Kastor and Polydeukes: Difference between revisions
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By the [[Peloponnesian War]], an [[Altar of the Dioskouroi|altar]] dedicated to the twins had been raised in the [[Forest of Eurotas]] in [[Lakonia]], Greece, and they were central to the Spartan rituals, especially those preceding the beginning of a military campaign.<ref name="Altar" /> | By the [[Peloponnesian War]], an [[Altar of the Dioskouroi|altar]] dedicated to the twins had been raised in the [[Forest of Eurotas]] in [[Lakonia]], Greece, and they were central to the Spartan rituals, especially those preceding the beginning of a military campaign.<ref name="Altar" /> | ||
Later, when a {{Wiki|zodiac}} was created, the two became part of it as the {{Wiki|Gemini (astrology)|Gemini}}, also known as the Great Twins.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Pirates]]''</ref> | Later, when a {{Wiki|zodiac}} was created, the two became part of it as the {{Wiki|Gemini (astrology)|Gemini}}, also known as the Great Twins.<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Pirates]]''</ref> While the Greeks held their belief that the Great Twins were Kastor and Polydeukes, the [[Egypt]]ians observed them as two he-[[goat]]s, rising from the [[Duat|underworld]].<ref>''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'' – [[The Great Twins]]</ref> | ||
==Behind the scenes== | ==Behind the scenes== | ||
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==Appearances== | ==Appearances== | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Pirates]]'' {{Mo}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Pirates]]'' {{Mo}} | ||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Origins]]'' {{Mo}} | |||
*''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'' {{c|statue only}} | *''[[Assassin's Creed: Odyssey]]'' {{c|statue only}} | ||
Revision as of 22:32, 13 March 2020
Kastor and Polydeukes, alternatively Castor and Pollux, were legendary twins in Greco-Roman mythology, known together as the Dioskouroi.
Mythology
According to the myth, they were both born at the same time by Leda, though they had different fathers; Polydeukes was fathered by Zeus, Kastor by Leda's husband, the king of Sparta Tyndareus. They were also said to have been born on Mount Taygetos,[1] though Amyklai Farm was regarded as their home.[2]
Influence
By the Peloponnesian War, an altar dedicated to the twins had been raised in the Forest of Eurotas in Lakonia, Greece, and they were central to the Spartan rituals, especially those preceding the beginning of a military campaign.[1]
Later, when a zodiac was created, the two became part of it as the Gemini, also known as the Great Twins.[3] While the Greeks held their belief that the Great Twins were Kastor and Polydeukes, the Egyptians observed them as two he-goats, rising from the underworld.[4]
Behind the scenes
In Greek, Kastor and Polydeukes were known as Διόσκουροι (Dióskouroi) meaning 'the youths of Zeus'. In Latin, this became Dioscuri. Colloquially, this has come to mean an inseparable couple.
In some stories, the Dioskouroi are counted among the Argonauts.
The mythical Helen is mentioned as a sister to the pair, and even as their twin.
Gallery
-
Kastor and Polydeukes as the Gemini, engraved on stone
Appearances
- Assassin's Creed: Pirates (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Origins (mentioned only)
- Assassin's Creed: Odyssey (statue only)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Lakonia: Altar of the Dioskouroi
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – Lakonia: Amyklai Farm
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Pirates
- ↑ Assassin's Creed: Odyssey – The Great Twins