The Seven Brothers - a Tsalagi Tale of the Pleiades

The good thing about the fire, besides shedding its warmth, was using it to burn the non-metal
and plastic things of the MRE pouches. It also provided a great setting for simply sitting side-by-
side on the log and savoring the starry night.
Pointing up to the six stars of the Pleiades, Janis softly said, Willow Woman once told me the
story of the Seven Brothers. Would you like to hear it? She didnt have to ask twice as Ray pulled
her to sit beside him on the ground, their feet towards the fire with the log as a backrest.
Willow woman told me that, when the world was new, there were seven boys who spent all
their time playing gatay'st. The game is now called Chunky and is played by rolling a stone wheel
along the ground with a curved stick. Their mothers scolded them, telling there was other more
important things to do than play. But it didn't do any good. One day the mothers collected some
gatay'st stones and boiled them in the pot with the corn for dinner.
When the boys came home their mothers dipped out the stones and said, Since you like the
gatay'st better than working, take the stones and eat them for your dinner.
The boys became very angry, and went away, saying, Since our mothers treat us this way, let us
go where we will never trouble them any more.
Poor guys, Ray said. Just think, they were expected to do something worthwhile in order to
eat.
Janis hushed him and continued the story. The boys began a dance - some say it was the Feather
Dance - and went round and round, praying to the spirits to help them.
At last, their mothers were afraid something was wrong and went out to look for them. They
saw the boys still dancing, and as they watched, the mothers noticed the boys' feet were off the
ground. Not only that but, with every round, they rose higher and higher into the air.
The mothers ran to get their children but it was too late. They had already risen above the trees
- all but one, whose mother managed to pull him down with the gatay'st pole. The boy struck the
ground with such force that he sank into it and the earth closed over him.
The other six circled higher and higher until they went up to the sky, where we see them now as
the Pleiades, which the Cherokee call Ani'tsuts, The Boys.
The people grieved long after them, Janis continued. But, the mother whose boy had gone
into the ground came every morning and every evening to cry over the spot until the earth was
damp with her tears. At last, a little green shoot sprouted up and grew day by day until it became
the tall tree that we now call Noh Tsi, the pine. And, the pine is of the same nature as the stars and
holds in itself the same bright light.
Just then, one of the logs snapped, dazzling gold-red sparks erupting into the air.

The Blood Brothers

a European folktale
retold by

D. L. Ashliman
2012
Once upon a time a fisherman caught a fish that said to him, "If you will set me free, I will grant
you any wish." Now more than anything else, the fisherman wanted to have a child with his wife,
so he made this wish, and turned the fish loose.

Before swimming away, the fish said, "Cast your net again, and give your next catch to your wife to
eat."

The fisherman did as he was told. His next cast netted him one little fish, which he took home with
him. His wife ate the flesh. His dog ate the insides. And his horse ate the bones. Some time later
his wife gave birth to twin boys; the dog had a litter of two pups; and the horse foaled with two
colts.

The twin boys gave their parents much pleasure, but with time the older brother became restless,
and wanted to seek his fortune abroad. He left a bottle of clear white wine with his younger twin,
saying, "All will be well with me as long as the wine is white. But if it ever turns red, I will be in
need of your help." With that he took leave of his brother and of his parents, mounted the older
twin horse, and, accompanied by the older twin dog, set forth into the world.

After a long journey he came to a kingdom that was being ravished by a terrible dragon. The king
had promised his daughter's hand in marriage to whatever man succeeded in killing the dragon.
The twin tracked the dragon to its lair, then engaged him in battle. The fight was long and hard,
but the brave twin finally prevailed, and the dragon lay dead at his feat. As proof that he had killed
the beast, he cut out its tongue, then set out for the castle to claim the princess as his reward.

Now the king had a steward who happened to come upon the dead dragon soon after the twin
left. He decided to claim the kill for himself, cut off the dragon's head, and took a shortcut to the
castle.

