From the love of Jupiter for Leda, wife of Tyndarus, king of Sparta, sprang
these twin-brothers. Under the form of a swan, pursued by Venus: in the
shape of an eagle, the God sought refuge in Leda's arms, who in due time
produced two eggs, from one of which came Pollux and Helena, and from the
other, Castor and Clytemnestra.
[Illustration]
Scarcely had Pollux emerged from childhood, when, being on an expedition
with the Argonauts, they stopped in the domains of Amycus, (famous for his
skill in the management of the cestus,) who challenged all strangers
seeking his dominions to a trial of strength. Pollux accepted his
challenge, and surpassed him in skill, on which Amycus attempting to
conquer by fraud, Pollux slew him on the spot; and became the patron of
athletic exercises.
Castor was skilful in the art of guiding chariots, and subduing the most
fiery coursers. These brothers fought Theseus for outraging their sister
Helena; they destroyed the pirates who infested {168} Hellespont and the
neighbouring seas, and from this have always been considered as gods
favourable to sailors. During the Argonautic expedition, in which they had
accompanied Jason, when a violent storm was raging, a couple of names were
seen playing over their heads, and immediately the tempest was appeased,
and the sea became calm.
They were invited to a marriage feast, in which Lynceus and Idas were to be
wedded to Phoebe and Talaria the daughters of Leucippus, who was brother to
Tyndarus. Becoming enamoured of the two women whose nuptials they had met
to celebrate, they resolved to carry them off. This violence provoked the
bridegrooms: a combat ensued, in which Castor killed Lynceus, and was slain
in return by Idas--Pollux revenged the death of his brother, by slaying
Idas, but was unable after this to support life, so devotedly was he
attached to his brother: and implored Jupiter either to restore him to
life, or that he might be deprived himself of his immortality. His prayers
were granted, and the two brothers passed in turn six months in the
infernal regions, and six months on earth. This fraternal affection Jupiter
rewarded by turning the two brothers into constellations, under the name of
Gemini.
Sparta, celebrated in honour of them, a fete called Dioscuria, which was
observed with jovial festivity: and in which free use was made of the gifts
of Bacchus, accompanied with sports, in which wrestling matches always
formed an important part.
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