And so a creation myth arose, of Pilgrim Fathers seeding a new land with their piety and work ethic.

NPR: Unearthing History in 'A Voyage Long and Strange'

The next American champion will almost certainly be the product of tremendous natural talent coupled with an unusual creation myth.

FORBES: Andy Roddick Announces Retirement at U.S. Open, but Who's America's Next Tennis Champion?

Mr Fingeroth, author of the upcoming Disguised as Clark Kent: Jews, Comics and the Creation of the Superhero, admits the Superman myth has "echoes of religious lore".

BBC: NEWS | Entertainment | The secret of Superman's success