Myths and legends have always played a powerful role in fantasy storytelling. They breathe life into a world, giving it history, mystery, and a sense of timelessness. Myths are more than just tales—they’re reflections of culture, belief, and identity. In Grey & White, mythology isn’t just there for atmosphere; it’s a living part of the world that shapes its people, conflicts, and even the narrative itself.
At the heart of the mythology in Grey & White lies one chief deity, Rylar, and the Helpers—beings who, depending on who you ask, can be revered, feared, or outright hated. This post will take you into that mythology, explore the real-world inspirations that influenced it, and hint at some exciting things to come for readers who want to dive even deeper.
The Core of the Mythos: Rylar and the Helpers
The foundation of the Grey & White mythos begins with Rylar, the supreme deity, and the Helpers—five powerful beings who were once Rylar’s most trusted companions. Each Helper is tied to a unique legacy, and their relationships with one another are as fraught and complex as those of mortals.
The Helpers are:
Gui: Chief among the Helpers, once Rylar’s greatest and most beloved. Gui is dead, killed in a feud with another Helper.
Emjar: Known as “The Cursed Helper” by the people of Grauberg and Elinton, Emjar is worshipped by the Felixandrians as the creator of the Grey. It was Emjar’s conflict with Gui that ended in Gui’s death and changed the course of history.
Peyth, Hufa, and Luka: These Helpers have yet to be fully revealed in the story, though their influence lingers in myths and whispers. They are prayed to as those who bless the land, sky, and sea.
The mythos, as it stands now, reveals only glimpses of their roles. Emjar looms large, particularly in Felixandria, where he is seen as a divine figure. But in Grauberg and Elinton, his name is uttered with disdain—a reminder of the pain and devastation linked to the creation of the Grey.
This isn’t just window dressing. The Helpers’ mythology touches every corner of the world and ripples through the events of the story. Gui’s death, Emjar’s dual perception, and the mystery surrounding the other Helpers are threads waiting to be pulled. For now, readers know what the people of this world know—but like all good myths, there is far more beneath the surface.
Inspired by Real-World Myths
I’ve always been fascinated by mythology—both as a reflection of human nature and as a source of timeless stories. I’ve spent time studying the faiths and legends of various cultures, from the myths of Greece and Egypt to the rich traditions of others around the world. But if I’m honest with myself, Norse mythology has likely influenced my work more than I realized.
The Norse gods are not distant or untouchable. They walk the world, interact with mortals, and actively shape events—for better or worse. They’re flawed, powerful, and often as human as the people who worship them. That sense of gods existing as tangible beings with their own agendas found its way into the mythology of Grey & White.
The Helpers are not abstract ideas. In the world of the story, they are real. Their actions shape the beliefs and conflicts of entire nations. And like the Norse gods, their stories are told differently depending on who you ask. Emjar, for example, is seen as a cursed figure in Grauberg and Elinton but as a revered creator in Felixandria. Who is right? Who is wrong? That question lingers, much like the duality we see in real-world myths.
Myths as Truths: How Characters See the Helpers
One of the aspects I wanted to emphasize in Grey & White is that mythology in this world isn’t dismissed as “stories.” It’s presented as truth—woven into the fabric of everyday life and history.
Tristan, for example, is skeptical of the embellishments that come with myth. Like many people, he questions the grandeur of some of the tales told about the Helpers. But while he doubts the details, he does not doubt the existence of the Helpers themselves. To him—and to most people in the world—Rylar and the Helpers aren’t just legends; they are facts. The world accepts them as real, tangible entities, whether they still walk the world or not.
This approach blurs the line between myth and reality. The Helpers are not just cultural symbols; they are forces whose presence—felt or unseen—continues to influence the world. And as the story progresses, the truth behind these myths will reveal itself in ways that may surprise both readers and the characters themselves.
Hinting at What’s to Come
I’ll let you in on a little secret: the mythology in Grey & White has only begun to unfold. While readers know some of the major players—Rylar, Gui, and Emjar—there’s so much more waiting to be uncovered. The death of Gui, the truth about Emjar, and the roles of Peyth, Hufa, and Luka are all pieces of a larger puzzle. These aren’t just background details; they are deeply tied to the events of the story yet to come.
In fact, as a side project, I’ve been working on a collection of myths and legends from the world of Grey & White. These stories will dive deeper into the lore, offering readers a chance to explore the origins and truths behind the mythology. One of these stories, “The Battle of Gui & Emjar” (working title), tells the tale of Gui’s death and the conflict that forever changed the Helpers’ legacy.
As a thank-you to my readers, this story will be available as a freebie for subscribers to my monthly newsletter, launching in January. If you’re as fascinated by the mythology as I am, you won’t want to miss it. You can sign up on the home page (please note that registering to be able to post comments here is not the same as registering for the newsletter).
Conclusion
Mythology gives fantasy its soul. It adds layers of history and meaning to the world, grounding it in something ancient and timeless. In Grey & White, the mythology of Rylar and the Helpers isn’t just a set of background details—it’s a living part of the story, shaping the characters, the conflicts, and the future of the world itself.
As the series continues, readers will see that these myths are not just tales to be told—they are threads woven tightly into the narrative. There’s more to come, and the secrets of the Helpers may hold answers to questions the characters haven’t even thought to ask yet.
What about you? Do you have a favorite mythology or legend that inspires you? Whether it’s Norse, Greek, Egyptian, or something else entirely, I’d love to hear what stories have captured your imagination. Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with me on Bluesky—I always enjoy geeking out over a good myth!
Comments