The challenge of interpretation:

To convey the relevance of an old story

That simply may no longer be relevant,

Supposing that times have changed

And conditions are vastly different

And we ourselves have changed.

If the cloak no longer fits

—perhaps we no longer even wear cloaks—

Then maybe we need a new thing

—whether story or cloak or hero or villain—

That actually does fit.

The awkwardness of a story making it an odd fit

Means that we have possibly progressed

Beyond barbarism

And the violence of old myths.

That cruelty is no longer our chief characteristic.

That in my journey, no one is expendable.

Or perhaps—is this hard to accept?—

The cloak fits but for a few minor alterations,

Easily accomplished,

Which require far less of us than making new garments.

And if those sandals have a few more miles on them

Then why not wear them?

(Challenge met.)