The film "High Plains Drifter" can be seen as a modern retelling of various Greek and Roman tales and mythology. The story of the mysterious stranger who rides into town, bringing justice and order to a lawless frontier town, echoes the story of Theseus, the mythical hero who defeated the Minotaur and brought peace to Athens.

Similarly, the protagonist's anonymity and lack of backstory can be compared to the character of Homer's Odysseus, who returns home after years of wandering, his identity hidden from all but a few. The themes of isolation and loneliness that permeate the film are reminiscent of the myth of Prometheus, who was chained to a rock for eternity, his only companion the eagle that devoured his liver daily.

The film's use of atmospheric tension and visuals to create a sense of unease and disorientation can be seen as a nod to the myth of Orpheus, who journeyed to the underworld to reclaim his beloved Eurydice, only to lose her again due to his inability to resist looking back. The film's exploration of the idea of the "stranger" in American culture can be compared to the myth of the Roman god Janus, who was often depicted with two faces, looking both forward and backward, symbolizing the dual nature of the human experience.