Generic term for a type of god or spirit

[The Hound]

I am looking for a generic term, from any culture, for a spirit or minor god that controls/lives in/is responsible for a single natural feature like a lake, woods, mountain, cave etc. The closest I can come is the Japanese 'Kami' which does not quite match up. Any suggestions?

 

[Deadguy]

Would the Roman term genius loci be appropriate?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Genius_loci

 

[The Hound]

The definition fits very well, especially the protective spirit aspect... the only thing I don't like is the name. I was hoping for something more exotic sounding to the player's English speaking ears ('genius' being an English word with a different meaning from the latin, of course). Are there perhaps equivalents in other cultures like Chinese, Native American, etc.?

 

[Alzrius]

Just out of curiosity, why doesn't "kami" work, as it fits your definition perfectly?

 

[Cam Banks]

"Manitou" might work for you.

Cheers,
Cam

 

[Nyeshet]

Just out of curiosity, why doesn't "kami" work, as it fits your definition perfectly?

Seconded. Is it because the term is (well) known to the players? That is the only reason I can think of not to use Kami, as it perfectly fits what you are requesting.

 

[Aus_Snow]

It seems that, according to some people at least, Deva might be an acceptable term. Kami, of course. Orisha and Ancestor, too. And yeah, Manitou might work.

I can't recall any others atm.


edit --- though, upon reading stuff, some terms appear to be far too general, or not quite in the right area even. I'll see if I can find any more appropriate ones.

 

[The Hound]

According to the definitions I have read, 'Kami', refers more to an object (like a tree, lake, mountain, whatever) that represents an ideal or an example of perfection for its kind, as opposed to the spirit that inhabits it or controls it. I suppose that in Shinto, there may not be much difference between the two, but it doesn't seem to quite fit.

 

[Nyeshet]

Kami is used not so much for exemplars as for anything worthy of wonder. The Emperor, for example, is a kami. So too are many ancestor spirits - due to the wondrous / great things they did in life or presumably after life.

 

[WayneLigon]

'Totem' might be a good one. Haltija or maan haltija is a Finnish type of local spirit, usually serving a community.