>Although if instead of the verb "pray" you use the verb "worship", the distinction between ancient heroes/half gods and modern day super heros becomes much smaller.

It doesn't. No one is actually worshipping modern superheroes. No one believes superheroes actually exist, or ever existed, and can intercede on their behalf they way they might angels or other deities.

> It doesn't. No one is actually worshipping modern superheroes. No one believes superheroes actually exist, or ever existed, and can intercede on their behalf they way they might angels or other deities.

I'm not sure the latter was something that the ancient people thought possible. If somebody you worship actually exists or existed, is of little importance to the impact they have on the lives of humans.

Fans build shrines for their favorite characters, take them as rolemodels, draw strength from their stories, discuss them as if they were real persons.

Fictional characters often influence people much more than real people.