Euhemerism is, simply put, the idea that myths are really just historical accounts that got exaggerated and more fantastical over time.

So Odin, Zues, Jesus, etc. were based on real people who later had their stories altered and exaggerated to suit the purposes of the culture relaying the message.

So Thor would be based on a Northern Germanic hero who lived before recorded history, and his story just got more metaphysical as time went on.

For me this seems to be a logical step in the creation of religion, when you consider the preponderance of ancestor worship as a component of many religions around the globe, and our own modern tendency to exalt and mythologize our leaders and heroes.

Also, it makes sense when you consider how many epics are used as a way to justify ruling families and connect them back to other figures or deities of historical significance.

Am I off base here? What do you think?