The story of the friendship between Bellerophon and Pegasus is narrated in this beautifully illustrated book. The story narrates how the innocent Bellerophon was betrayed by King Proetus out of jealousy. Bellerophon is sent with a sealed letter from Proetus to the king of Lycia, who develops a liking for the boy, as does his daughter, who falls in love with him. On discovering the letter ordering him to kill Bellerophon, the king decides to send him on a dangerous mission, to kill the menacing monster, the Chimera. Bellerophon is helped by the gods, especially Athena, who gives him a special girdle to harness the elusive Pegasus. Bellerophon and Pegasus develop a close friendship and trust. They succeed in defeating the Chimera and Bellerophon triumphantly returns to Lycia, where he marries and lives happily ever after with the king’s daughter.

In illustrated books, the illustrations form an integral and crucial part of the narrative. This book uses a rich and lavish style of artwork that is almost renaissance or baroque-like in feature, and is rarely found in children’s books. The illustrations and the special font used for the narrative greatly contribute to the ethereal feeling of the mythological story, transferring the reader to a fairy-tale world of flying horses, valiant heroes, and fierce monsters. The plot itself has been adapted to suit children, avoiding any mention of the rape allegations made by Proetus’ wife or Bellerophon’s attempt to fly to heaven. The book keeps the fairy-tale atmosphere through its happy ending and a blessed reunion.

The story has clear pedagogical inclinations, as the author herself explains. In the short acknowledgement with which the book opens, the author writes regarding the connection between Bellerophon and Pegasus: “beyond the example of the bond that is possible between individual and animal, the myth suggests that if humankind is to live in harmony with nature, we must use love and respect, not force, to seek a better relationship with one another.” This is the message the book tries to emphasise, stressing respect, both in the case of the king of Lycia who respects his guest Bellerophon, and Bellerophon himself showing respect for the gods and Pegasus. As Athena tells Bellerophon, the gift she gives Bellerophon that will enable him to harness Pegasus is “trust”. She advises him: “you must be as equals if you are to succeed.” The book thus also carries a strong humanitarian message regarding the treatment of animals as equals, and respect for nature. Bellerophon and Pegasus are described as equals and friends, not an animal and its human owner. It is Pegasus who gives Bellerophon the permission to ride him, by gently touching him. There is no force involved, no taming of Pegasus. Even later, after Bellerophon is happily married, they still meet each other and their friendship continues.

This could also explain why the author decided not to end the story with Bellerophon’s end, where he wandered the earth, despised by men and gods. His death was a result of his disrespect for the gods. She wishes to show how trust and good behavior are rewarded. The author did not wish to blemish the reputation of the titular hero and therefore chose to end the tale in a fairy-tale happily ever after way. Bellerophon is one of the greatest heroes of myth. In this story he is a hero not only for killing the Chimera, but because of the strong bond he formed with Pegasus.

Thus the myth is used to convey the modern ideas of ecology and coexistence with the environment. This shows the versatility and universal nature of myths and how they can transfer various ideas.