Do you see how these bronze dolphins seem to leap from the square? The 3 Dolphins Statue stands proudly in Heraklion. It marks the beginning of 25th of August Street.
This square is called “Platia 18 Anglon”. That means Square of the 18 Englishmen. The Dolphins Statue was unveiled in December 2008. A Dutch company sponsored it. This company was BLACKWOLF B.V. owned by Silje & Gaja Johannessen Spaziani. Their aim was to raise awareness. They wanted to promote marine life protection.
Dolphins have a special place in Greek culture. They are known as the smartest sea mammals. They are also the friendliest to humans. In ancient Greek art, a young man on a dolphin is a beloved image. It is linked to myths of men rescued by dolphins at sea.
One famous story involves Arion. He was a poet and guitar player. Sailors threw him overboard to steal his money. A dolphin rescued him. He then dedicated a bronze statue. It showed a dolphin carrying a man. This statue was placed at Cape Tainarum.
Another myth tells of Taras. He was Poseidon’s son. Taras was shipwrecked. A dolphin saved him. Coins from his city show him riding the dolphin. Dolphins are symbols of rescue and good fortune.
Dolphins appear in many Greek and Roman myths. They often symbolize romance. Venus, the Roman Goddess of Love, is often shown with dolphins. This reminds us of her birth from the sea. Botticelli’s painting, “The Birth of Venus”, captures this scene.
In another tale, Dionysus was kidnapped by pirates. Dionysus is the Greek God of Wine and Theatre. He turned into a lion. The terrified pirates jumped into the sea. Dionysus then turned them into dolphins.
Apollo also has a connection to dolphins. He once turned into a dolphin. He guided a ship into harbor. His son, Eikadios, was shipwrecked. A dolphin carried him to shore. These myths show dolphins as rescuers of drowning men. They even bring bodies back for burial.
Even minor sea deities are linked to dolphins. Thetis rode a chariot pulled by two dolphins. Polyphemus fell in love with Galatea. She was riding four dolphins.
Many stories come from small coastal towns. Pliny the Elder wrote about a boy. This boy befriended a dolphin. The dolphin carried him across the bay to school each day. Another story tells of an elderly couple. They rescued an injured dolphin. The dolphin then caught fish for them.
So, as you stand before this Dolphins Statue, remember these stories. Remember the myths and the symbolism. It is a reminder of the sea’s importance. It also highlights our connection to marine life. May this statue inspire you. May it inspire you to protect our oceans and its creatures.