Welcome to “Behind the Meme,” a series exploring the cultural forces shaping Web3. Today, we’re diving into the world of $ZEUS, a meme coin that’s captured attention not just for its humor, but for its unique connection to internet history. We’re speaking with Jagged NH Haus, a key figure behind this project that’s turning a beloved meme into a community-driven phenomenon.
Ishan Pandey: Hi Jagged, it’s a pleasure to have you on “Behind the Meme.” Can you share the origin story of $ZEUS? How did the idea of creating a token around Pepe’s dog, with the backing of the original artist ND Haus and the dog’s owner, come about?
Jagged NH Haus: The idea for $ZEUS actually came from a combination of recognizing the enduring cultural significance of Pepe’s dog, Zeus, and a desire to bring genuine authenticity and creative integrity to the meme coin space. As the owner of the real-life Zeus, I’ve seen firsthand the affection people have for him. The initial spark was realizing that while there are many Pepe-related tokens, none had a direct, verified connection to the original art or the real dog that inspired it. That’s where ND Haus comes in.
ND is the original artist who drew Zeus, and her involvement was absolutely crucial. We connected, shared a common vision for creating something truly unique and respectful of the meme’s origins, and she agreed to be part of the core team. This isn’t just about launching a token, it’s about cementing the legacy of Zeus with the blessing and active involvement of those who created him and live with him. It’s about bringing the real story to the blockchain, making it something substantial rather than just another derivative.
Ishan Pandey: $ZEUS distinguishes itself by having the original Zeus artist, ND Haus, and the dog’s owner as part of the core team. How does this direct involvement influence the project’s direction, its artistic integrity, and its connection with the community?
Jagged NH Haus: Having ND Haus, the original artist, and myself, the dog’s owner, directly involved fundamentally shapes every aspect of the project. Firstly, for artistic integrity, it’s unparalleled. ND ensures that all official $ZEUS art, merch, and future visual developments stay true to the original spirit and aesthetic of Zeus. There’s no dilution or misrepresentation of the character. This direct lineage provides an authenticity that derivative projects simply cannot replicate. Secondly, for the project’s direction, it instills a sense of genuine purpose beyond pure speculation.
We’re not just chasing hype; we’re building a narrative, a lore, and a community around a real character and his artistic origins. This translates into more thoughtful and deliberate development, focusing on long-term value and cultural impact. Finally, with the community, it fosters a deeper connection. People see that the project is managed by the very people who have a vested, personal interest in Zeus. It builds trust and a sense of belonging, transforming holders into genuine fans and advocates who appreciate the authenticity and the dedication to the source material. It’s about making things right, and the community recognizes that.
Ishan Pandey: The $ZEUS smart contract ends in #CC8, a nod to community-driven meme coins. How does this “community-first” approach manifest in the project’s governance, development, and overall ethos?
Jagged NH Haus: The #CC8 at the end of our smart contract is indeed a deliberate homage to those early, truly grassroots meme coins that were built purely by and for their communities. This “community-first” approach is baked into the very DNA of $ZEUS. In terms of governance, while we have a core team guiding the initial direction, a significant focus is on progressively decentralizing decision-making.
We engage actively with our holders on social platforms, especially Telegram and X, gathering feedback and ideas. Future developments include a Lore-based dApp that will likely incorporate community input for narrative expansion, and an Artist DAO led by ND Haus, which will empower community artists and creators to contribute and be rewarded. For development, we prioritize features and initiatives that directly benefit the community and enhance their experience, rather than solely focusing on speculative pumps. Our ethos is about creating a shared experience, a collective narrative, and a sense of ownership among our holders. We believe that true longevity in the meme coin space comes from a strong, engaged, and empowered community, not just from fleeting trends. It’s about building a legacy together.
Ishan Pandey: Unlike other meme coins, $ZEUS secured the original Zeus NFT. Why was acquiring and securing the original Zeus NFT so crucial for the project, and how does it cement the artistic and legal ownership?
Jagged NH Haus: Securing the original Zeus NFT was absolutely paramount, a non-negotiable step for us. It’s the ultimate proof of authenticity and original artistic and legal ownership. In a space rife with derivatives and projects that simply borrow imagery without permission, holding the original NFT provides an irrefutable claim to the source material. This isn’t just about a digital file; it’s the on-chain representation of ND Haus’s original creation and my ownership of the real dog.
Artistically, it cements the foundation. It means we have the definitive version of Zeus directly tied to our project, preventing any debate or confusion with other unofficial interpretations. Legally, it’s a monumental step. It provides us with a clear legal standing for intellectual property (IP) protection, allowing us to build out the $ZEUS ecosystem—merch, dApps, future artistic endeavors—with confidence and without fear of infringement claims against us, or our ability to pursue those who infringe upon our IP. This acquisition isn’t just a flex; it’s a strategic move that sets $ZEUS apart as a legitimate, IP-backed project in the meme coin landscape, offering a level of security and long-term viability that is rare.
