Lugubre et riant, doux et intolérant : le paganisme vu par les Lumières

Enlightenment approaches to pagan religions are various and complex. Ancient myths are considered like ridiculous fables or fascinating adventures. Some authors look at pagan rites like sad memories of the miserable past of mankind, others like a joyful expression of the passions. The nature itself of polytheistic religions is peaceful and tolerant according to some, ferocious and warmongering according to others. This article aims to show some aspects of the modern debate on paganism. In particular, it focuses on the question of polytheism’s supposed tolerance or intolerance to shed light on its theoretical and political issues in Eighteenth-century thought.