Pronunciation: [ɡˈɒdlɪŋ] (IPA) 
The word "Godling" is spelled with four letters, /g/ as in "good", /ɒ/ as in "hot", /d/ as in "do", and /l/ as in "lemon", followed by /ɪŋ/ as in "sing". The word "Godling" is used to refer to a minor or lesser god, often of a specific domain or aspect. It is commonly seen in mythology and fantasy literature. Despite its less common usage, the spelling of the word "Godling" is straightforward and easy to understand.
Godling is a noun that refers to a diminutive form of a god or a deity, often depicting a young or small-scale divine being. The term combines "god," denoting a supernatural or divine entity worshipped or revered as having control over specific aspects of the world or life, with the suffix "-ling," indicating a small or juvenile form of the preceding word.
In various mythologies, folklore, and fantasy genres, a godling is commonly depicted as a younger or less powerful deity, displaying characteristics that often evoke a sense of innocence, curiosity, or mischief. Unlike their grander counterparts, godlings are typically associated with more localized domains, such as nature, harvest, or love. Due to their smaller stature and less established power, godlings are often depicted as being more approachable and intimate with humanity, sometimes even assisting or interacting with mortals directly.
The concept of godlings serves as a bridge between the divine realm and mortal existence, offering a nuanced understanding of the divine hierarchy and the diverse range of divine figures within different belief systems. While godlings are not revered to the same extent as the principal gods or goddesses, they hold a unique place in mythologies and can play significant roles in narratives by imparting specific blessings, granting boons, or participating in quests alongside mortal heroes. Additionally, godlings are sometimes invoked as intermediaries between humans and more powerful deities, aiding in communication or acting as conduits for divine energy.
Overall, godlings represent a distinctive category of supernatural beings, embodying the youthful and lesser-known aspects of the divine realm.
The term "godling" is derived from the combination of the word "god" and the suffix "ling".
The word "god" traces its roots back to the Old English word "god" and the Germanic word "gudan". It is also related to the Old Norse word "goð" and the Gothic word "guths". These words were used to refer to a deity or a supernatural being with divine qualities and powers. Over time, the word "god" became widely used in various Indo-European languages with similar meanings.
The suffix "ling", on the other hand, is a diminutive or pejorative suffix in English. It is derived from the Old English "-ling" or "-ing", which was used to denote a "little" or "young" version of something. Eventually, this suffix gained a broader usage to indicate "characteristics of" or "pertaining to".
