Elby 🐬, the dolphin of Italynews.it
Original story by Prof. Luigi Cignoni (2000)
Mini-intro
🐬 This is the story of Elby, our dolphin mascot.
More than a tale, Elby is a symbol of life, the sea, rebirth, and respect for the Planet.
To fully understand what Elby represents, read our Elby Manifesto →.
Preparation and observation 👀
At the port, an incredible calm.
Aladino alone, immersed in the callìgo, the white mist of the sea, rowed with the same rhythm as in his memories.
A flock of seagulls brought him back to reality.
“It’s time,” he said to himself, as the lead starling dove toward the sea.
The great hunt 🎣
Aladino began the ritual of dropping the lines in the water, like a sower scattering seeds.
The fatty sardines from Africa would attract tunas and other fish.
With luck, he would sell the catch at the port market the same day.
The fisherman and the sea 🌊
It was a matter of smells in the air, of ancient flavors.
“I’ll pass a strap around your body so you won’t get tired”
“I won’t be able to see the lighthouse of the Island”
Aladino rowed with all his strength, ignoring the catch and the lines now at the mercy of the dark wave.
The boat did not gain speed.
The mother’s last goodbye 💔
“I’ve finished my time, Aladino”
“Don’t say nonsense, you can’t die on March 21st!”
“Promise me you’ll take care of my little one”
“I will, as you would have”
“You’ll protect him, right?”
“I will protect him”
A small spray of water came from her mouth: it seemed a smile, but it was her last thank-you to the god of the sea.
Near the mother’s carcass, a tiny dolphin swam.
Aladino waved his hands in the water to get its attention.
“Come, my little Elby, the world is not this.”
A new life begins 🌅
Aladino brought the little dolphin to his Island, the most beautiful catch of his life.
The sun played hide-and-seek behind Elba, and the wind brought new vigor to the old fisherman of Capraia.
March 21 and Nature’s cycles 🌱
Aladino knew that on March 21, an exceptional conjunction of sea and sky would occur: the Moon at its apogee, meeting Uranus.
A moment symbolizing rebirth and the renewal of the seasons.
But before spring could blossom on Earth, something extraordinary happened in the sea.
Danger and rebirth ⚠️🐬
A tanker had spilled oil into the Tyrrhenian Sea: a dark patch threatened marine life.
A young dolphin, unaware, was seriously injured.
“Aladino, I’m dying”
“Don’t worry, swim next to me. I’ll clean you and you’ll be well again”
“I can’t… I’m about to have a child”
The beginning of Elby’s legend ✨
Aladino looked at the injured young dolphin.
From that day, the dolphin became Elby, a symbol of life, rebirth, respect for the sea, and protection of Planet Earth. 🌍
Final call-to-action
💡 Want to understand why Elby is so special?
Read our Elby Manifesto →