The king was delighted to see the dragon's head, and he arranged for the wedding between the
steward and the princess to take place immediately. The twin arrived just as the festivities were
starting. Seeing that another man was unfairly claiming his prize, he said, "It is a strange dragon
that has no tongue."

"Of course the dragon has a tongue," said the steward, opening the dragon's mouth. But the
tongue was not there.

"The dragon had a tongue when I killed it," answered the twin, "and here it is." With this he
produced the dragon's tongue. The king now saw that the steward had lied, and had him cast into
a dark dungeon. The festivities continued, but this time with the twin as hero and bridegroom.

The twin and the princess lived happily for some time, but after a while he became restless again.
He announced that he wanted to go hunting in a nearby forest, named the Forest of No Return.
His young wife asked him not to go, but his spirit of adventure prevailed.

Soon after entering the Forest of No Return, the twin met an old woman, who, unknown to him,
was a wicked witch. "Good day, young sir," she said. He began to return the greeting, but had
scarcely opened his mouth when she cast a spell on him, turning him to stone.

Meanwhile, back at the fisherman's cottage, the younger twin examined the bottle of wine every
day. Its clear white color let him know that his older brother was well. One day, however, the wine
turned blood red, and the younger brother knew that his twin was in need. He took leave of his
parents, mounted the younger twin horse, and, accompanied by the younger twin dog, set forth
into the world to find his older brother.

After a long journey he came to the kingdom where his twin brother had killed the dragon.
Everyone thought that he was their new prince, and he was escorted to the castle with honor.

"I thought that you would never come back from the Forest of No Return," said the princess
tenderly. However, to her dismay and surprise, instead of returning her love, that night he laid his
sword between them in their bed.

Early the next morning the younger twin set forth for the Forest of No Return. Soon after entering
this forest, he met the old witch. "Good day, young sir," she said.

Sensing her evil design, he said not a word, but leaped on her and pinned her to the ground.
Holding his sword to her neck, he shouted, "lead me to my brother, or die at once!" The witch,
fearing for her life, led the young twin to his petrified brother. She anointed the stone with salve,
and he returned to life.

Overjoyed, the two brothers made they way back toward the castle. On their way, each one told
the other of his adventures. When it was the younger brother's turn to speak, he told of how the
white wine had turned to blood red, how he had found his way to the castle, how he had slept
with the princess.... He was not able finish his sentence. The older twin, hearing that his brother
had slept with his wife, drew his sword and cut off his head.

When the older twin arrived at the castle, he was received by his wife with love. "At last you are
yourself!" she said. "Not like the last time you were here, when you put a sword between us in
bed."

The older twin now knew that he had unjustly killed his brother. He rushed back to the place
where his body lay. Fortunately, he still had some of the witch's salve, and with it he anointed the
dead man's wounds, placed the head back on the body, and brought his brother back to life.
Together they returned to the castle, where they lived happily ever after.

Retold from various sources. This tale is told throughout the Indo-European cultural area.
Aarne-Thomspon-Uther type 303.

Disocuros:
THE DIOSKOUROI (or Dioscuri) were twin star-crowned gods whose appearance (in the form of St
Elmo's fire) on the rigging of a ships was believed to portent escape from a storm. They were also
gods of horsemanship and protectors of guests and travellers.

The twins were born as mortal princes, sons of the Spartan queen Leda, one being fathered by
Zeus the other by her husband Tyndareus. Because of their generosity and kindness to man they
were apotheosed into gods at death. At first Polydeukes alone, being a son of Zeus, was offered
this gift, but he agreed only on condition that his half-twin Kastor share the honour. Zeus
assented, but the pair had to spend alternate days in Haides to appease the Fates and the Gods of
the Dead.

OTHER DIOSKOUROI PAGES
Dioskouroi Cult (including statues)
The Dioskouroi also received a place amongst the stars as the Cosntellation Gemini (the Twins).
Their alternations between heaven and Haides may refer to the heavenly cycles - their
constellation being visible in the heavens for only six months of the year.

