Euhemerization
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /juˌhiməɹɪzˈeɪʃən/ · Part of speech noun
Quick meaning: Euhemerization is a noun meaning (uncountable, derogatory) The fanciful invention of plausible historical figures and events as an attempt to rationalize mythology and legends.
Meaning
(uncountable, derogatory) The fanciful invention of plausible historical figures and events as an attempt to rationalize mythology and legends.
More Meanings
- (uncountable) Synonym of deification: the actual creation of mythology and legends from historical figures and events; (countable) an instance of this.
Example Sentences
The euhemerization of Taoist myth by Confucian historians sometimes led to the appearance of figures such as "Lord Primordial Chaos" (渾沌氏) in the imperial genealogies.
Much of Chinese mythology appears to have been the result of euhemerization, the later deification of Neolithic tribal leaders and inventors incompletely remembered through oral traditions and now-lost records.
Word Forms
- euhemerizations
- euhemerisation
Synonyms for euhemerization
Depending on context, synonyms include deification.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include euhemerisation, euhemerism, eumerism, demythologisation, euphuism, demythification.
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Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
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