Euhemersim (Noun):
the theory of the Greek writer Euhemerus (4th cent. b.c.) that the gods of mythology were deified human beings; theory that myths are based on traditional accounts of real people and events.
So, I thought I would open this thread with a definition, in case no one has heard of this term before, as it was a new concept to me. Euhemerus stated that the Old Gods were actually ordinary men or kings, who were later exalted into a deified/God status, and that modern myth are supernatural versions of what was once accurate historical accounts.
This was later used by the Christian church fathers to demonize or bring down the pagan Gods and beliefs as because " Those to whom you bow were once humans like yourselves " (Clement of Alexandria, in [Jean] Seznec 1972: 11 [The Survival of the Pagan Gods]).
What are your thoughts on this particular take on mythology? Was Euhemerus on to something by positing that myths are based on real people and events?
I don't think that Euhemerus was on the right track that deities were originally men (although a few men are now considered Gods in their own right (Romulus, Imhotep), but I do think it sheds light on the idea that many myths may have a kernel or two of historical truth within them.
the theory of the Greek writer Euhemerus (4th cent. b.c.) that the gods of mythology were deified human beings; theory that myths are based on traditional accounts of real people and events.
So, I thought I would open this thread with a definition, in case no one has heard of this term before, as it was a new concept to me. Euhemerus stated that the Old Gods were actually ordinary men or kings, who were later exalted into a deified/God status, and that modern myth are supernatural versions of what was once accurate historical accounts.
This was later used by the Christian church fathers to demonize or bring down the pagan Gods and beliefs as because " Those to whom you bow were once humans like yourselves " (Clement of Alexandria, in [Jean] Seznec 1972: 11 [The Survival of the Pagan Gods]).
What are your thoughts on this particular take on mythology? Was Euhemerus on to something by positing that myths are based on real people and events?
I don't think that Euhemerus was on the right track that deities were originally men (although a few men are now considered Gods in their own right (Romulus, Imhotep), but I do think it sheds light on the idea that many myths may have a kernel or two of historical truth within them.