Which of the following refers to the belief in many gods?

The belief in many gods is defined as polytheism. This concept is characterized by the worship of multiple deities, each often governing different aspects of life and the universe. Cultures that practice polytheism may have a pantheon of gods that represent natural elements, human emotions, or societal functions, allowing them to address various needs and issues through different gods.

Monotheism, in contrast, refers to the belief in a single deity, while paganism typically encompasses a broader range of traditional religions that may include polytheistic beliefs, but is not restricted to the belief in multiple gods alone. Animism involves the belief that non-human entities, such as animals and plants, possess spiritual essence—this is distinct from the idea of having multiple gods. Therefore, polytheism aptly captures the essence of believing in multiple gods, making it the correct choice.