| 释义 |
Euhemerism|juːˈhiːmərɪz(ə)m|
Also 9 Euemerism.
[f. L. Euhēmer-us, Gr. Εὐήµερος (see below) + -ism.]
The method of mythological interpretation which regards myths as traditional accounts of real incidents in human history.
Euhemerus, a Sicilian (c 316 b.c.) was the author of a book called Ἱερὰ ἀναγραϕή, in which he maintained that the deities of Hellenic mythology were deified men and women, and pretended to cite authentic records of their lives.
1846Grote Greece i. xvi. I. 596 In regard to the Thracian god Zalmosis, the Hellespontic Greeks interpreted his character and attributes according to the scheme of Euemerism. 1864Max Müller Sc. Lang. Ser. ii. ix. (1868) 397 Euhemerism has become the recognized title of that system of mythological interpretation which..reduces the gods of old to the level of men.
So Euˈhemerist [+ -ist], one who follows the method of Euhemerus; also attrib. (quasi-adj.). Euhemeˈristic a. [f. prec. + -ic], (a) of persons: Inclined to euhemerism; (b) of things: Of the nature of or resembling euhemerism. Euˈhemerize v., (a) trans. To subject to euhemeristic interpretation; also, to euhemerize into or Euhemerize out of. (b) intr. To follow the method of Euhemerus. Euˈhemerized, ppl. a. Euˈhemerizing vbl. n. (in quot. attrib.).
1856Max Müller Chips (1880) II. xvi. 115 It is easier to answer these German than the old Greek *euhemerist. 1871Tylor Prim. Cult. I. 252 The modern ‘euhemerists’..in part adopted the old interpretations. 1884Academy 22 Mar. 205 Saxo..treats Odin and Baldr in euhemerist fashion.
1856Max Müller Chips (1880) II. xvi. 115 *Euhemeristic critics. 1876H. Spencer Princ. Sociol. (1877) I. 232 This interpretation will be called Euhemeristic.
1847J. W. Donaldson Vind. Protestant Princ. 140 One of its [Genesis'] editors *euhemerized into spurious narratives some of the deep symbolism of the original vaticination. 1881Fraser's Mag. Mar. 355 To euhemerise, rationalise and etherialise them [nursery heroes] out of existence.
1887I. Taylor in Academy 3 Sept. 143/2 The legend of Semiramis was a *euhemerised version of the story of Istar.
1871Farrar Witn. Hist. ii. 57 He did but extend to the New Testament the *Euhemerising principles which Eichhorn had applied to the Old. |