Polytheism is the belief in multiple gods or deities. In polytheistic religions, there may be many different gods and goddesses, each with their own distinct characteristics, powers, and areas of responsibility. These gods may be seen as being independent of each other, or they may be part of a larger pantheon or hierarchy of deities.

In contrast, monotheism is the belief in a single, all-powerful God who is the creator and ruler of the universe. Monotheistic religions, such as Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, view God as being separate from the world and as the only true deity.

Polytheism and monotheism are fundamentally different in their beliefs about the nature of the divine. Polytheism allows for the existence of multiple gods, while monotheism asserts the existence of only one. Polytheistic religions may also have a more flexible and diverse view of the divine, allowing for the worship of different gods depending on the individual's needs or preferences, while monotheistic religions tend to have a more rigid and centralized view of God.