tiles


Note:  Do not rely on this information. It is very old.

Castorand Pollux

Castor and Pollux. or Dioscuri, in Greek mythology, the twin sons of Zeus (Jupiter) by Leda, though Homer asserts that they were the legitimate children of Tyndareus, and therefore brothers of Helen. They invaded Attica to rescue their sister from Theseus, joined Jason in the Argonautic expedition, took part in hunting the Calydonian boar, and finally engaged in combat with the sons of Aphareus, when Castor, being mortal, was slain. Pollux thereupon begged Zeus to be allowed to die with him, and it was arranged that they should take it in turns to visit Hades day and day about. Other legends declare that for their brotherly love they were promoted to stellar dignity. In any case they became worshipped as gods, Castor being the tutelary deity of horsemen, and Pollux of boxers, whilst both took travellers under their special protection. They soon found a place in Italian mythology, and were believed to have fought for the Commonwealth at the battle of Lake Regillus. Their festival was celebrated with great pomp on the ides of April.