Euhemerize

/juːˈhɛməˌraɪz/ verb

Definition

To interpret or explain a myth, legend, or religious story as an exaggerated account of real historical events and actual people.

Etymology

From Euhemerus plus the verb-forming suffix -ize, creating an action verb meaning to apply euhemeristic analysis or interpretation.

Kelly Says

When scholars euhemerize the biblical flood story or ancient flood myths from different cultures, they look for evidence of a real catastrophic event—it's one way people try to find truth in legends!

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