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Glite Dictionary
euhemerism

euhemerism

9.9
The idea that myths come from real people or events that later became gods
  • noun
  • /juːˈhɛmərɪzəm/
  • Specialized
: euhemerismo
  • The concept of euhemerism suggests that legendary figures were once actual people whose stories were later embellished.

Examples

  • The name for this transformation is euhemerism.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Deification might be said to embody a principle of descent; euhemerism one of rising.

    Academic text (1997)

  • Many historians believe that the origins of some myths can be explained through euhemerism, as they originated from real individuals.

  • In literary studies, euhemerism helps scholars understand how ancient narratives might reflect historical events.

Synonyms

euhemerization of myths
vseuhemerism
  • Specialized
9.9

A way of understanding myths as stories about real people or events

focuses on later exaggeration and deification of those historical origins
euhemerization of deities
vseuhemerism
  • Specialized
9.9

A process of seeing gods as real people who lived long ago instead of as beings with magic

applies more broadly to myths and emphasizes exaggerated historic origins

Surface Forms

euhemerism singular
euhemerisms plural

Morphology

euhemerism = euhemer (opaque) = euhemer + ism

The word is formed from the name Euhemerus plus the suffix '-ism', but this is not transparent to most learners.

Etymology

The word euhemerism comes from the Greek writer Euhemerus, who said that some gods began as real, famous people who were later 'made into gods'. So, euhemerism is the idea that myths come from real people or events that were told and changed over time.