Demigod

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, though this is not the proper definition of the term.

Within Buddhism, six realms of existence are described, which vary from experiencing intense happiness to intense suffering: heaven with gods, semi-heaven with demigods, humans, animals, hungry ghosts, and hells. All of these existences are considered temporary, and one's actions (karma) will determine which realm one will experience. The demi-gods are said to expereince a much more pleasurable life than humans, but they are plagued by jealousy for the gods (who they can see, just like humans experience animals in the same world of existence).