I like the idea of great heroes either becoming minor demi-gods, saints, eternal champions of some god, etc. etc. so on and so forth. Diverse and plentiful pantheons are fun, especially if they war and clash with other incompatible pantheons.
Thus did Copyright laws become incredably stupid.
While I believe there should be copyright... I don't think you should (You can but you shouldn't) be capable of copyrighting something that has been around for thousands of years.
Well at least Copyright laws arn't entirely silly. Apperantly you can't copyright function... or at least that is what I got from when Hooters tried to sue another restaurant for using sexy clothing.
-Note: Don't read too much into this. I have no respect for Hooters.
I normally refrain from political pitches, but I fear the world is slipping away from caring about the individual mad genius anymore. If you don't like copyright abuses, patent abuses, governments supporting and propping up failures of undead corporate giants (*cough cough* GM *cough cough*), it's worth it to take a look. They currently have representation in Sweden and a seat (possibly two in the near future) in the European Parliment. Why be a dirty tree-hugging, fur-spray-painting liberal when you can raise high the Jolly Roger!