Use of myth in poetry?

Question

Why do poets use allusions or references to myth, history or other texts as a way of presenting ideas or issues on a metaphorical or allegorical level?

Does it have any specific impact on the reader?

thanks =]

Answer 1

Poets use myths because they are universal themes that all can relate to; it's kind of like poetic shorthand. I don't have to tell you how beautiful a woman is if she is compared to Aphrodite; I don't have to explain the importance of the outcome of a project if I liken it to Prometheus.