Dioscuri
heroThe Dioscuri were twin brothers — Castor (mortal) and Pollux (divine) — inseparable in life, who chose to share immortality by alternating between Olympus and Hades.
The Myth
Castor and Pollux were born from Leda: Pollux was Zeus's son (divine), Castor was Tyndareus's (mortal). They sailed with the Argonauts, rescued Helen from Theseus, and were inseparable. When Castor was killed, Pollux begged Zeus to share his immortality. Zeus placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini, alternating between Olympus and Hades. Sailors prayed to them during storms — St. Elmo's fire was their sign of protection.
Symbols
Fun Fact
The constellation Gemini (the twins) and the zodiac sign are named after them.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Argonauts
conceptThe Argonauts were the band of heroes who sailed with Jason on the Argo to retrieve the Golden...
Hades
godRuler of the underworld and lord of the dead. Despite his fearsome reputation, Hades was not evil —...
Helen
heroThe most beautiful woman in the world, daughter of Zeus. Her elopement with Paris of Troy triggered...
Leda
heroLeda was the queen of Sparta who was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan and bore two eggs — from...
Olympus
placeThe highest mountain in Greece and the mythological home of the twelve Olympian gods. Olympus was...
Theseus
heroThe hero who navigated the Labyrinth, slew the Minotaur, and became the legendary king of Athens....