The Dioskouroi were depicted as beardless youths, horsemen wearing wide-brimmed traveller's
hats.

PARENTS
[1.1] ZEUS & LEDA (both Kastor & Polydeukes) (Hesiod Catalogues of Women Frag 66, Homeric
Hymn 32, Alcaeus Frag 34, Terpander Frag 5, Hyginus Fabulae 14, and other sources)
[1.2] ZEUS & LEDA (for Polydeukes), TYNDAREUS & LEDA (for Kastor) (Pindar Nemean Ode 10,
Hyginus Fabulae 77 & 80, and other sources)
NAMES
[1.1] KASTOR, POLYDEUKES (Many references)
OFFSPRING POLYDEUKES
[1.1] MNESILEOS (by Phoibe) (Apollodorus 3.134)
[1.2] MNASINOUS (by Phoibe) (Pausanais 2.22.5)
OFFSPRING KASTOR
[1.1] ANOGON (by Hilaeira) (Apollodorus 3.134)
[1.2] ANAXIS (by Hilaeira) (Pausanais 2.22.5)
Hesiod, Catalogues of Women Fragment 66 (from Scholiast on Pindar Nem. x. 150) (trans. Evelyn-
White) (Greek epic C8th or 7th B.C.) :
"Hesiod in giving their descent makes them [Kastor and Polydeukes] both sons of Zeus."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Castor and Pollux [Kastor and Polydeukes], sons of Jove [Zeus] and Leda, daughter of Thestius."



Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 77 :
"Jupiter [Zeus], changed into a swan, had intercourse with Leda near the river Eurotas, and from
that embrace she bore Pollux [Polydeukes] and Helen; to Tyndareus she bore Castor and
Clytemnestra."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 155 :
"Sons of Jove [Zeus] . . . Castor and Pollux [Polydeukes] by Leda, daughter of Thestius."


H28.1A DIOSKOUROS

H28.1B DIOSKOUROS

N16.2 DIOSKOUROI

H28.2 DIOSKOUROI
MORTAL LIFE OF THE DIOSCURI

Details of the mortal lives of the Dioskouroi are not quoted here. Their many adventures included
a part in the Voyage of the Argonauts as well as the Calydonian Boar Hunt. They also laid seige to
Athens after their sister Helene was kidnapped by King Theseus. They died and were granted
immortality shortly after Helene eloped to Troy with Paris, and so did not participate in the Trojan
War. The story of their death is detailed below.

Greek Name Transliteration Latin Spelling Translation
Tyndaridai Tyndaridae Sons of Tyndareus
Kastor Castor Beaver? (kastr)
Polydeukes Polydeuces, Pollux Sweets? (deukos)



DEATH & APOTHEOSIS OF THE DIOSCURI

Stasinus of Cyprus or Hegesias of Aegina, Cypria Fragment 1 (from Proclus, Chrestomathy i) (trans.
Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th or 6th B.C.) :
"Kastor (Castor) and Polydeukous (Polydeuces), while stealing the cattle of Idas and Lynkeus
(Lynceus), were caught in the act, and Kastor was killed by Idas, and Lynkeus and Idas by
Polydeukes. Zeus gave them immortality every other day."

Stasinus of Cyprus or Hegesias of Aegina, Cypria Fragment 7 (from Clement of Alexandria, Protrept
2.30.5) :
"Kastor (Castor) was mortal, and the fate of death was destined for him; but Polydeukes
(Polydeuces), scion of Ares was immortal."

Pindar, Pythian Ode 11 ep4 (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) :
"The might of Kastor (Castor), and your fame O royal Polydeukes (Polydeuces); you twin sons
divine, who live today within Therapnai's dwellings [the burial place of the brothers], tomorrow in
the halls of high Olympos."

