Perseus

by Marianna Mayer

Condemned by a jealous king, Bellerophon must win the trust of the legendary winged horse Pegasus or face certain death. From the poignant meeting the growing bond of friendship between horse and man to the dramatic slaying of the fearsome fire-breathing Chimera, this is an unforgettable adventure that will stir the imagination of young and old alike. Featuring glorious paintings that readers will want to savor again and again, here is a magnificent edition of a timeless Greek classic.

Genres: Picture Books, Mythology, Childrens, Fantasy, Fairy Tales, Fiction, Adventure

Library Binding

First published April 24, 1998

About the author

Marianna Mayer is a children's book author and artist recognized for her beautifully written retellings of classic folk and fairy tales. Born in New York City, she began her artistic training early and studied at the Art Students League after a year of college. Her first book was published at the age of nineteen. Mayer has authored several acclaimed works, including Baba Yaga and Vasilisa the Brave, Pegasus, and The Twelve Dancing Princesses, often collaborating with renowned illustrators such as Kinuko Y. Craft and Michael Hague. She was previously married to illustrator Mercer Mayer.

Reviews

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful book!

I am very pleased to have this be my first introduction to the story of Pegasus and Bellerophon. I have no idea how accurate this retelling is, but I completely enjoyed it!

It was quite refreshing to finally meet a hero that I could stand behind pretty much 100%! Bellerophon is brave, fair, handsome, and learns the importance of trust. What's more, he befriends Pegasus! (what could be better!?)

This said, not all the characters are as "perfect" as Bellerophon, but I'm not sure they were supposed to be. And while certain aspects of the story weren't especially involved or detailed, the focus of the story definitely was (that being the stories of Bellerophon and Pegasus).

I loved how Pegasus was described, and that even though he was "wild" he obviously had a good heart and a kind nature.

I was impressed by Mayer's choice of words and details. The book felt like a very smooth and solid read, like a miniature novel. I didn't feel the story was too sparse, but rather that Mayer chose the most important places to provide detail (and beautiful words), and kept the rest to a minimum (quite clever, I think!).

Add to this Craft's incredible illustrations, and you have a fantastic, impressive, and touching story. I'm always amazed at Craft's detail, and use of light, as well as her amazing ability to create fairy worlds and gods that are only semi-transparent. This book contains beautiful two-page spreads that left me wanting to examine every inch of paper.

A very sweet story, and a wonderful way to experience it! Highly, highly recommended!!

[Melody Schwarting · Rating 3 out of 5]

The OG horse boy story. I love how it evokes the myth and majesty of the story (note that some parts of the story may be overwhelming for young/sensitive readers) through both storytelling and illustration. Mayer and Craft take their time in the little details of the story, such as the fountain of Pirene, which brings it to life.

[Andrea Zuvich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Mayer & Craft extravaganza! I LOVE their books and this was my first time reading this (unlike previous books, which I read during my own childhood). I played ancient Greek music in the background to accompany this (I recommend it!) and my daughter was fascinated by it and found the monster quite scary and Bellerophon and Pegasus wonderful heroes.

[Neesa Vasquez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pegasus is a traditional literature book and falls under the sub genre of myths. I have always enjoyed reading about Greek Mythology and learning more about the many beliefs and stories created. The illustrations were so vibrant and beautiful. The illustrations caught my attention and made me feel as if I was immersed into the story. I was able to fall in love with the hero, Bellerophon, because he was handsome and brave. The images were mystical and included some fairies and other animals. The use of lighting was mesmerizing and made the characters and setting pop out. The way the author describes the horrific monster helps the reader imagine how the creature looks before even seeing the actual illustration of the dragon. The way the dragon breathed fire and had long dragon claws made me worry for Bellerophon's life. The best part of the story was when the luminous woman told Bellerophon, the only way to gain Pegasus' favor was trust. Even if Bellerophon gains Pegasus' trust, they must still be equal to one another in order to succeed. This could be a great lesson to teach children about trust, teamwork, and equality. The colors used in the illustrations made the scene where Bellerophon and Pegasus met, so dramatically believable. The authors use of imagination, team work, and color made the story enjoyable.

[Marianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

solid and moving retelling of the pegasus legend, with lovely illos.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have been exploring various Greek mythology stories for the last two years, and our oldest is especially excited every time we find a new mythology book. Our youngest hasn't liked the stories quite as much, but is game to listen in during storytime and I know that she really likes Artemis.

When I saw this book in our library's card catalog, I was thrilled. It's a greek myth we'd not yet explored and it features the winged horse. Our youngest absolutely loves horses, pegasus and unicorns, so I knew that this book would be a hit with both our girls.

The story is quite serious and even violent at times, but our girls were enthralled. They were already somewhat familiar with the story, so they were excited to hear a more in-depth version. And the illustrations are absolutely gorgeous - we spent a long time looking at all of the details within the pages. Overall, it's a thrilling and entertaining story and we really enjoyed reading it together.

[♥♣Mary♦♠ If She So Pleases · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautifully illustrated Greek Mythology book.


✨✨✨✨✨

[Mir · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations by Craft are pretty, and there are plenty of them, but they are not my favorites of hers. And the text, although adequate, seemed a little stilted. It wasn't a great or particularly authentic retelling of the Bellerophon myth. I felt like Mayer was trying to make the story fit a later mold of fairy tale (face challenges, win princess, live happily ever after).

[Melissa Coyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fantastic fantasy told for children also with beautiful illustrations by K. Y. Craft. The majestic Pegasus and the hero Bellerophon fight the awful Chimera. Who will win? I wish I would have known of this book for my oldest son who loved mythology when he was young.

[Eden Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by this book because I expected this book to be a novel. It's short, only forty pages, but it's still good!

This story is about a hero named Bellerophon and a wild, winged horse named Pegasus. Bellerophon must kill the dreaded Chimera. But he hasn't a hope on the ground, to defeat the monster, he must ride Pegasus. But can he gain the wild, independent horse's trust and
friendship?And, even if he does, can he defeat the Chimera, who has already slayed thousands? Find out in Pegasus!

I thought that Bellerophon, the hero, was a little too perfect. I mean, he was handsome, he was brave, and he was a skilled fighter. I would like him better if he had at least one fault. It would make him seem more human, but that's probably just me. Besides, this is such a short book, not a novel, that there's no room for character development.

I loved how Mayer described Pegasus! "No ordinary horse, Pegasus soared over mountains and galloped through clouds as effortlessly as he trotted through green meadows."

The artwork was even better than the story, so beautiful! It just showed Greek culture so well! I love Greek culture so much!

Overall, this is a great book that I recommend to 3rd - 5th grades.

[Charisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have two problems with this book. The first is that it focuses on Bellerophon, not Pegasus like the cover and title lead you to believe. It was still a fantastic story with gorgeous illustrations (per usual), but I was disappointed by the lack of focus on Pegasus. The other problem I had was that the author changed part of the myth surrounding why Bellerophon goes in search of Pegasus. I always anticipate changes in these stories but this story with this change just didn't seem like a good choice to me personally. I'm sure a LOT of people will disagree with me and that's ok. I understand WHY the author did it, I just don't think I would've made that particular change. There were smaller changes they could've made instead to make it more true to the myth and yet make it nicer for children which is what I imagine they intended.

Apart from those two things, I loved this book! The pictures were magnificent and I really enjoyed getting to read about Bellerophon with a dash of Pegasus. Plus the Chimera is always fun to read about, too. I highly recommend this to all ages/anyone interested.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I feel like they don't make books like this anymore. Each illustration looks like it belongs in the Prado museum. The narrative has a feel appropriate to the timeless story, and the combination of the art and text perfectly transports the reader to the mythological wonderland of ancient Greece. Makes you want to don a sheet, marry your mom, die tragically, and be immortalized in a constellation.

