Introducing MytHous
By urbanhoustonian at August 9, 2011 | 9:41 PM | Print
I recently read The Lightning Thief, the first book in Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson & the Olympians books series. Riordan’s writing is pretty straightforward, he brings the ancient myths of Greece and Egypt into the modern world. I’ve always been a sucker for Greek Mythology, and enjoyed reading the Lightning Thief, and look forward to the rest of the series.
In the Percy Jackson books, the Gods of Mount Olympus have moved their home from Greece to New York City, high above the Empire State Building. The concept being the Olympian Gods never went away, they just moved with the advancement of Western Civilization. It was a clever concept, and one that got me to thinking.
What would a pantheon of Houstonian gods look like?
So I created MytHous, a mythological take on Houston. In creating MytHous, I borrowed heavily from the Greek construct, starting with the four main gods, who rule over the major power centers of Houston.
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Heus, God of Downtown Houston
Heus is , predictably, the God of Energy, and resides in the JPMorgan Chase Tower, the tallest building in Houston. He is every bit the womanizing lout of his Greek counterpart.
Transkos, God of the Galleria
Transkos is God of Commerce and Travel, the Galleria being the commercial center of Houston and home to many visitors from around the world. He lives in the Williams Tower, and takes him name from its original name, the Transco Tower.
Hermanos, God of the Texas Medical Center
Hermanos is the God of Medicine and Healing. I had originally placed his home in the St. Luke's Medical Tower, but I feel like the Memorial Hermann Medical Plaza has overtaken it as the master of the Medical Center skyline.
Portemis, Goddess of the Port of Houston
Like Hera, Portemis is Heus' wife and sister. She lives in the Port's Turning Basin.
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Galvestonos, God of Galveston Island
"The Island God", Galvestonos is Heus' predecessor as Lord of the Gulf Coast. Again, I pulled heavily from the Greek construct, fashioning him as the Kronos of this story.
Buffaia, Goddess of Buffalo Bayou
I've often referred to the Buffalo Bayou as the womb or mother of Houston. It was on her banks that the Allen Brothers founded the city of Houston. I also like the way the Bayou serves as the link between Heus and Portemis, or Downtown and the Port of Houston. This link will prove to be quite important in the forthcoming origin story I am currently busy writing.
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There are still more gods to be created and introduced as these stories progress. I’m curious to see how this all evolves. Once the foundation is set, a number of great stories will most certainly emerge. Some will have strong links to actual historical events, but others may just be clever takes on Houston culture. In any case, I do welcome thoughts and ideas on how to color this little world I am creating.