Ishan Pandey: Can you elaborate on the upcoming dog charity campaign and the statue of Zeus in Macedonia? How do these initiatives reflect the project’s values and contribute to its broader narrative beyond just being a meme coin?
Jagged NH Haus: These initiatives are incredibly important because they move $ZEUS beyond the typical meme coin narrative and demonstrate our commitment to real-world impact and building a lasting legacy. The dog charity campaign is a direct reflection of our core value: our love for Zeus, the real dog, and by extension, all animals. We believe in leveraging the power of our community to make a tangible difference in the lives of animals in need. This isn’t just a marketing ploy; it’s a heartfelt initiative to give back, aligning our digital success with a meaningful cause. Details are being finalized, but it will involve direct donations to reputable animal welfare organizations, chosen with community input and full transparency.
As for the statue of Zeus in Macedonia, this is about creating a physical, enduring monument that transcends the digital realm and connects with ancient history and mythology. While our Zeus is a modern meme, his namesake is the king of the gods. Macedonia, with its rich historical ties to Zeus and ancient Greece, felt like a fitting location. This statue will serve as a symbol of our community’s ambition, creativity, and ability to manifest digital energy into the physical world. It contributes to our broader narrative by intertwining the fun, decentralized nature of a meme coin with the gravitas of historical significance and artistic endeavor. It’s about building a legacy that will literally stand the test of time, demonstrating that meme coins can contribute to culture and philanthropy in profound ways, rather than just being fleeting internet phenomena.
Ishan Pandey: What are the future plans for $ZEUS, including the lore-based dApp, merch, and the Artist DAO led by ND Haus? How do you envision these developments expanding the $ZEUS ecosystem and fostering a deeper connection with the community?
Jagged NH Haus: Our future plans for $ZEUS are all about building a robust and engaging ecosystem that goes far beyond just a token. The lore-based dApp is a cornerstone of this vision. We envision it as an interactive platform where the community can dive deeper into the narrative of Zeus, explore expanded lore, and potentially even contribute to it. This will create a richer, more immersive experience for our holders, fostering a sense of shared universe-building and allowing the story of Zeus to evolve dynamically.
Merchandise is a crucial element for extending the $ZEUS brand into the physical world. We’re talking high-quality, creatively designed merch that fans will genuinely want to wear and collect. This isn’t just about selling t-shirts; it’s about enabling our community to express their affiliation and pride in the $ZEUS movement, further cementing their connection and fostering brand loyalty.
Perhaps most exciting is the Artist DAO led by ND Haus. This is where we truly empower the creative talent within our community. ND will curate and oversee this decentralized autonomous organization, providing a platform for artists to contribute to the $ZEUS visual universe, collaborate on new projects, and be directly rewarded for their work. This will not only expand our artistic output but also create a sustainable economy for creators, deepening their bond with the project and truly embodying the decentralized spirit of Web3. All these developments are designed to move $ZEUS from being
simply a meme coin to a comprehensive, culturally significant ecosystem with genuine utility, engagement, and a powerful sense of community ownership.
Ishan Pandey: What’s your response to projects like Cabal Zeus, and how does $ZEUS differentiate itself in terms of authenticity, community focus, and long-term vision?
Jagged NH Haus: Our response to projects like “Cabal Zeus” is quite simple: they serve as a stark reminder of why $ZEUS was created in the first place and how fundamentally different we are. The primary differentiator for $ZEUS, unequivocally, is authenticity. We have the original artist, ND Haus, and the real-life dog’s owner—myself—directly involved. We’ve secured the original Zeus NFT and are actively working on IP protection. These are verifiable facts that establish an unassailable claim to the original character and his artistic legacy. Projects like Cabal Zeus, on the other hand, are typically opportunistic derivatives that leverage existing meme popularity without any genuine connection, permission, or contribution to the original source. They are often purely speculative plays, built on borrowed hype.
In terms of community focus, our approach is rooted in genuine engagement and value creation for our holders, not just fleeting pumps. We’re building out a lore-based dApp, an Artist DAO, and committing to real-world charity initiatives. Our community is encouraged to participate in the narrative and development, fostering a sense of co-ownership. Derivative projects rarely offer this depth of engagement or long-term vision.
Our long-term vision for $ZEUS is to build a legitimate, culturally significant Web3 brand that transcends being “just a meme coin.” We aim to set a precedent for how meme projects can respect intellectual property, empower creators, and contribute positively to both the digital and physical world. This includes creating enduring lore, meaningful utility, and establishing a lasting cultural footprint, rather than simply chasing short-term gains. We believe that true value and longevity come from substance, not just superficial replication.
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