Also see the links 'paarvathi', 'brahma', and 'vishnu'.
( The SH in this name is pronounced like one between 's' in 'sip' and 'sh' in 'ship'. )
Shiva is one of the trinity of supreme lords. Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva are the creator, protector and destroyer(withdrawer) of the creations.
Shiva is a symbol of the quality 'thamas' or arrogance. He takes care of the destruction of the universe at the time of the end of the cycle of time. He is described as ferrocious on one hand and easily propitiated on the other hand. He has a third eye on his forehead. He consumed Manmatha with the fire from that eye, which is always kept clsed. He drankk the venumous fiery poison that came out during the churning of the milk sea. Paarvathi is hs consort. He is said to danse in a cosmically terrific style during the evening hours. His carrier is a bull. He wields a trident, as Vishnu does the discus. The mythology tells many stiries about Shiva. Shiva's worship is very common throughout our country.
Many vedic hymns sing about Rudra i.e. Shiva. He is variously known as Shiva, Rudra, Bhava, Sthaanu etc.
Mythology says that eleven Rudras came from him. The Mahaabhaaratham gives his thousand names as does Vishnu's too.
In Mahaabhaaratham, Lord Shiva appears at many places. He blessed Arjua with many divine asthras including the super missile Paashupatham. He also gave boons to Jayadratha, Amba, Drupada and Somadaththa etc.
It is not possible to write briefly about Shiva or Vishnu.