euhemerize

To invent a plausible but fanciful historical origin for something in order to rationalize mythology and legends.

Confucian scholars frequently euhemerized the myths used to explain religious rituals to the public.

He did but extend to the New Testament the Euhemerising principles which Eichhorn had applied to the Old.

Synonym of deify: to actually create mythology and legends from ancient historical figures and events.

The Yellow Emperor was perhaps euhemerized from a prehistoric tribal leader.