EUHEMERISM Meaning and
Definition
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Euhemerism is an anthropological and religious theory that originated from the work of the ancient Greek writer Euhemerus of Messene. It proposes the interpretation of mythological gods and figures as historical individuals who were later deified. According to this theory, ancient myths and legends are ultimately based on real events involving mortal beings.
The term "Euhemerism" is derived from the name of Euhemerus himself, who first presented this concept in his book "Sacred History." He claimed that the gods worshiped in his time were originally kings, leaders, or heroes who had accomplished extraordinary feats during their lifetimes. Over time, their exemplary deeds and accomplishments were exaggerated and embellished, leading to their eventual deification.
Euhemerism views religion as an evolutionary process, in which gods gradually transform from being mere mortals to divine entities. This theory suggests that myths and religious beliefs develop through an intricate blend of historical events, storytelling, and social psychology.
However, it is pertinent to note that Euhemerism is not universally accepted or supported by all scholars. Critics argue that this theory oversimplifies complex religious and mythological traditions, overlooking the symbolic and spiritual aspects inherent in such beliefs.
Nonetheless, Euhemerism continues to be an intriguing concept that holds importance in the field of anthropology and mythology as it seeks to bridge the gap between history and divine beings, providing a historical interpretation of mythological narratives.
Common Misspellings for EUHEMERISM
- wuhemerism
- suhemerism
- duhemerism
- ruhemerism
- 4uhemerism
- 3uhemerism
- eyhemerism
- ehhemerism
- ejhemerism
- eihemerism
- e8hemerism
- e7hemerism
- eugemerism
- eubemerism
- eunemerism
- eujemerism
- euuemerism
- euyemerism
- euhwmerism
Etymology of EUHEMERISM
The word "Euhemerism" derives from the name Euhemerus, a Greek writer and philosopher who lived in the 3rd century BCE. Euhemerus proposed a theory known as "Euhemerism", which suggests that gods and mythological figures were actually real historical individuals who were later deified. The term "Euhemerism" was coined in the 19th century to describe this concept, combining Euhemerus' name with the suffix "-ism", indicating a system or theory.
