Dolphins, sacred to Poseidon and Apollo, are among the most beloved sea creatures, symbolizing friendship and solidarity. These playful charmers of the ocean have long captured the hearts of Greeks, holding a special place in both mythology and reality.
In ancient times, dolphins were admired for their sociable and compassionate nature. Aristotle famously observed dolphins coming to the aid of their injured young and described a group of them flocking to a harbor, urging fishermen to release a captured companion. Dolphins were also known for rescuing drowning humans, further cementing their reputation as compassionate creatures.
One particularly fascinating Greek myth explains why dolphins are so closely associated with humans. According to the story, Dionysos, the god of wine, was captured by pirates on his way to Paros. The pirates, believing they had captured a royal figure, chained Dionysos to the mast and rowed toward Turkey, hoping for a great ransom. However, Dionysos broke free of his chains and played his flutes. The sound of his magical music caused grapevines to wrap around the mast, turning the oars into writhing serpents, and the god himself transformed into a panther. Terrified, the pirates threw themselves overboard, only to be transformed into dolphins as a result of Dionysos’s divine power. Since that day, dolphins have been drawn to humans, boats, and music.
Dolphins were also believed to remember kindnesses. A well-known story tells of Coeranus, a man from Paros, who once paid fishermen in Byzantium to release dolphins caught in a net. Many years later, Coeranus was washed overboard in a storm near Paros. He would have perished if not for the dolphins, who saved him by carrying him to a cave on the island of Sicinos. When Coeranus died, a great gathering of dolphins was said to have appeared offshore to pay tribute at his funeral.
Today’s dolphins remain just as playful, friendly, and music-loving as their ancient counterparts. There are modern accounts of musicians performing for dolphins, children befriending them, and swimmers being gently guided to safety by these gentle creatures.
If you’re cruising around Paros, Antiparos, and the neighboring islands, you’ll have a wonderful opportunity to see dolphins in the Aegean Sea. Known for chasing after boats and swimming in their wakes, dolphins often leap alongside, creating a magical experience that I hope you’ll have the chance to enjoy!
