Small Town Sleeper

Archive for the ‘dolphin tales’ Category

Why are countless drawn to dolphin tours? Probably because these beautiful and intelligent animals happen to be loved and admired down the millennia, by civilisations all over the world. Dolphins feature inside the folklore of countless cultures – given this a higher level fascination, it’s no wonder that people got down to see them within their natural habitat. If you are lucky enough to get be taking dolphin tours, here are some stories from worldwide that one could impress your fellow dolphin-watchers with.

New Zealand

New Zealand, a popular place to go for dolphin tours, can also be full of dolphin lore. In Māori mythology, dolphins in many cases are related to ‘taniwha’ or water spirits, shown to reside in particularly treacherous waters. In a few stories these are dangerous, but in many traditions these are benevolent, often appearing to assist or protect those who work in need. Within the locations where these are shown to live, it can be thought best to leave an offering – usually some form of plant – in substitution for safe passage. Many tribes have a very specific guardian taniwha, and stories from across the islands express taniwha who help canoes to navigate difficult straits. Other deeds they’re credited with include carving out harbours, carrying messages, and saving people from drowning. Like taniwha, dolphins are also known to guide sailors, such as the truth of the dolphin known as Pelorus Jack who, between the 1880s and 1910s, led ships along the dangerous route from Wellington to Nelson. His fame spread worldwide, anf the husband was known from the Māori being a taniwha named Tuhirangi.

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