Pindar, Nemean Ode 10 ep3 - ep5 :
"The two brothers [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], at the games of Sparta's wide-built city, joint patrons
with Hermes and with Herakles the presidency share. And due regard have they for men of justice.
Truly the gods are faithful friends. Now, each alternate day they change their dwelling, one day
beside Zeus, their beloved father; then in the valley of Therapnai within the earth's deep folds,
these brothers share their common destiny [ie their grave at Therapnai]; for so, rather than be for
ever a god and dwell in heaven, Polydeukes (Polydeuces) chose for both this twofold life, when
Kastor (Castor) fell, laid low in combat. For Idas, in hot anger for the cattle stolen from him with
his bronze-pointed spear dealt him a grievous wound . . . and Zeus upon Idas launched his fire-
wrought consuming bolt, and the two burned together, friendless, upon one pyre. Hard is it for
men to strive against a mightier power.
Then swiftly ran the son of Tyndareus back to his warrior brother, and he found him still living, but
within his throat death's rattle sounded. Then with hot tears streaming and bitter groans, he cried
aloud: O Father, [Zeus] son of Kronos, what release shall there be from sorrows? Grant that I too
with my brother may die, great king, I beg thee. For glory is departed from a man robbed of his
friends, and under stress of toils few mortals will abide faithful companions to share in the labour.

He ended, and Zeus came and stood before him and spoke these words: Thou are my son; but
after in thy mother's womb was set the mortal seed of this thy brother, sprung from her hero
husband. But see then, none the less this choice I will give thee: if freed from death and the harsh
years of age, it is thy will to dwell beside my throne upon Olympos, companion to Athene (Athena)
and to Ares, god of the shadowing spear, this choice is thine to take. But if, in thy heart's travail for
thy brother, thou art in mind to share all things alike with him, then half thy days shalt thou
beneath the earth draw breath, and half within the golden citadels of heaven.
He spoke, and Polydeukes had no thought but for the single choice; and Zeus made fee the eye,
and then the voice of Kastor of the brazen circlet."

Alcman, Fragment 2 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (C7th B.C.) :
"Most worthy of reverence from all gods and men, they dwell in a god-built home beneath the
earth always alive, Kastor (Castor)--tamer of swift steeds, skilled horsemen--and glorious
Polydeukes (Polydeuces)."

Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3. 136 - 137 (trans. Aldrich) (Greek mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"They [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] prepared to waylay Idas and Lynkeus (Lynceus), but Lynkeus saw
Kastor (Castor) and pointed him out to Ias, who killed him. Polydeukes (Polydeuces) set out after
them and killed Lynkeus with his spear, but as he was chasing Idas, a rock thrown by the other hit
him and he fell down dazed. Zeus struck Idas with a thunderbolt, and took Polydeukes up to the
sky. But because Polydeukes would not accept immortality while Kastor was a corpse, Zeus
granted them alternating days among the gods and among mortals."

Lycophron, Alexandra 564 ff (trans. Mair) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) :
"An the one pair [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] Hades shall receive: the others the meadows of
Olympos shall welcome as guests on every alternate day, brothers of mutual love, undying and
dead."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 8. 2. 4 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) :
"In those days [the age of heroes] men were changed to gods, who down to the present day have
honours paid to them--Aristaios (Aristaeus), Britomartis of Krete (Crete), Herakles the son of
Alkmene (Alcmena), Amphiaraus the son of Oikles (Oecles), and besides these Polydeukes
(Polydeuces) and Kastor (Castor)."



Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 48. 6 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) :
"The god [Triton] accompanied the ship [of the Argonauts on which the Dioskouroi sailed as young
men] in its voyage without ceasing for two days and nights and foretold to Herakles his Labours
and immortality, and to the Tyndaridai (Tyndaridae) that they should be called Dioskoroi (Dioscuri)
[i.e. Sons of Zeus] and receive at the hands of all mankind honour like that offered to the gods."



