Wherever you go in Greece you'll probably come across the dolphin motif. It is to be seen in jewellery, carpet and curtain designs, as well as ornaments. Why?
In ancient times dolphins were sacred to the god Apollo, and often appeared in frescoes and on pottery. They also have a further mythological connection with the god of wine, Dionysus. According to legend, Dionysus was walking on the shores of the island of Naxos, when he was captured by pirates and taken back to their ship. Not knowing who he was, and intending to sell him as a slave, they tied him to the mast. The god took his revenge by turning the sea dark and sweet wine. The sails of the ship became vines, thick with fruit and the oars were writhing serpents. Dionysus, himself, took the form of a ferocious lion, and the pirates took fright and jumped overboard. As they broke the surface of the sea the god changed them into dolphins.

One of the highlights of any Greek sea journey is standing on the deck of the boat or ferry trying to spot dolphins. The majestic sight of their breaking the surface and leaping into the air is a breathtaking sight to behold

This is another motif that is seen about quite often. They adorn gateposts, gardens, and garden walls. Usually they are in the form of a receptacle filled with soil and flowers. Then, there is also the small matter of one of Greece's biggest cruise line companies being called Swan Hellenic. Despite being seen around quite a bit, locals are rarely able to explain its significance. It would seem that its origins are also to be found in ancient Greek mythology.

The story goes like this: Zeus fell in love with Leto, a goddess of the night. She spurned his advances but the god turned himself into a graceful swan ,irresistible to Leto. However, when a few weeks later she discovered that she was pregnant, Zeuz abandoned her. But that was not the only trouble that Leto had to cope with. Hera (The wife of Zeus) was angry. In a jealous rage she hounded poor Leto, the girl running from her but finding that, as no one wanted to incur the wrath of Hera, she could find no shelter. At las,t she was taken in by her siste,r Asteria. Asteria had once angered Zeus by paying no attention to him and he had transformed her into the island of Ortygia. There, Leto gave birth, but only after nine days of agony when Hera prevented the goddess of Childbirth from reaching the island. Finally, twins were born. They were Artemis, goddess of hunting, and Apollo, god of light.

The mute swan winters in Greece and can be found in shallow coastal waters, estuaries and swamps, as well as fresh water lakes.