Found this at the library and thought that since my 6yo has shown a slight interest in Greek mythology, he MIGHT like this. After reading it to him (two times back to back at his insistence) he's begging me to buy it. I wish there was a book like this for every ancient Greek tale!

[Jillian]

No rating

I always that a Pegasus was a pet/creature from Greek mythology like in the Percy Jackson books. Turns out, Pegasus is a specific character in a story. One where he’s a wild steed tamed briefly by a noble hero to fight the evil chimaera. While I enjoyed reading a new to me tale, I am mildly disappointed. I strongly suspect this is a more condensed version for the picture book. It can’t be that easy to win over a wild horse, can it?

[Bvlmc Buchanan Verplanck Elementary School · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated book retells the ancient Greek myth surrounding the flying horse, Pegasus and the hero Belleophon. Readers will learn about the origin of Pegasus, his friendship with Belleophon and their heroic battle against the Chimera. Those who enjoy Greek mythology will appreciate the variation and detail of this ancient tale.

[Vicki · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this story and the art with two caveats.
1- The art is so dark that in the children's book printing it can be hard to see the details.
2- Being an equestrian I had issue with how the Pegasus was depicted as being ridden. And I don't feel a Pegasus would have horseshoes as was depicted in one of the drawings.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Honestly I picked this up because of the artwork. Pegasus and Belleropon's has never been one of my favorites, aside from Pegasus, but I do love K.Y Craft's art so I had to look at the book. The story is alright but really the draw is the pretty pictures.

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I can never resist a book that Craft has done the illustrations and/or cover for, and I finally came across this one at the used bookstore. I didn't find either the story or the images particularly compelling, but I must admire the waves Craft put in that mane.

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are nice and the story is interesting, it's a similar but different take than the other version by Jane Yolan we read today. We found the Yolan version much more interesting.

[sch · Rating 3 out of 5]

A homeschool read. Enchanting illustrations, but the text is weak.

[Private Account · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gorgeous pictures, good story with good words (not dumbed down). My six-year-old says, "I liked it. It was good."

[Set · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this Greek Mythology story of Bellerophon and Pegasus battling the Chimera. K.Y Craft is an awesome illustrator and the story was well written.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A long picture book, but gorgeous illustrations.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely. Too wordy for Kindergarten.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations are just completely engrossing and beautiful.

[Miss Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Geo Hendrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! The story was good and the Pictures were wonderful. A few Full page pictures that you can stare at for a longtime! I’m keeping this for the grandkids.

[Earth&Silver · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly extraordinary illustrations, and prose which generally did not let them down.

[Starbubbles · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a beautifully done story with gorgeous illustrations. Maybe when O is a little older, he will be interested in sitting for this one.

[Amber Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

We learned about the hero Bellerophon through this book and admired the incredible artwork included throughout its pages.

[Ebookwormy1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Captivating illustrations and an adventure featuring a hero's (Bellerophon's) triumph over a dragon (Chimera) are sure to make this book of interest to boys. The writing, in my humble opinion, was good, but not great, though it did hold the attention of my students.

Those familiar with the Illiad's telling of the story will realize Bellerophon's story has been sanitized for children. Perhaps that is necessary considering a key to Bellerophon's struggle is that he has refused a woman who sought to entice him. This slight of hand is more palatable than that of eliminating Bellerphon and Pegasus's final adventure. After the triumph over the Chimera, Bellerphon's hubris caused him to fly Pegasus over the land of the gods at Olympus. Zeus was angered and struck him down. Bellerphon ended his life as a blind ostracized outcast, while Pegasus was humbled by becoming Zeus' pack horse. Good lessons for little ones, but maybe over their heads?

In the end, this is the story of Bellerphon and Pegasus' first adventure, and it is on the longish side for elementary children. The contextual illustrations expose them to the mystery and beauty of the ancient Greek legend. In my mind, this initial positive experience is enough to compensate for age appropriate editing, especially with students who are boys. 3.5 stars, but I'm putting it down as 4 because I think most teachers/ parents who purchase it aware of these limitations will be happy with it.