What is literature?

From the first two readings we were assigned I had to wonder what makes the bible such an influential and lasting work? There is no way of knowing whether is was written as a record of fact or a myth or metaphor for a set of beliefs. If it were simply a list of what to do and what not to do would it still be around today? How does it have a lasting appeal when it doesn't feature action and adventure and witty dialogue? What would it take for another piece of writing to carry the same weight that the bible has? I believe any work has the potential to gain as large a following in our modern culture but what will it take for something to have the long lasting appeal that the bible has had?