Euhemerism

Quick meaning: Euhemerism is a noun meaning (uncountable) The belief that legends and mythology arise from exaggerated descriptions of historical people and events.

Meaning

(uncountable) The belief that legends and mythology arise from exaggerated descriptions of historical people and events.

Example Sentences

In regard to the Thracian god Zalmosis, the Hellespontic Greeks interpreted his character and attributes according to the scheme of Euemerism.

Already before euhemerism saved them by embalming them, [...] they had become in their very being the enlarged shadows of great men and warriors upon the walls of the world.

Then again there was a period of what is sometimes called Euhemerism - the theory that the gods and goddesses had actually once been men and women, historical characters round whom a halo of romance and remoteness had gathered.

Word Forms

• euhemerisms

Synonyms for euhemerism

Depending on context, synonyms include rationalism.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include eumerism, euhemerization, euhemerisation, euphuism, demythologisation, hyperaeolism.

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