DIOSCURI

(from Greek Dioskouroi, Sons of Zeus), also called Castor And Pollux, or Castor And Polydeuces, in Greek and Roman mythology, twin deities who succoured shipwrecked sailors and received sacrifices for favourable winds. They were the children of Leda and either Zeus, the king of the gods, or Tyndareus, Leda's husband. According to some versions, Castor was the son of Tyndareus and thus a mortal, while Pollux was the son of Zeus. The twins were inseparable and became renowned for their athletic ability. A dispute between them, however, led to bloodshed; although the details are variously recorded, authorities agree that Castor, being mortal, was slain. After Pollux refused immortality in which Castor had no share, Zeus allowed them to remain together alternately in the heavens and the netherworld. Later he transformed them into the constellation Gemini. The introduction of their cult at Rome goes back traditionally to 484 BC. The building of their temple in the Forum followed a vow of Aulus Postumius at the battle of Lake Regillus, where, according to legend, the Dioscuri fought on the side of the Romans and carried the news of victory to Rome. In art the twins are represented as two youths, usually horsemen, holding spears and wearing helmets; their image appeared on early Roman coins.