I think it was meant to be an archetypal story, a common legend/theme sort of thing. Although as a long time sci fi weenie, I think there ARE still original stories out there. This just wasn't intended to be one of them.
"My predominant feeling is one of gratitude. I have loved and been loved;I have been given much and I have given something in return...Above all, I have been a sentient being, a thinking animal, on this beautiful planet, and that in itself has been an enormous privilege and an adventure." O. Sacks