Theogony: An Illustrated Children's Book Exploring Ancient Greek Mythology

A Captivating Journey into the Origins of the Universe

Inspired by the archetypes of power games and the relationship between ancient myths and modern stereotypes, Theogony aims to engage young readers with ancient heroic tales through the use of ancient art and language. By replicating the style of ancient art motifs, colors, and Byzantine art, Kakavia creates a unique visual experience that transports readers back in time.

Theogony takes readers on a rhythmic journey through the birth of the universe, introducing them to powerful entities such as Chaos, Gaea, Eros, Cyclops, Titans, and more. The story culminates with the first crime in literature, as Titan Cronus, aided by his mother Gaea, commits a heinous act against his own father Uranus.

The illustrations in Theogony were meticulously created using a combination of pencil sketches and watercolors. These handcrafted drawings were then scanned and processed using Adobe Photoshop software, allowing for the perfect balance between traditional and digital techniques.

This beautifully illustrated book serves as a valuable tool for children interested in mythology and the history of ancient Greek art. It can be used in classrooms for comparative studies between cultures or works of art that explore the creation of the universe. Additionally, it can inspire myth-writing projects and art activities such as dramatization or painting.

The research behind Theogony involved an in-depth study of ancient Greek art, spanning from 1100 BC to the Roman conquest of Greece. This research enabled Kakavia to incorporate characteristic motifs from different periods, showcasing the evolution of ancient design elements throughout history.

One of the main challenges faced during the creation of Theogony was the depiction of extremely powerful creatures and abstract concepts. Bringing these entities to life while maintaining a child-friendly approach required careful consideration and artistic skill. The book also navigates the challenge of narrating a world of violence, particularly in the scene depicting the castration of Uranus by Cronus.

Emmanouela Kakavia, an experienced illustrator of children's books, combines her knowledge of Greek culture with her background as a TV director to create illustrations that are both symbolic and visually captivating. Her use of pencil and watercolor, combined with digital composition and color adjustments in Photoshop, results in illustrations that retain a handcrafted texture.

Theogony, illustrated by Emmanouela Kakavia, was released in October 2017 after months of research, writing, and layout discussions. All the work was carried out in Athens, Greece, where the rich history and art of ancient Greece served as a constant source of inspiration.

This remarkable design has been recognized with the Iron A' Design Award in 2019. The award acknowledges Theogony's well-designed, practical, and innovative approach, meeting professional and industrial requirements. The book's integration of industry best practices and competent technical characteristics contributes to a better world, providing fulfillment and positive feelings to its readers.