Benjamin Franklin supposedly once said, “Beer is our best proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy.” The quote is likely apocryphal, but the sentiment is surely nothing new. Throughout the millennia, as mankind gave thanks for the miracle they felt beer to be, they gave thanks to various gods they credited with the gift. These ancient deities were often associated with drinking, agriculture, and harvest as well as, on occasion, with merriment and festivities. Look closely into most ancient cultures, and you will find gods and goddesses of beer.

Perhaps primary among them was Ninkasi, the ancient Sumerian goddess of brewing who not only gave beer to the world but also was brewer to the gods themselves. She is of particular importance not only because she is female but also because she appears around 4000 BC, making her the oldest of the beer deities. Also female and credited with the invention of beer is the Zulu goddess Mbaba Mwana Waresa who, like many other deities related to beer, is also the goddess of agriculture and harvest. Her legend also includes a search for romance and true love on earth and in combination with beer, this made her beloved among the Zulu. Yasigi is another important African female deity who looks after beer, dancing, and masks, a combination that makes her sound very festive.

The Egyptian god Osiris is said to have led his people away from cannibalism and toward farming, and although this made him the god of agriculture, he is also seen demonstrating how to brew beer. After Osiris’ death at the hands of his brother—who intoxicates him with beer before their duel—he is resurrected and assumes the dual role of god of the underworld. He is usually described as wearing green, which represents the life cycle, along with a crown; however, he is dressed as a mummy and is nourished through offerings of beer. Before his reanimation, the brewing grains emmer and barley are supposed to have sprung from his body as a gift to humankind.

In later centuries, Europeans credited the gods with the gift of beer as well. Raugaptais and Raugutiene, part of Baltic and Slavic mythological pantheon, were a god and goddess partnership specifically devoted to fermentation and beer, respectively. Not surprisingly, they are both described as being very attractive. From Czech tradition comes Radegast, who in addition to being the god of hospitality, is also said to have created beer, which presumably helped him in his duties. Apparently hospitality is hard work, because the famous statue of Radegast in the Czech Beskydy Mountains depicts him as a strong, tall, and powerful figure. Aegir, a Norse god who is probably best known for his role as king of the sea, is also credited with beer and brewing. He was known for throwing frequent parties for the other gods, where his guests were plied with copious amounts of strong beer.