The Encyclopaedia of Early Earth

"The Encyclopaedia of Early Earth" Summary

The Encyclopaedia of Early Earth is a graphic novel by Isabel Greenberg that tells the mythic stories of a long-lost civilization from the perspective of a storyteller traveling through various regions of the Earth. The book is structured as a series of interconnected tales, each building upon the last to create a comprehensive picture of this world and its inhabitants.

The book opens with a prologue that sets the stage for the story. A young storyteller from the far north is exiled from his home after telling a tale that reveals a forbidden truth. He embarks on a journey southward, hoping to find a place where he can tell his stories without fear of reprisal. Along the way, he meets many different people and creatures and learns about their cultures and beliefs.

The first story he encounters is the creation myth of the Early Earth. In this tale, the sky and the sea are separated by a god named Birdman, who then creates the land and populates it with various creatures. But when he creates humans, he makes a mistake, and they are unable to survive in the harsh environment of Early Earth. The humans ask the gods for help, and they are given fire, which allows them to survive and thrive.

As the storyteller continues his journey, he encounters the tribes of the east, who worship a giant named Pawa. Pawa is said to have created the world by painting it with his own blood, and his tribe believes that they must offer him sacrifices in order to ensure their survival. The storyteller falls in love with a girl from the tribe, but their relationship is forbidden, and they are forced to part ways.

Next, the storyteller travels to the south, where he encounters the city of Atlantis. Atlantis is a place of great wealth and power, ruled by a queen who possesses a magical jewel that gives her control over the elements. But when the jewel is stolen, Atlantis begins to fall into ruin, and the queen is forced to flee.

The storyteller's journey takes him to the west, where he encounters the Inuit people and their powerful shaman, who is able to control the weather. The shaman tells the storyteller the story of how he gained his powers, and how he must use them to protect his people from the harsh environment of Early Earth.

Finally, the storyteller returns to the north, where he discovers the truth about his exile and the reason for his journey. He is reunited with his love and is able to tell his stories to the people of his tribe, helping them to understand their place in the world and the importance of storytelling.

Throughout the book, Greenberg uses a variety of artistic techniques to convey the different cultures and stories. The art is heavily stylized, with bold lines and bright colors, and the characters are often depicted in a whimsical and fantastical style. The book is also structured like an encyclopedia, with footnotes and maps that help to give context to the various stories and regions.

In conclusion, "The Encyclopedia of Early Earth" is a rich and imaginative work that explores the power of storytelling and the importance of understanding different cultures and perspectives. Greenberg's use of different artistic styles and techniques helps to bring each story to life, and the book's overall structure helps to create a cohesive and comprehensive picture of this world and its inhabitants.

Suggesting to read the full book for better experience.