euhemerism

[yoo-hee-muh-riz-uh m, -hem-uh-]

noun

(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.

Origin of euhemerism

First recorded in 1840–50; Euhemer(us) + -ism

Related formseu·he·mer·ist, nouneu·he·mer·is·tic, adjectiveeu·he·mer·is·ti·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for euhemerism

Historical Examples of euhemerism

In the philosophy of Mr. Herbert Spencer we find a pure Euhemerism.
Myth, Ritual, and Religion, Vol. 1
Andrew Lang
The Euhemerism of this is hardly like the wonder-loving Jones.
British Goblins
Wirt Sikes
This rationalizing method of interpretation is known as Euhemerism.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 8
Various
In suggesting this view, we are not opening the door to Euhemerism.
Myths and Myth-Makers
John Fiske
Deification and euhemerism are equally natural to the Chinese.
Hinduism and Buddhism, An Historical Sketch, Vol. 3 (of 3)
Charles Eliot

British Dictionary definitions for euhemerism

euhemerism

noun

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

Derived Formseuhemerist, nouneuhemeristic, adjectiveeuhemeristically, adverb

Word Origin for euhemerism

C19: named after Euhemerus (?300 bc), Greek philosopher who propounded this theory

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for euhemerism

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.