Diodorus Siculus, Library of History Book 6 Fragment 6 :
"According to tradition, Kastor (Castor) and Polydeukes (Polydeuces), who were also known as the
Dioskouroi (Dioscuri), far surpassed all other men in valour and gained the greatest distinction in
the campaign in which they took part with the Argonauts; and they have come to the aid of many
who have stood in need of succour. And, speaking generally, their manly spirits and skill as
generals, and their justice and piety as well, have won them fame among practically all men, since
they make their appearance as helpers of those who fall into unexpected perils [that is, they
appear to mariners in storms]. Moreover, because of their exceptional valour they have been
judged to be sons of Zeus, and when they departed from among mankind they attained to
immortal honours."

Aelian, Historical Miscellany 13. 38 (trans. Wilson) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) :
"They say he [Alkibiades] used to describe his career as the life of the Dioskouroi (Dioscuri), alive
and dead on alternate days. If he was successful the public treated him as a god; if he failed, he
was no better than a dead man."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 80 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Castor killed Lynceus in battle; Idas, at his brother's death, forgot both strife and bride, and
started to bury his brother. When he was placing the bones in a funeral monument, Castor
intervened, and tired to prevent his raising the monument, because he had won over him as if he
were a woman. In anger, Idas pierced the thigh of Castor with the sword he wore. Others say that
as he was building the monument he pushed it on Castor and thus killed him. When they reported
this to Pollux [Polydeukes], he rushed up and overcame Idas in a single fight, recovered the body
of his brother, and buried it. Since, however, he himself had received a star from Jove [Zeus], and
one was not given to his brother, because Jove said that Castor and Clytemnestra were of the seed
of Tyndareus, while he and Helen were children of Jove, Pollux begged that he be allowed to share
his honor with his brother. This was granted him."


Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 224 :
"Mortals who were made immortal . . . Castor and Pollux [Polydeukes], brothers of Helen, sons of
Jove [Zeus] and Leda."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 251 :
"Those sho, by permission of the Parcae [Moirai], returned from the lower world . . . Castor and
Pollux [Polydeukes], sons of Jove [Zeus] and Leda, return in alternate death."


Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 22 :
"[Constellation Gemini] Twins. These stars many astronomers have called Castor and Pollux
[Polydeukes]. They say that of all brothers they were the most affectionate, not striving in rivalry
for the leadership, nor acting without previous consultation. As a reward for their services of
friendship, Jupiter [Zeus] is thought to have put them in the sky as well-known stars. Neptunus
[Poseidon], with like intention, has rewarded them for he gave them horses to ride, and power to
aid shipwrecked men . . . Those who speak of Castor and Pollux add this information, that Castor
was slain in the town of Aphidnae, at the time when the Lacedaemonians were fighting the
Athenians. Others say that when Lynceus and Idas were attacking Sparta, he perished there.
Homer states that Pollux granted to his brother one half of his life, so that they shine on alternate
days."

Ovid, Fasti 5. 697 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[Constellation Gemini] Tell me the cause of this star sign. The god's [Apollon's] eloquent lips
supplied the cause: The Tyndarid brothers [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], the horseman and the
boxer, had raped and kidnapped Phoebe and her sister [the Leukippides, Leucippides]. Idas and his
brother go to war for their women, to whom they were betrothed by Leucippus. Love drives one
group to recover, one to refuse; the identical cause makes each pair fight. The Oebalids could have
outrun their pursuers, but it seemed base to win on rapid flight. There is a treeless place, a spot fit
for battle. They took their stand there: it's name Aphidna. Castor was stabbed in the chest by
Lynceus' sword, and hit the ground wounded and surprised. The avenger Pollux [Polydeukes] is
there and spears Lynceus where the neck joins and presses the shoulders. Idas attacked and was
barely routed by Jove's [Zeus'] fire; but they deny the lightning disarmed him. The sublime heaven
already opened for you, Pollux, when you said: "Hear my words, father. Divide between two the
heaven reserved for me. Half of the gift will exceed the whole." He spoke and ransomed his
brother by rotating positions. Both stars assist troubled ships."


Ovid, Heroides 16. 327 ff (trans. Showerman) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[Paris addresses Helene:] I will imitate the deed of Aegeus' son and of your brothers. You can be
touched by no examples nearer than these. Theseus stole you away, and they the twin
Leucippides; I shall be counted fourth among such examples."

