Theomachy
/θiˈɒm.ə.ki/noun
A battle against or among gods, or a struggle opposing divine power.
Did you know?In Greek and Christian writing, theomachy could describe not only battles among gods but also human defiance of divine authority—a literal war against heaven.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dhes-yos / *magh-
“Probable roots behind Greek theos, “god,” and machē, “battle”; the first root is traditionally connected with the sacred or divine, while the second carries the sense of being able or powerful.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θεός (theos)
“God or deity.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάχη (machē)
“Battle, combat, or warfare.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
θεομαχία (theomachia)
“A battle against the gods, a battle among gods, or opposition to divine power.”
Late Antiquity
Latin
theomachia
“A learned borrowing meaning conflict with or among gods.”
16th Century
English
theomachy
“A learned English term for warfare involving gods or resistance to divine authority.”
Modern English
English
theomachy
“A mythic, theological, or metaphorical struggle against or among divine powers.”