The comments in this thread remind me of something, I forget the original medium, but it was about fairy tales.
Paraphrasing, it spoke about how people passed along fairy tales, not because of our belief in dragons existing, but to reassure us that dragons can be defeated.
Also I recommend everyone watch, or rewatch, V for Vendetta. Many may suggest reading it, which is absolutely as valid. However, as a fan of movies, Hugo Weaving's performance is in a league of it's own.