Eugene Trivizas “Despina and the Dove” Maria Mihailidou – Maria Rellia Class: C2 Schoolyear: 2018-2019
Introduction to the book
“Despina and the Dove”, an amazing children’s book, was published in March 2001, under the auspices of the Organizing Committee of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.
Despina and the Dove The shadow of war and the evil spirits of anger, hate and terror are planning to destroy the world and fight the Olympic Games. These games are held every four years and bring people together. “There is only one way to get rid of the Olympic Games: by winning over the children’s souls and poisoning their hearts!”
Despina and the Dove A white dove is listening to their evil plans. “You won’t destroy the Games!” The evil spirits are flying after the dove and hurt it a little.
Despina and the Dove
Little Despina finishes her homework and goes to bed when she hears a faint fluttering. The white dove gets into her bedroom to escape the evil spirits.
Despina and the Dove
When Despina realises that the white dove is injured, she is very sad. But she is helping it and they become friends. The dove is telling Despina that it is the spirit of peace. It is giving her an olive seed.
Despina and the Dove The next morning, the girl is picking up the seed and is planting it in the garden; then, she is going to school. When she comes back, she sees an small olive tree in her garden!
Despina and the Dove Despina and the dove are climbing on the small tree and it is rising gently high into the air. This is how they start their trip through time!
Despina and the Dove Despina and the dove reach a stadium. They are in ancient Olympia, where the first Olympic Games are held in 1896.
Despina and the Dove
The people are watching the naked discus throwers. Despina and the dove are very excited!
Despina and the Dove
Despina hears happy cheers while the bird is flying above the champion’s head.
Despina and the Dove
An olive wreath is put on the winners’ head.
Despina and the Dove
Spiros Louis is the winner of the marathon race.
Despina and the Dove
They are getting on the olive tree again and their next stop is the Olympic Games in Paris (1900). Women are competing at tennis and golf for the first time.
Despina and the Dove The first Paralympics in Rome (1960) is next. These games offer people the chance to overcome their disabilities and prove their strength.
Despina and the Dove
Mexico, 1968: The flame is brought all the way from ancient Olympia and lit by a woman.
Despina and the Dove
Munich Olympics, 1972: eleven athletes lose their lives because of the Shadows’ evildoing; people are killed so cruelly.
Despina and the Dove
Despina and the dove continue their amazing journey through time.
Despina and the Dove Then, three booming clasps of thunder are heard; Despina gets scared. But the two friends are flying away on to their next stop.
Despina and the Dove
They are now in Mascotland and meet Misha, the mascot of the Moscow Olympic Games.
Despina and the Dove
Roni, the raccoon, is pointing to a place where the olive tree stands; the dove is flying there.
Despina and the mascots are playing together; they are having a great time!
Despina and the Dove
2004: They are flying back to Athens. Despina sees all the archaeological sites, from the Panathenaean Stadium to the Academy.
Despina and the Dove
The Acropolis is in the centre.
Despina and the Dove
At the Olympic Stadium, the dove is showing Despina the area where the games are taking place.
Despina and the Dove They are visiting Goudi area, where the athletes are competing at fencing.
Despina and the Dove
Then, they are flying to Agios Kosmas, where the athletes are competing at sailing.
Despina and the Dove
Suddenly, disgusting creatures are coming out of the drain.
Despina and the Dove
Horrible birds are coming down to Earth, causing chaos.
Despina and the Dove Dirty beasts with torn clothes are coming out.
Despina and the Dove
Soon, there is a horrible army of angry beasts.
Despina and the Dove
“What shall we do here? Tell us, our Master!� they are all shouting.
Despina and the Dove
“Take your dopes now, delay no more!�
Despina and the Dove
“Where are we going?” they are shouting.
Despina and the Dove
The whole stadium is full of people.
Suddenly, the dove turns into a handsome young man. He manages to save the Games.
Despina and the Dove “No more bitterness, anger, hate and fighting!� he says, bringing a message of peace and dignity.
Despina and the Dove