The gods of chaos in mythology are figures who personify primordial disorder. The best-known examples are Chaos in Greek mythology, Apep in Egyptian mythology, Tiamat in Mesopotamian mythology, Yam in Canaanite mythology and Loki in Norse mythology. Many of them are monsters, such as sea serpents and dragons, that a hero god has to defeat.
This list groups chaos deities by mythology, using the standard reference list of chaos gods plus the encyclopedia articles on Chaos and the Chaoskampf myth motif.
Greek Mythology
- Chaos, the “first thing that came into being” according to Hesiod. In the Theogony, Gaia, Tartarus and Eros come next, and Erebus and Nyx are born from Chaos.
- Typhon, a monster listed among the chaos figures. In the Chaoskampf motif, Zeus fights Typhon.
- Eris, also listed among the chaos deities.
- Hydra, listed as a chaos figure. Heracles fights the Lernaean Hydra.
- Dionysus, in some cases thought to be a god of chaos.
Egyptian Mythology
- Apep, the ultimate evil of Egyptian mythology, in snake form. Ra fights Apep.
- Set was not originally evil, but developed into a hated figure after the invading Hyksos identified him with their chief god. He fights Apep.
- Isfet, meaning chaos, disorder and injustice, which is opposed to Maat.
- Nu, the primordial waters.
Mesopotamian Mythology
- Tiamat, the chaos dragon in the Enūma Eliš. The primeval state is one of peaceful existence between Abzu and Tiamat, and chaos only ensues when Tiamat enters combat with Marduk.
Canaanite Mythology
- Yam, god of the sea and primordial chaos. Baʿal Hadad fights Yam.
- Tannin, a monster listed among the chaos figures.
Hebrew Mythology
- Leviathan, referred to as a reptilian aquatic animal in the Bible, but also used as an image of Satan.
Norse Mythology
- Loki, Ymir, Surtr, Nidhogg and the Midgard Serpent are all listed among the Norse chaos figures. In the Chaoskampf motif, Thor fights Jörmungandr.
Celtic Mythology
- Fomorians, monstrous Irish sea-demons deposed by the Tuatha dé Danann, including Balor.
Persian Mythology
- Angra Mainyu, the Zoroastrian god of evil, who is opposed to Ahura Mazda, the god of good.
Hindu Mythology
- Vritra, the Vedic chaos figure. In the Chaoskampf motif, Indra fights Vritra.
Yoruba
- Eṣu, the Yoruba primordial deity of trickery, confusion, crossroads and chaos.
Aztec Mythology
- Hundun in Chinese mythology and Amatsumikaboshi in Japanese mythology.
- Cipactli in Aztec mythology, Juracán in Taino mythology, Tau in Guarani mythology and Unhcegila in Lakota mythology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Greek god of chaos? Chaos, the first being to exist in early Greek cosmology. Eris and Typhon are also listed among the chaos figures.
Who is the Egyptian god of chaos? Apep, in snake form, along with Isfet, which stands for chaos and disorder.
Who is the Norse god of chaos? Loki is the best-known Norse figure on the chaos list.
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