Gods and Mythological Figures H 1635
Subject Headings Manual H 1635 Page 1
January 2020
BACKGROUND: Until July 2013, headings for individual named gods, goddesses, and
mythological figures were established in LCSH. After that date, headings for individual named
gods, goddesses, and mythological figures are established as RDA name authority records.
Groups of gods, goddesses, and mythological figures, and types of them, continue to be
established in LCSH. The heading God and headings of the type God (name of religion) (e.g.,
God (Christianity); God (Greek religion)) also continue to be established in LCSH.
This instruction sheet presents guidelines for establishing the names of groups of gods,
goddesses, and mythological figures, as well as types of mythological monsters, animals, items,
structures, etc. It describes the procedures for cancelling subject headings for individual
named gods, goddesses, and mythological figures when name authority records have been
created. It also describes the application of headings for both individual, and groups of, gods
and mythological figures. For instructions on establishing and assigning headings for
legendary characters see H 1795.
1. Groups of gods and goddesses.
a. Form of heading. Establish named groups of gods and goddesses in the subject
authority file. Qualify the name of each group with ([name of religion, ethnic group,
etc.] deities) as appropriate. Do not divide headings geographically. Examples:
150 ## $a Ādityas (Hindu deities)
150 ## $a Amesha Spentas (Zoroastrian deities)
150 ## $a Nymphs (Greek deities)
b. References. Make UF references for variant names. Optionally, UFs may be
added with the name of the group in a language other than the vernacular or English if
such a reference is judged to be useful.
Make a BT for Gods or Goddesses, qualified by the name of the religion, ethnic group,
etc. Examples:
550 ## $w g $a Aztec goddesses
550 ## $w g $a Gods, Roman
550 ## $w g $a Goddesses, Greek
or 550 ## $w g $a Hindu goddesses
