Water is an essential element in many mythologies, often personified by powerful deities who control rivers, oceans, and storms. In Greek mythology, Poseidon is the god of the sea, while in Hinduism, Varuna governs the waters and the cosmic order. Water deities are often seen as both nurturing and destructive, with the power to create life or bring devastation.
Many cultures feature water spirits, such as the Japanese Kawa-no-kami, the river gods of the Amazon, and the Celtic water goddess, Coventina. Water deities are frequently associated with fertility, the underworld, and the cycles of nature. These deities' influence extends across cultures, highlighting the universal importance of water in life and mythology.