euhemerization

noun3

1. •
   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.
2. •
   an instance of this

   • One such euhemerization is a Rowan Atkinson bit where he presents Jesus Christ as a misunderstood street magician.
3. •
   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.