Cicero, De Natura Deorum 2. 24 (trans. Rackham) (Roman rhetorician C1st B.C.) :
"Human experience moreover and general custom have made it a practise to confer the
deification of renown and gratitude upon distinguished benefactors. This is the origin of Hercules
[Herakles], of Castor and Pollux [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], of Aesculapius [Asklepios] . . . And these
benefactors were duly deemed divine, as being both supremely good and immortal, because their
souls survived and enjoyed eternal life."

Cicero, De Natura Deorum 3. 15 :
"In Greece they worship a number of deified human beings, Alabandus at Alabanda, Tennes at
Tenedos, Leucothea, formerly Ino, and her son Palaemon throughout the whole of Greece, as also
Hercules [Herakles], Aesculapius [Asklepios], the sons of Tyndareus [Dioskouroi, Dioscuri]."

Cicero, De Natura Deorum 3. 18 :
"If you call Apollo, Vulcanus [Hephaistos], Mercurius [Hermes] and the rest gods, will you have
doubts about Hercules [Herakles], Aesculapius [Asklepios], Liber [Dionysos], Castor and Pollux [the
Dioskouroi, Dioscuri]? But these are worshipped just as much as those, and indeed in some places
very much more than they. Are we then to deem these gods, the sons of mortal mothers?"


L6.1 DIOSKOUROI

O6.3 DIOSKOUROI






DIOSCURI AS THE CONSTELLATION GEMINI

Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 22 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"[Constellation Gemini] The Twins. These stars many astronomers have called Castor and Pollux
[Polydeukes]. They say that of all brothers they were the most affectionate, not striving in rivalry
for the leadership, nor acting without previous consultation. As a reward for their services of
friendship, Jupiter [Zeus] is thought to have put them in the sky as well-known stars . . . Homer
states that Pollux granted to his brother one half of his life, so that they shine on alternate days."

Ovid, Metamorphoses 8. 370 ff (trans. Melville) (Roman epic C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"Now [in the hunt for the Kalydonian Boar] the Gemini (the Twins) [Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], not stars
of heaven as yet, came cantering up, both brothers striking, both on snow-white steeds; and both
poised quivering spears with flashing points."

Ovid, Fasti 5. 697 ff (trans.Boyle) (Roman poetry C1st B.C. to C1st A.D.) :
"[Constellation Gemini] Tell me the cause of this star sign. The god's [Apollon's] eloquent lips
supplied the cause: The Tyndarid brothers [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], the horseman and the
boxer, had raped and kidnapped Phoebe and her sister [the Leucippides]. Idas and his brother go
to war for their women [and in the process Kastor (Castor) is killed] . . . The sublime heaven
already opened for you, Pollux [Polydeukes], when you said: "Hear my words, father [Zeus]. Divide
between two the heaven reserved for me. Half of the gift will exceed the whole." He spoke and
ransomed his brother by rotating positions. Both stars assist troubled ships."

Seneca, Hercules Furens 4 ff (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) :
"[Hera complains:] I must dwell on earth, for harlots hold the sky [in the form of constellations] . .
. [and Zeus' bastard sons] here Orion with threatening sword terrifies the gods, and golden
Perseus has his stars; the bright constellation [Gemini] of the twin Tyndaridae [Dioskouroi,
Dioscuri] shines yonder."

GODS OF ST-ELMO'S FIRE & PROTECTORS OF SAILORS

The Dioskouroi appeared to sailors in distress during storms in the form of St. Elmo's fire, the
electrical discharge which creates a glow about the mast-head and rigging of ships.


