White goes into detail for us, as to what qualifies someone to be “divine man”. First is the birth. Birth is usually foretold in a dream or a divine oracle announces the birth of messenger of the gods. Also, typically the mother is impregnated in a peculiar way. Usually by a divine parent, which would connect the idea that the “divine man” is a “Son of God” The actual birth itself, is accompanied by special circumstances. It usually takes place around a special holiday. It occurs in an unusual place like a forest or foreign land. Anywhere where a normal baby would not be born. Sometimes the father is kept out of the whole birthing scene or does not play a significant role in this part of the child’s life. Secondly, from birth the child begins to show exceptional abilities far beyond the years of his peers. The mother is typically the one who recognizes the special nature and concludes that the child should be given special treatment or training. All throughout his childhood the child excels in all aspects of growth and learning and miraculous powers can be evident when the “divine man” is a child. Lastly, as an adult, the “divine man” shows great wisdom and has the ability to perform miracles. He gains a popularity and a following because of his abilities and wisdom. Finally an unusual phenomena accompany his death or disappearance.

Lucian portrays Pereginus as a lunatic and en evil man. From Lucian monologue, it appears that Pereginus spent most of his life trying to prove to people that he is a “divine man”. But Lucian, who clearly knows Pereginus from several interactions, proves that he is nothing more than a fraud that taken advantage of people and have burned a lot of bridges in the process. For instance, Pereginus used to have good relationships with the Christians until he swindled them and they eventually wanted nothing to do with him as well.

Ancient writers believed that a way a person died revealed his character. Pereginus says that he’s going to cremate himself at the Olympics as an example for everyone to reject the world and embrace suffering. But Lucian sees this as just another ploy to get more of a following for Pereginus. Unfortunately, Pereginus dies in his attempt so even if it worked, he would never know.