Galveston Island has just acquired a new layer of protection and even more fairytale magic than before. On top of the Bishop’s Palace, one of the Island’s best known and most beloved Victorian buildings, now stand in watchful vigilance four terracotta hippocampi, or as I like to call them, dragons of the sea. These mythical creatures were part of architect Nicholas Clayton’s original design for the Bishop’s Palace back in 1882. But only one of them was installed, then fatally damaged in Hurricane Alicia in 1983. So, for decades now, the Island has been hippocampus-free, thus left to the mercy of the elements. It’s true that we have Mary Star of the Sea for protection, and true that she never tires of watching over us from the spire of the Basilica. But I’m sure Mary is happy to be joined by some mighty dragons in her efforts to keep us safe.
The other night, once the heat broke slightly and the breeze picked up, I walked over to see the newly installed sea dragons. They did not disappoint at all. In fact, they are easily noticed even from a distance, and they add an extra fun little detail to the beautiful Victorian neighborhood as one can steal unexpected glances between buildings. They are endowed with both wings and fish tails, not to mention powerful paws with claws, sharp teeth, and undoubtedly the ability to spit fire. Thus, I feel that they will prove most useful in warding off dangers of all kinds before they even occur.
Have you gone to see them yet? Catch them at sunset when their scales sparkle in a fetching reddish hue. And do not be afraid! As long as you love this Island, and your intentions are good, the hippocampi mean you no harm.
It’s nice to have another friendly entity look down upon me from the top of a historical building. As someone who has spent much time researching the Island’s history, a history marked by many deadly hurricanes and other tragedies, Mary Star of the Sea, as a symbol of protection, has become very important to me. The figure of Mary and the superstitions tied to the statue even play an important role in Storms of Malhado, the best known of my historical novels set in Galveston. I wonder if I’ll have to sneak a hippocampus (or four) into one of my upcoming books.
