What is a pyre?

I know its meaning, though many may not.  There is no shame in being unaware, or not exposed to this word.  It is fairly antiquated, and does not find use in casual dialogue.  Allow me to present the MW-Whatever brand you prefer definition of this word.

A pyre, by definition, is a heap or pile of wood or other combustible material, especially one used for cremating a corpse.

So, let us put this word to the test.

A pyre, must be combustible.  Therefore, a collection of bones cannot be a pyre, as it is not combustible. A collection of stones cannot be a pyre, for that is not combustible.  A scrap heap of metal scoffs at immolation, and therefore, cannot be a pyre.

May a bundle of paper be a pyre?  By definition it seems it may.  Though it is likely a poor representation.  Given the later half of the definition, a pyre is a collection of burnable material capable of turning a corpse into dust, or more likely, ash.

By inference, the term pyre is a bundle of combustible material designed to turn a human husk into glowing, flight-seeking ash, destined to float upon heated updrafts until casually alighting upon a safe, placid, and unassuming location.

Why does a pyre get its name?

There are multiple acting elements involved in this singular nomenclature.

It must be a fairly substantial collection, likely creating severe heat and capable of consuming fleshy, withering remains.

A designated bundle of sticks, for the purpose of burning something, with its necessary formidability, it given a name.

Doesn’t then the purpose validate the name?

A pyre can’t be a pyre, without its purpose.

A pyre can’t be a pyre, without fire.

Without fire, purpose, our elaborate definition of a pyre is expertly and succinctly whistled down to  just…..

A whole bunch of sticks.

Humbly yours,

J