Demigod - Definition and Overview

A demigod, a "half-god," is a person whose one parent was a god and whose other parent was a human. The heroes of Greek mythology were often demigods. Zeus became the father of many demigods as a result of his dalliances. Demigods were usually mortal, but were pre-eminent among humans, and some had unusual powers. Some demigods from Greek mythology or history include:

• Achilles
• Aeacus
• Aeneas
• Alexander the Great
• Amphion
• Arcas
• Britomartis
• Clymene
• Dardania
• The Dioscuri, Castor and Polydeuces
• Epaphus
• Harmonia
• Helen
• Heracles (also known by the Roman spelling, Hercules)
• Iapetus
• Iasion
• Lacedaemon
• Minos
• Memnon
• Perseus (mythology)
• Rhadamanthus
• Sarpedon
• Theseus
• Tityas
• Zethus

The term "demigod" is sometimes used to refer to minor gods, and devas in Hinduism, though this is not the proper definition of the term.

"Demigod" is sometimes used to translate the term asura in the context of Buddhism and devas in Hinduism.