One-line: destroyer god, husband of Sati and Parvati, powerful only because Shakti is with him.
First seen / best remembered: First active in Book 1 as one of the Trimurti dependent on Shakti; Book 7 owns the Sati story; Book 11 uses the Rudra ritual register (Book 7 retelling; atlas: ).
Who they are: Shiva is one of the three great gods, but the Devi Bhagavatam repeatedly treats Shiva as incomplete without Shakti. Shiva appears as ascetic, husband, destroyer, giver of weapons, and witness to the Goddess’s higher power. The Sati story turns Shiva’s grief into the geography of Shakta pilgrimage.
What they do that matters:
- Is described as lifeless without Shakti.
- Loses Sati and carries her body until Vishnu’s discus cuts it apart.
- With Parvati, becomes father of Skanda and Ganesha in related traditions and later references.
Other names: Mahadeva, Mahesha, Rudra, Shankara
Family / lineage (when relevant): Husband of Sati, then Parvati.