DIOSKOUROI ~ THE GREEK TWIN GODS

Castor and Polydeukes, also called the Dioskouroi, meaning 'youths of Zeus', are Divine Twin brothers. 

Origin

The Twins were born from an egg after Zeus, disguised as a swan, seduced Leda. Polydeukesis immortal, but his brother Castor was mortal, since his father was Leda's husband, Tyndareus. The Twins were conceived on the same night, but by different fathers. Their sisters were Helen of Troy and Clytemnestra.According to Pindar, the Dioskouroi shared immortality when they moved between Hades and Mount Olympus. 

Adventures 

The Twins are excellent huntsmen and participated in the Hunting of the Calydonian boar. They also took part in the Argonaut expedition, where Polydeukes beat King Amycus of the Bebryces in a boxing fight.

Also, the Dioskouroi confronted Theseus, the king of Athens.He abducted their sister, the famous Helen of Troy, who was still unmarried. Castor and Polydeukes went to rescue Helen, invaded Attica and managed to retrieve her. The Twins took Aethra, Theseus’ mother as revenge and even put the king’s rival on the throne.Theseus’mother became Helen’s slave, as further punishment for the kidnapping.

Shared Immortality

 Castor and Polydeukes took the daughters of Leucippus, Phoebe and Hileira,as their wives, and were pursued by Leucippus’s nephews, Idas and Lynceus. Castor was murdered by Idas, but Pollydeukes killed Lynceus; in retribution, Zeus killed Idas with a thunderbolt. Zeus then gave Polydeykes the choice between spending all his time on Olympus or giving half of his immortality to his mortal brother, so that they could continue to be together. Polydeukes chose to share his immortality with his brother. 

Imagery 

In Homer’s Iliad, the Twins are described as strong men, with blond hair and big eyes. In art, They can frequently be recognized by the skull caps they wear, fragments of the egg they hatched out of. They are also depicted on their horses, carrying spears. We often see them on ancient coins. 

In ancient Greece, the weather phenomenon known as 'st.Elmo's fire' was associated with the Dioskouroi. When sailors saw this strange light during a storm, they knew that the Twins had come to their aid.The twins characteristically intervene in times of danger,helping those who honour and trust them.

Generally, The Dioskouroi are regarded as benevolent deities;  protectors of travellers and sailors, who invoke them to seek a smooth journey. They also protect mortals during war. Castor and Polydeukes are closely linked to sports and horses. Castor excels at horsetaming and Polydeukes is a gifted boxer; that's whey They were patrons of athletes and sports contests.

Coin of the Greek King Eucratides, where the Dioskouroi are depicted armed and on horseback.

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In ancient Greece, the Dioskouroi were honoured both as Gods on Olympus, and as deceased mortals in Hades. Shrines to Castor, Polydeukes and Helen existed in areas around Sparta,their homeland. The pear tree was regarded by the Spartans as sacred to Castor and Polydeukes, and images of the Twins were hung in its branches. The cult of the Twins dated back to the mid-6th century BCE.


EDITED FROM:Wikipedia