Just who are the American Gods? How’d they get here?

As STARZ begins to ramp up to their season premiere of American Gods, their adaptation of Neil Gaiman’s mind-bending novel, the network, known for serving geeks the world around with fantasy and period series’ like Outlander, Black Sails, and others, has put together the following ~30 second spots on some of our favorite incarnations of America’s Gods – the old ones. And a few bonus friends.

So many gods. So little time.

Check them out below, and make sure to join us each week for our new American Gods podcast, The Dominant Paradigm. It’s an intelligent, entertaining discussion of STARZ’s latest hit series. Leave comments below, or on our very likable Facebook page, tweet us @STARZGodsPod and send us email or voice memos at STARZAmericanGodsPod@gmail.com.

Video

American Gods | Shadow Moon | The Main Man

Shadow, played by Ricky Whittle, is released from prison to a life turned upside down “” no wife, no job, and no bearings.

American Gods | Mr. Wednesday | Old Gods

Mr. Wednesday, played by Ian McShane, is a crafty and endlessly charismatic con man, is full of perverse wisdom, curious magic, and grand plans to unite the Old Gods in a battle for power against the New Gods.

American Gods | Mr. Nancy | STARZ

Mr. Nancy, played by Orlando Jones, is the African trickster spider god. A god of knowledge and speech, he is happy to share his gifts with anyone who will listen.

American Gods | Czernobog | Old Gods

A Slavic god of darkness and evil, Czernobog, played by Peter Stormare, is reluctant to join the coming war, wary of Mr. Wednesday’s motivations.

American Gods | Bilquis | Old Gods

Bilquis, played by Yetide Badaki, an ancient goddess of love who craves the worship she inspired in eras long ago, is eager to find that same relevance in today’s world.

American Gods | Mad Sweeney | Old Gods

Mad Sweeney, played by Pablo Schreiber, is a down-on-his-luck leprechaun, having a hard time understanding how he lost his charm and way.

American Gods | Laura Moon | A Special Lady

Laura Moon, played by Emily Browning, is Shadow Moon’s ethereal wife. She dies unexpectedly just before Shadow’s release from prison. Little does she know that her untimely death will lead her to an epiphany about her relationship and afford her a second chance to make amends.

American Gods | Technical Boy | STARZ

Technical Boy, a New God (played by Bruce Langley), is purveyor of all things technology. Desperate to prove himself, and hungry for respect and power, he struggles to keep his impulsivity and petulance in check, making him dangerously unpredictable.

American Gods | Easter | STARZ

Once known as Ostara, goddess of spring (played by Kristen Chenoweth), Easter’s holiday has been usurped by Jesus. But she embraces the jelly beans and chocolate bunnies in an effort to stay relevant.

American Gods | Mr. World | STARZ

Mr. World, played by Crispin Glover, is the seemingly omniscient leader at the center of the New Gods coalition, sometimes more challenged by his own subordinates than his enemies.