Rainbows are traditionally believed to be bridges linking the mortal world with divine or supernatural realms. Their sudden appearance, arching form, and vivid colors inspired interpretations of rainbows as pathways for gods, spirits, and departed souls. These beliefs helped explain the fleeting yet awe-inspiring nature of rainbows, casting them as more than mere meteorological phenomena.

Some myths describe rainbows as literal highways the gods use to descend to Earth or as portals through which souls ascend to the afterlife. Others portray the rainbow as a guardian entity or celestial weapon. These interpretations often reflect the local environment and cosmology, with many associating the rainbow with water, sky, and divine favor or judgment.