Interestingly, in ancient Greek, the term "delphinos" encompasses both the dolphin and the womb, evoking a profound connection between these two entities.

Moreover, the Greek word "adelphi," meaning "of the same womb," signifies a bond as deep and unbreakable as that shared between siblings once nestled in their mother's womb. This same word has been adopted as the name of Philadelphia, which proudly bears the moniker "city of brotherly love." Thus, "dolphin" denotes a fascinating marine animal and carries a symbolic weight that speaks to the power of familial bonds and the enduring legacy of ancient language.

Dolphin Symbolism in Ancient Greece

The Fortunate Isles: Dolphins as Spirit Guides in Greek Mythology

Greek art portrays the dolphin as a sacred creature, often depicted on vases and friezes transporting the souls of the departed to the Isles of the Blest, also known as the Fortunate Isles. These sleek marine creatures were intimately associated with spiritual practices that explored life, death, and resurrection mysteries. The ancient Greeks also regarded the dolphin as a creature of great importance to Atargatis, the Assyrian goddess of the moon, fertility, and the mysterious underwater world. 

Guardians of the Seas: The Sacred Role of Dolphins in Poseidon's Realm

Dolphins have long been esteemed as the steadfast companions of the god of the sea, Poseidon. Their love for chasing ships was viewed as a sign of their divine guardianship. When the god felt so inclined, he would call upon the dolphins to protect humans from the wrath of the tumultuous seas. On ancient Greek coins, Taras, son of Poseidon, was depicted astride a dolphin's back, a powerful symbol of the bond between god and creature. According to legend, this dolphin had been sent by Taras' father to rescue him from a shipwreck, an act of divine intervention that cemented the dolphin's status as a trusted ally of the sea god.

In another myth that underscores Poseidon's connection to the dolphin, the god sent Delphinus to retrieve the Nereid Amphitrite (sea nymph), whom he had fallen in love with and eventually married. As a reward for his faithful service, Poseidon immortalized Delphinus as a constellation in the night sky. This constellation is also linked to the Greek poet and musician Arion, who was saved from certain death at the hands of sailors by a group of friendly dolphins who carried him to safety on their backs. 

Then, in a moment of mercy, the god granted them a new form, turning them into dolphins and forever binding them to the mysterious, enchanting world of the sea.

The Global Appeal of Dolphins: Their Cultural Significance Across the World

With its reputation as a savior of souls, the dolphin's legacy extends far beyond the borders of Greece. Across various cultures, this magnificent creature has been likened to Christ and to the revered Roman sun god, Mithras, whose worship waned with the spread of Christianity. From the Byzantine era to the Arab world, from China to Europe, sea people have regaled tales of dolphins rescuing sailors from shipwrecks, cementing their status as the quintessential guardian angels of the sea. Even the Ganges river dolphins have been linked to divine intervention, with some attributing their presence to the Hindu goddess Ganga.

With their gentle and playful demeanor, dolphins have captivated the human imagination and stirred emotions of respect, admiration, and affection. Throughout history, sailors have reported that dolphins have a unique ability to forecast calm waters, often accompanying ships to safe havens. To harm a dolphin was believed to invite misfortune, a belief reinforced by the legend of Pelorus Jack, a remarkable dolphin who guided ships through the treacherous French Pass of New Zealand's Cook Strait during the late 19th century, inspiring awe and reverence in all who witnessed his incredible feats.

By exploring these characteristics, you may uncover the hidden messages and meanings behind their visit. 

Warmly,

Anny

💙🐬💙

Kindly note: The information included in this blog is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for mental health services. Please consult with a qualified professional to determine the appropriateness of the information for your own life experiences or if you have any questions. 

References used:

Beaulieu, M. C. A. (2008). The sea as a two-way passage between life and death in Greek mythology. The University of Texas at Austin.

Nozedar, A. (2010). The illustrated signs & symbols sourcebook: An A to Z compendium of over 1000 designs. Harper.

Chicago

Rauch, A. (2013). Dolphin. Reaktion Books.