[Alpha]

Well, mainstream society is not comprised of those who truly understand the various embodiments of different spirits/deities, and thus they tend to twist information/facts about "Pagan Gods" to something more "sinister" or perhaps just, as you put it, interesting (which in many cases tends to lean more towards the side of "evil").

Just as a quick disclaimer, I'm not bashing anyone, just stating context and what I've observed so far.