We are pleased to participate in the A to Z Blog Challenge (http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/). The Story Crossroads theme for this year is Dual Natures in Folktales Around the World – opposites, contradictions & paradoxes.
CASTOR-
From Greek Mythology
You probably figured there would be some Greek stories in here somewhere. So…um…surprise! Though, I don’t think this story is shared as often as it could. The Greeks are known for their contributions to philosophy, mathematics, astronomy, and medicine. Interestingly, you could link those four subjects into the story of Castor and Pollux!
What is so fascinating? What dualities have surfaced?
Castor was mortal while Pollux was immortal. Yet, they are twins and sons of Zeus. While I did label Castor as the one who cries in this story, it really was both of them. But that is what happens when it’s a “C” day for the A to Z.
Not shared here…but Castor and Pollux (sometimes known as Polydeuces) can be super confusing. Zeus was busy and laid with Leda as well as Tyndareus on the same night. Pollux and Helen (of Troy) came of Leda while Castor and Clytemnestra from Tyndareus. Yet, some people say that Helen was a daughter of Zeus and Nemesis. Basically, Zeus is two-faced all the time with his wife, Hera, who happens to be the goddess of marriage. Hmmm. Yet, Castor and Pollux are still considered twins (or fraternal quadruplets). No matter how you label this, the love and bond between Castor and Pollux was powerful.
50-word-or-less summary:
Castor and Pollux sailed with Jason on the Argo. Castor (mortal) was known as a great horseman while Pollux (immortal) could fight. One day, Castor died in battle. Pollux begged Zeus to grant immortality. Only done if Pollux split his immortality. Pollux did and created Gemini constellation as a result.
Finding the Story:
Facts and stories of Castor and Pollux through World History Encyclopedia – found here
Facts and stories from Myths Encyclopedia – found here
Understanding Twins in Greek Culture that includes Castor and Pollux – found here
Please share in the comments…or anything on your mind. While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has year-round offerings.
As for our past A to Z Challenges…
While you enjoy this blog, Story Crossroads has been “dual” in our offerings of our hybrid summit & festival on May 9-12, 2022 – yes, in-person and virtual – and would be honored for you to join us. Explore the schedule and register here: http://www.storycrossroads.org/Festival
Thanks to funding from National Endowment for the Arts; National Endowment for the Humanities; Western States Arts Federation; Utah Division of Arts and Museums/Utah Legislature; Utah Humanities; Youth, Educators, Storytellers (YES); City of Murray; Zoo, Arts & Parks (ZAP) of Salt Lake County; Salt Lake City Arts Council; Clever Octopus, and 80+ businesses and individuals.
They also traveled with the Argonauts, along with another set of twins, Kalais and Zetes 🙂
The Multicolored Diary
Lots of Greek twins!!! 😁
I did not know this story. I feel like I should have come across is somewhere, since I am a twin, but this is not one I have heard before. Thank you for sharing.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings: YouTube – What They Don’t Tell You (and free fiction)
My Dad’s a twin so these stories are fascinating to me! Glad to introduce you to more twins!
I think you did a nice job with details; though I knew the stories, you added some fresh information.
Twins are amazing in the connection they have to each other.
Discovery
Anything from Greek mythology is bound to be known, especially if it links to the stars. It is delightful to continue in the discovery. So glad you had that moment!