Here's why:
* Mythology's core: Mythology often centers around the actions and interactions of gods, goddesses, and other supernatural beings. They are often the driving force behind stories, creating the world, influencing human lives, and shaping destinies.
* Fiction's diversity: Fiction encompasses a wide range of genres and styles, from realistic contemporary stories to science fiction and fantasy. Many fictional worlds don't incorporate divine beings, focusing on human characters and their struggles within a grounded reality.
* Purpose of mythology: Mythologies served to explain natural phenomena, provide moral guidelines, and offer a sense of order and meaning in the world. While fiction can explore these themes, it often does so through different mechanisms, relying on human agency, social structures, and the complexities of the human experience.
Of course, there are exceptions:
* Fantasy literature: Fantasy often features gods, goddesses, and other supernatural creatures. However, these are typically presented within a fictional world, rather than as the core focus of the narrative.
* Religious fiction: Stories based on religious texts often feature divine figures, but these are usually drawn from specific faiths and traditions.
In conclusion: While divine beings are common in mythology, they are not as ubiquitous in all fiction. The presence of gods and goddesses is often tied to the specific purpose and tradition of mythology.