It is present not only in fiction, but (obviously) also in mythology and religion. It is therefore truly a meta-myth.Well, if you look at the Hero formula by Joseph Campbell, that is present in 90% of all fiction.
Taking aspects from mythological stories and using them in modern fiction is not the same as rewriting. Taking a story from mythology and reworking it is rewriting. Some writers like to incorporate elements of mythology into their stories, and that's fine. They are merely a source of inspiration. Like in J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings; Middle Earth, the one ring, even Gandalf's appearance and some of his character have been derived from Norse mythology. But they are merely references back to the myths. Neither the story or plot line was derived from the myths, it is completely new. Therefore it is not a rewriting, but solely inspirational to the author. It supplies nothing more than mere background.I think many writers of modern fiction take what they want from all mythological categories and rewrite them as they please. I think that's why so many of us find myths confusing.
Doesn't matter. It get's me looking through it again, which I wouldn't have otherwise; and reminds me what I've contributed to those many years ago.Wow. I just noticed how old this post is!