1. Scholars or thinkers who interpret myths and legends as distorted accounts of real historical events and people.
Usage: plural form; academic/scholarly term; derived from Euhemerus, ancient Greek mythographer

Examples

• Euhemerists argue that the Greek gods were originally powerful historical figures whose deeds were exaggerated over time.
• Many euhemerists have attempted to identify real kings and warriors behind the legends of ancient mythology.
• The euhemerists' approach suggests that Homer's epics contain kernels of historical truth.
• Some euhemerists believe that Heracles was based on an actual Bronze Age hero.
• Modern scholars debate whether the euhemerists' interpretations of myth are methodologically sound.