Who weren't the gods?

So much can be taken from and given to the gods, and in the myths so much the gods have created and destroyed. Perhaps it doesn't matter and it's as simple as a snow covered forest in the Northern Midwest. Or perhaps the question is essential, and what better place than to think about such matters than in front of a large hearth as the sun brightens a perfect snow and brilliant blue sky, with many neighbors to throw in their two cents.