Who is the god of rats? - briefly
In Hindu tradition the rat is personified as the deity Mushika (also called Mushak Dev), the vehicle of Ganesha. He is revered as the protector of rodents and a symbol of cleverness.
Who is the god of rats? - in detail
Rats have been linked to divine figures in several ancient cultures.
In ancient Egypt the deity most directly associated with rats is Maqet (also written Mâqet). Maqet was depicted as a rat or as a human with a rat’s head, sometimes shown holding a scepter. Worship sites were concentrated in the Nile Delta, especially at the city of Per-Bast. The god was linked to disease, particularly plague, and to fertility of grain, reflecting the dual nature of rodents as pest and food source. Offerings of grain, bread, and incense were presented to appease Maqet, and priests performed rites aimed at preventing outbreaks of vermin‑borne illness. Over time Maqet’s attributes merged with those of the cat goddess Bastet, creating a composite protector of households against rodents.
Greek mythology includes a semi‑divine figure, Cecrops, described as a half‑human, half‑rat king of Athens. Though not a god in the Olympian pantheon, Cecrops founded the city, introduced marriage, and established the first priesthood. His rat aspect symbolized the early Athenians’ respect for the animal’s adaptability and connection to the earth.
In Chinese tradition the Rat is personified by the star deity Mao Xing (the Star of the Rat). Mao Xing governs the Water element and is one of the twenty‑four solar terms. The deity is invoked in rituals seeking prosperity, quick wit, and success in commerce, reflecting the rat’s reputation for resourcefulness. Temples dedicated to Mao Xing are found in rural areas where agricultural cycles are emphasized.
Modern fantasy settings also feature a rat god, most prominently the Chaos God known as the Lord of the Rats in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. This figure embodies decay, disease, and the relentless spread of vermin, influencing narratives about corruption and survival.
Across these examples, the rat deity serves as a symbol of survival, disease control, and the fine line between pestilence and provision, illustrating how societies have mythologized the animal’s impact on human life.