Mythology in itself was a form of literature in ancient civilizations. However, the ideas in mythology proved to be a lot more enigmatic than one's typical storybook. The ideas and elements that were created by mythology have exerted a strong influence over much of our modern day literature. We shall proceed to examine the ways in which our modern day literature has taken ideas out of mythology.

A large part of literature, in particular those of the fantasy genre, has its roots in mythology. In many cases, ideas from mythology have been borrowed and used in similar forms. Fundamental ideas that can be seen throughout our modern literature include tales involving the afterlife. This is especially so in cultures such as those of the Chinese, in which the literary tales speak of the afterlife that in most cases follow the cosmology of Chinese mythology. In similar ways, mythology continues to affect modern literature with its view of heroism, like in the tales of Hercules and Perseus.

The idea of a single hero overcoming many odds to accomplish the impossible is a cherished thought through most mythologies and cultures, and is further popularized by means of mythology. It is interesting to note that Western mythology touts such heroism more than Eastern mythologies. In effect, the modern day literature in the East has shown a reduced tendency towards the creation of such superhuman heroes.

At many times, the various ideas and characters in mythology are also seen in literature. Most people know of fearful tales of vampires, but yet not many people know that these characters are in fact out of Slavic mythology, and have in fact just been borrowed by the authors such as Anne Rice in their literature. The most prominent example of the borrowing of characters out of mythology is in the area of Fantasy literature, and amongst this, the most prominent example in western literature is that of the famous "Lord of the Rings", by J.R.R. Tolkien.

"The Lord of the Rings" borrowed many creatures from Norse mythology to furnish its worlds. Such creatures like the elves, the dwarves, the dragons and many more. Not only did the book borrow the creatures, it also borrowed certain elements from Norse cosmology, for example the realm "Middle Earth" in the story, which is the direct translation of Midgard, from Norse mythology. If one is acquainted with the prequel to the story, the book "The Hobbit", one would realize its many similarities with the story of Sigmund from the Volsung Saga of Norse mythology.

The recent craze of the books of Harry Potter revolve largely about a world that is exclusively mythical. Although it is not in itself an ancient myth, it embodies the many qualities of myths, with creatures borrowed from the mythical world such as dragons, and characters like wizards with arcane magic, similar to the heroes from the courts of King Arthur. Harry Potter may not be directly advocating the various mythologies it derives its ideas from, but it provides to the reader the rich vast mythical world that is largely similar to that of its origins.

However, in ways perhaps less enigmatic than in that of Tolkien, many authors, such as the famous William Shakespeare also adopted the creatures of mythology. In his play "A Midsummer's Night Dream", many creatures such as nymphs make their appearance in a dreamy and mythical setting. These nymphs originate largely from Greek mythology, and to be used by Shakespeare ensures that it continues to be propagated through other mediums of literature, continuing to exert its influence around the world through the changing times.

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