Dolphin 925 sterling silver ring

DOLPHINS AS A SYMBOL OF PROTECTION To this day, seafaring cultures continue to value dolphins as a symbol of protection. Sailors of many nations consider a dolphin to be lucky, or a good omen. Often, this was for practical reasons, as pods of dolphins frequent shipping lanes and coastal areas where humans dwell. For the earliest seafarers, a dolphin would have been a welcome sight and sign that dry land wasn’t far away. Old sea dogs knew that dolphins following a ship was a good omen, as their boat was sure to reach harbor safely. This kind-hearted nature can be traced back to at least one of many Greek myths. To Ancient Greeks, dolphins were hugely revered, showing up in countless ways as messengers, rescuers and more. But, how did dolphins come to be protectors? An Ancient Greek tale speaks of Dionysus, best known as the God of Wine and Winemaking. The story tells us that as Dionysus approached adulthood, he wandered far and wide across the world. But, eventually, his heart called him back to Greece. While returning to his homeland, Dionysus was set upon by pirates. To them, the Greek God appeared to be wealthy, and certainly worth a ransom to some rich noble. Smiling at their fortune, the pirates seized Dionysus and brought him onboard their ship. Unfortunately for the pirates, their thoughts of silver and gold were short-lived. Whenever the buccaneers would try and tie the god up, their efforts would fail. Knots would slip and not hold their place. The rope would fray and break. With creeping horror, it dawned upon the pirates that only a powerful being, such as a god, could exert such power!

Dropping his bemused expression, the God of Wine confronted his would-be captors. Some say he turned their oars to snakes and viciously poisoned the sailors. Others suggest that Dionysus transformed into a lion, and savaged the evil men. As the pirates abandoned their ship, this son of Zeus curtailed his anger and became amused. He is said to have transformed the survivors into dolphins, and that their penance would be to help humanity ever after.