Discuss: Are the Gods and Goddesses Metaphor, Allegory or Metaphysical Fact?

Are the gods and goddesses metaphor, allegory or metaphysical fact?

Many in the modern pagan community are called by deities or feel that specific deities chose them. They draw on many cultures from the past, sometimes from their hereditary line and sometimes from ancient mythologies. How does this modern practice differ from the way primitive communities thought about deities? How do modern pagans interact with deities in their day-to-day lives? Is this is something that mainstream religion needs to include? Also, how does a non-theist reconcile a magical practice (which often includes elements of deity worship)?