According to many narrations the first inhabitants of the island were called Niiades or Miniades, which were mythical monsters causing earthquakes and geological upheaval. Actually you can see plenty of findings of prehistoric animal bones in the Paleontological Museum of Samos.
Samos is believed to be the birthplace of the goddess Ira. It is said that Ira was born on the shores of river Imvrassos or Iraios, on the south part of the island. The ancient temple built by the Samians dedicated to her in the area of Iraion is preserved until today. At first, during the 13th century, the temple was made of wood and included a wooden worship statue of the goddess, which was said to have fallen from the sky. The inhabitants of the island tied the statue with a reed wicker - the sacred bush of the goddess – and took it into the temple. A characteristic element of the temple is the one and only column, which is maintained until today among the temple’s ruins, giving its name to the whole area that is called “Kolona” (“column” in Greek). A local traditional song refers to the area with the following lyrics: “If only I had some water from Platanos, some wine from Kolona…”. So, goddess Ira was the main goddess-protector of the island.
Another myth connects the island to Dionysus, the god of wine and viniculture. It is said that Dionysus, originally coming from Asia Minor, had participated in a fight with the Amazons who were hunted and found shelter in Samos. Dionysus asked the Samians for their help, in order to extinguish them. They helped him and he taught them how to grow vines and produce wine.
According to the legend, he finally gave them the vine that produces the famous muscat grape, which produces the sweet Samian wine. This wine is nowadays famous worldwide for its taste and aroma.