euhemerism
[yoo-hee-muh-riz-uh m, -hem-uh-]
- (often initial capital letter) the theory of Euhemerus that the mythologies of various gods arose out of the deification of dead heroes.
- the theory that mythology is derived from history.
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Origin of euhemerism
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for euhemerism
Historical Examples
In the philosophy of Mr. Herbert Spencer we find a pure Euhemerism.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1Andrew Lang
The Euhemerism of this is hardly like the wonder-loving Jones.
British GoblinsWirt Sikes
This rationalizing method of interpretation is known as Euhemerism.
In suggesting this view, we are not opening the door to Euhemerism.
Myths and Myth-MakersJohn Fiske
Deification and euhemerism are equally natural to the Chinese.
euhemerism
- the theory that gods arose out of the deification of historical heroes
- any interpretation of myths that derives the gods from outstanding men and seeks the source of mythology in history
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Word Origin
C19: named after Euhemerus (?300 bc), Greek philosopher who propounded this theory
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for euhemerism
n.
1846, "the method of regarding myths as glorified accounts of actual events or persons," from Euhemerus of Sicily (4c. B.C.E.), who wrote "Iera Anagraphe," in which he maintained the Greek deities actually were historical mortals. His name is literally "good day," from eu "well" (see eu-) + hemera "day" (see ephemera). Related: Euhemerist; euhemeristic.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper