Mental Mythologies

[Hawkman]

Mental Mythologies #1

Odious, the ferret headed god of the Plenipotentiaries of Mammon, is said to be the male offspring of a little regarded Gorgon, Τυρός (Turos) (credited with the invention of a strongly flavoured cheese) and Anubis, the Egyptian jackal-headed god of the dead. However, it is uncertain how these two characters ever came to meet, though it is possible that the engendering of Odious was the result of a particularly passionate correspondence on the astral plane.

Odious’ specific demesne of authority is centred on the diversion of funds in transit to that most worthy of causes, insurance. The latter-day descendants of the Plenipotentiaries of Mammon all run insurance companies, which is probably why the website “comparethemarket.com” has adopted an expatriate meerkat for its advertising agent. For the benefit of readers unfamiliar with ferrets and/or meerkats, their morphology is similar, although ferret gods prefer offerings of rabbits rather than scorpions.

In the days of classical antiquity, Odious was adopted by pirates as their preferred deity and confidence tricksters have also been known to seek his favour. Friday and Wednesday are both regarded as sacred to Odious, particularly by investment bankers, and stockbrokers.

[AuntShecky]

I may be mistaken, but I'm willing to wager that this posting is the tangible result of a run in with an insurance or banking "concern." I use "concern" as a synonym for "firm" or "establishment," but it's a misnomer. The human compassion embedded in the verb "concern" is a misnomer. I don't want to stereotype the finance industry unfairly, but from personal experience I tend to think they could be the "agents" Fred Allen had in mind when he famously said: "You can take all the sincerity in Hollywood put it in a flea's navel, and still have
room left over for three caraway seeds and an agent's heart." ("If the shoe fits. . . " you know the rest.)

Couple days ago I believe I replied to another LitNutter that occasionally one's best writing occurs when he or she is p'o'ed. That's the case with this piece, dear Hawkman.

Then again, the narrator's rant might be have a more general focus, against the aggravating paper-pushers who like to throw their weight around the world. One almost feels like covering the floor with
spreadsheets, like newspapers spread out by owners of untrained pets.

I particular liked the mythological analogy (which was mythical itself.) As a name, "Odious" is hysterically funny; not only does it suit the target to a T, it actually sounds like it could be the name of an ancient God.

If this piece was the hate-child of a bureaucratic problem, hope you manage to cut the red tape with a minimum of irritation. And then -- have a good weekend.

And while you're on the "General Writing" forum, maybe you'd like to take a peek? :
http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1022641&posted=1#post1022641

[Hawkman]

Actually Auntie, there has been no recent run in with private financial institutions to stimulate the creative juices, the Idea came and made me laugh, so I wrote it. It is my intention to add to the thread as and when the mood takes me :D Glad you enjoyed it though.

Live long and prosper - H

[Hawkman]

Mental Mythologies #2

Murdochus, the multi headed aboriginal god of media, was born in the Dreamtime and, since late in the 20th Century, has been seen to stalk the globe in the shape of a Fox. Murdochus controls the thoughts of humans by feeding them words and pictures, in print, online and through the ether.

Although Murdochus is probably the wealthiest god in the pantheon and, depending on who you talk to, neither good nor evil, he has attracted the attention of the monopolies commissions of several sovereign nation-states (despite the fact that their governments may actually owe their incumbencies to his good offices). It is arguable that Murdochus is the most puissant deity of the modern world, being able to extend his influence across barriers of politics, geography and faith.

[AuntShecky]

Clear and sharp satire. I loved your word choices, especially "puissant." That's a strange word that means powerful or hegemonic, but it sounds like the person is a
wimp or a pushover or a certain epithet which we can't type here but has a vaguely feline connotation.

He's somethin' else, this Murdochus, from the "Dreamtime" in the Land Down Under. In his print realm, even when he's wrong he's "right," and in the ethersphere, his panegyric description is "fair and balanced," you know, the same way Jupiter was monogamous and faithful.


Here's Debi Snotenlocker's take on today's historic festivities, by the bye
http://www.online-literature.com/forums/showthread.php?p=1029680#post1029680

[Delta40]

Oh please write something about the God Trumpus!