Mrs. Nelson 9th grade Literature Castor and Pollux example

GREEK HISTORY BEHIND THE TWINS The Greeks know them as Dioskouroi or Kastor and Polydeuces (Jones 3). Many different stories exist on who their parents were. Many stories say that they are only half-brothers. Their mother, Leda, was seduced by Zeus and he created only Polydeuces. Kastor is said to have Leda as a mother and her husband as a father.This story explains why only Polydeuces was supposedly immortal, while Kastor was mortal(Jones 4). The Greek legend says that the two brothers were trying to abduct the daughters of Leucippus and were engaged in a battle. Castor died, but Polydeuces, since he was immortal, survived (“Castor”). However, Polydeuces convinced Zeus to give Castor immortality also. Therefore, the two gods spend alternate days as gods on Mount Olympus (Smith 12).

ROMAN HISTORY OF CASTOR AND POLLUX Roman history does not have the same stories of the two twins(“Greek Mythology”). However, the temple, “Castores was erected in the Roman Forum in gratitude for their intervention in battle” (“Greek Mythology”). In Rome their festival was on July 15 (Jones 2)

The family of Kastor and Polydeuces All accounts claim that Leda was their mother (Smith 8) Some accounts say Zeus was the father of both; while other accounts say that he was only the father of Polydeuces (Jones 18). Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra were their sisters (Smith 10). Almost all accounts of the Zeus story say that he disguised himself as a swan and seduced Leda (Smith 10). Therefore, people can recognize the brothers “by the skull-cap they wear, the pilos, which was already explained in Antiquity as the remnants of the egg from which they hatched” (Smith 7). There is no mention of marriage or children from either of the two men.

Castor and Pollux known for: Pollux was known for being a powerful boxer (“Pollux”). Castor was supposedly a great horseman(“Castor”)

Interesting facts: “The constellation Gemini is said to represent these twins, and its brightest stars Castor and Pollux are named for them (“Greek Mythology”).

Works Cited “Castor” Enyclopedia Britannica. 1995, ed. Web. “Greek Mythology” Wikipedia Online 5 Apr. 2007. Web. June 2014. Jones, Michael. Mythology. New York: Penguin Publishing, 2001. Print. “Pollux” Enyclopedia Britannica. 1995, ed. Web. Smith, Richard “The Gemini Twins.” Journal of Myths. 23 Nov. 2001:7- 15. Print.