Originally posted to Shrubbery, 12 Oct 2003
Gemini, the third zodiacal constellation, represents the twins Castor and Poydeuces (Pollux), known as the Dioscuri. Their mother Leda had been seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan and later gave birth to two eggs: one containing Helen (of Troy) and Clytemnestra, and one containing Castor and Polydeuces. One of each pair was fathered by Zeus (Helen and Polydeuces) and one of each was fathered by Leda's husband King Tyndareus (Clytemnestra and Castor).
The two boys were very close to one another and inseparable companions later in life. They were both famous as heroes. Polydeuces was known as a skilled boxer, and Castor as a horseman.
The two had many adventures including rescuing their sister Helen after she was abducted by Theseus (this was way before the Trojan War abduction...) and joining Jason's Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece.
The Dioscuri fell in love with and abducted the daughters of Leucippus, which caused his nephews Idas and Lynceus to come after them in battle. Castor, being mortal, was killed and his immortal brother grieved incessantly. When Zeus offered Polydeuces the opportunity to live with the gods on Olympus Polydeuces replied that he could have no joy of it while his beloved brother was dead. Zeus agreed to allow him partial life in return for a partial sacrifice of immortality from Polydeuces, so for a time the brothers each alternately spent a day in Hades and a day on Olympus.
The brothers were later placed together in the sky as an example of filial devotion.
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