euhemerization

Noun

euhemerization (countable and uncountable, plural euhemerizations)

1. (derogatory, uncountable) The fanciful invention of plausible historical figures and events as an attempt to rationalize mythology and legends
   • The euhemerization of Taoist myth by Confucian historians sometimes led to the appearance of figures such as "Lord Primordial Chaos" (渾沌氏) in the imperial genealogies.
   1. (countable, derogatory) an instance of this
      • One such euhemerization is a Rowan Atkinson bit where he presents Jesus Christ as a misunderstood street magician.
2. (uncountable) Synonym of deification: the actual creation of mythology and legends from historical figures and events; (countable) an instance of this.
   • Much of Chinese mythology appears to have been the result of euhemerization, the later deification of Neolithic tribal leaders and inventors incompletely remembered through oral traditions and now-lost records.

   Synonyms:

   deification, rationalization & pseudohistory