Dionysus Sailing with Dolphins Hand-painted in a serti technique on silk. The original painting was 26 x 20". It's hard to love the sea and not love mythology. Dionysus, The God of Wine (later named Bacchus by the Romans), was the son of Zeus and Semele. There are many stories involving Dionysus, but this one is a favorite. The God Dionysus was disguised as a mortal while traveling on a ship. Unfortunately, the sailors on board decided to make a little extra money by selling this lone passenger into slavery at the next port of call. Dionysus discovered their devious plot and became enraged. With a vengeance, he filled the wind with the sound of flutes and caused the ship's timbers to sprout and rapidly grow into grapevines. Then (as an extra special touch) he turned the ship's oars into snakes- so terrified the crew, they promptly jumped overboard. Unfortunately, most of the crew couldn't swim. Dionysus was known to be a generous and joyful God - though he tended to be a bit excessive at times. When he heard their pleading and begging, he had a change of heart and saved them from drowning by turning them into Dolphins. The Greeks have known for centuries that Dolphins (as previous sailors themselves) often guided ships, helped their crew, and rescued drowning men, women, and especially children by lifting them gently to safety. So most sailors treat dolphins with kindness and a shared kinship, welcoming them on their voyages. Having a dolphin visit during a journey has long been viewed as a good omen from the gods. In another story: Dionysus turned himself into a dolphin - to ferry the faithful to the temple of Delphi.