of the sort, you are making a straw man argument	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A has assumed agreement between both parties on a statement, but Person B claims there is no such agreement. This is a difference of opinion, and it's possible Person A made a false assumption, but that doesn't make it a straw man
15	You have used a blogger's opinion to support your argument, whilst contradicting what the blogger said by providing your own non-sequitur and then providing another link which contradicts your original argument.	You are accusing me of not following logical conclusions based on the evidence I provide, step by step, including with further references to such. Therefore you are using a straw man argument	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person B thinks Person A is accusing him of not following logical conclusions. Person B could accuse Person A's proposition of being wrong or inaccurate or misleading, but it is not a fallacious straw man argument
16	Atheism cannot explain anything because it is not the kind of thing that provides explanations [This was in response to the claim that “atheism cannot explain the existence of moral values and obligations”]	The issue isn't whether atheism can "explain" morality--the issue is whether atheism offers an objective basis for such. You are using a Straw Man argument	Pass	Fail	Fail	Person A responded to the statement that atheism cannot explain the existence of moral values by explaining  that atheism cannot explain anything. A straw man requires a proposition to be modified, then refuted after modification. But there was no modification. Person B claims that the issue is not whether atheism can explain morality. But that’s exactly what the issue is. That is exactly the statement that person A was responding to. So ironically, not only has Person B mistakenly claimed Person A used a straw man argument Person B has created a straw man argument in the process!
	When it comes to morality, atheists are no different to any other human being. There is no ethical statement or action performed by a believer, that could not have been performed by a non-believer.	It was never claimed that there was an ethical statement or action performed by a believer, that could not have been performed by a non-believer.  This is a misrepresentation of the Christian viewpoint therefore it is a straw man..	Fail	Fail	Fail	Person A makes a statement to demonstrate his opinion that atheists are no different to any other human when it comes to morality.  Person A says this statement is a misrepresentation of the Christian viewpoint. But Person A didn’t present it as if it was a Christian viewpoint and Person A did not modify a proposition in order to refute it. So Person A has not used a straw man argument – he’s given his opinion which Person B obviously doesn’t like.   But that doesn’t make it a straw man.
	There is a strong argument that free will is an illusion. For some reason, Christian Apologists see this concept as some kind of threat to belief in God. (I don't know why).	A favorite tactic in many of your tautologies is to poison the well by pretending that whatever viewpoint opposed to yours sees your position as a "threat" or is "angry" rather than simply seeking or stating the truth. Your representation is a straw man.	Fail	Fail	Fail	Person A has provided a proposition suggesting Christian Apologists feel that belief in God is threatened by assuming free will is an illusion. Person B feels the proposition is wrong, but that doesn't make it a fallacious straw man. Person B also claims the statement from person A is an example of a tautology (which it isn't), and also of poisoning the well (which it doesn't) so it's bizarre to then also claim it's a straw man!
	The Bible is a very human book. It was written, assembled, copied and translated by people. That explains the flaws, the contradictions, and the theological disagreements in its pages. Once that is understood, it is possible to find out which parts of the Bible were not in the earliest Greek manuscripts, which are the bad translations, and what one book says in comparison to another, and then try to discern the message for yourself.	A nice way to sum up a claim entirely through insinuations. False premises leading to false conclusions, as we know, means you are using a fallacious straw man argument.	Fail	Fail	Fail	Person A has provided a proposition suggesting the Bible was create by human beings and is therefore not inerrant.In fact the proposition describes a standard method of Biblical analysis used by historians. Person B disagrees with the proposition, but that doesn't make it a fallacious straw man.  There is no modified proposition of an argument from Person B and no refutation.