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Myths of the Ocean – MS Victory

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Real life stories of the close bonds between dolphins and humans abound. One modern story that touched me was very similar to the ancient Greek myths, depicted on early coins – A young boy, living on a remote island, unable to seek a schooling on the mainland, spent hours alone on the beaches, and lonely for company, bonded with a wild dolphin.  The story tells of how the boy was able to cross to the mainland on the dolphins back, and thus reach the school for his education. I depict the boy here with a satchel on his back! Its a far fetched tale, but nevertheless a familiar one!

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A famous Greek myth tells of the young boy, Arion, who played exquisite music on the Lyre. The music was an enchanting sound to a dolphin who always appeared when the boy played.

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Arion was kidnapped by pirates intent on robbing and killing him. He begged them to be spared for one more chance to play his beloved lyre. Thus allowed, he sat on the prow of the ship and played one last time. In desperation, he leapt into the sea, destined to drown so far from shore. But, the dolphin who had previously been drawn so poignantly to the music was drawn once more and brought him to safety allowing him to ride on its back.

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