Homeric Hymn 27 to the Dioscuri (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th to 4th B.C.) :
"[The Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] are deliverers of men on earth and of swift-going ships when stormy
gales rage over the ruthless sea. Then the shipmen call upon the sons of great Zeus with vows of
white lambs, going to the forepart of the prow; but the strong wind and the waves of the sea lay
the ship under water, until suddenly these two are seen darting through the air on tawny wings [in
the form of St Elmo's fire]. Forthwith they allay the blasts of the cruel winds nad still the waves
upon the surface of the white sea: fair signs are they and deliverance from toil. And when the
shipmen see them they are glad and have rest from their pain and labour."

Alcaeus, Fragment 34 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric I) (Greek lyric C6th B.C.) :
"Come hither, leaving the island of Pelops [the Peloponnese], strong sons of Zeus and Leda;
appear with kindly heart, Kastor (Castor) and Polydeukes (Polydeuces), who go on swift horses
over the broad earth and all the sea, and easily resue men from chilling death, leaping on the
peaks of their well-benched ships, brilliant from afar as you run up the fore-stays [St. Elmo's fire],
bringing light to the black ship in the night of trouble."

Terpander, Fragment 5 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (C7th B.C.) :
"[The Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] sons of Zeus and Leda, you handsome saviours."

Plato, Euthydemus 293a (trans. Lamb) (Greek philosopher C4th B.C.) :
"As though I were calling upon the Dioskouroi (Dioscuri) to save us, the lad and myself, from the
mighty wave [literally 'the big wave that comes in every three']."

Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 43. 1 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) :
"[During the voyage of the Argonauts:] There came on a great storm and the chieftains had given
up hope of being saved, when Orpheus, they say, who was the only one on ship-board who had
ever been initiated in the Mysteries of the deities of Samothrake [the Kabeiroi, Cabeiri], offered to
these deities prayers for their salvation. And immediately the wind died down and two stars fell
over the heads of the Dioskouroi (Dioscuri), and the whole company was amazed at the marvel
which had taken place and concluded that they had been rescued from their perils by an act of
providence of the gods. For this reason, the story of this reversal of fortune for the Argonauts has
been handed down to succeeding generations, and sailors when caught in storms always direct
their prayers to the deities of Samothrake and attribute the appearance of the two stars to the
epiphany of the Dioskouroi."



Diodorus Siculus, Library of History Book 6 Fragment 6 :
"They [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] make their appearance as helpers of those who fall into
unexpected perils [that is, they appear to mariners in storms]."

Diodorus Siculus, Library of History Book 6 Fragment 6 :
"They [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] have come to the aid of many who have stood in need of succour.
And, speaking generally, their manly spirits and skill as generals, and their justice and piety as well,
have won them fame among practically all men, since they make their appearance as helpers of
those who fall into unexpected perils [appearing to mariners in storms]."

Plutarch, Life of Theseus 33. 1 (trans. Perrin) (Greek historian C1st to C2nd A.D.) :
"There are also those who say that the Tyndaridai [Dioskouroi] were called Anakes because of the
appearance of their twin stars in the heavens, since the Athenians use anekas and anekathen for
ano and anothen, signifying above or on high."




Plutarch, Life of Lysander 12. 1 :
"There were some who declared that the Dioskouroi (Dioscuri) appeared as twin stars on either
side of Lysander's [historical Athenian statesman] ship just as he was sailing out of the harbor
against the enemy, and shone out over the rudder-sweeps."

Aelian, Historical Miscellany 1. 30 (trans. Wilson) (Greek rhetorician C2nd to 3rd A.D.) :
"Let us be . . . like Dioskouroi (Dioscuri) to the poor wretches, saviours and benevolent guardians,
as those gods are commonly described."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Fabulae 14 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Castor and Pollux [Kastor and Polydeukes], sons of Jove [Zeus] and Leda, daughter of Thestius . . .
both beardless youths. It is written that at the same time stars appeared on their heads, seeming
to have fallen there."

Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 22 :
"As a reward for their [the Dioskouroi's, Dioscuri's] services of friendship, Jupiter [Zeus] is thought
to have put them in the sky as well-known stars [constellation Gemini]. Neptunus [Poseidon], with
like intention, has rewarded them for he gave them horses to ride, and power to aid shipwrecked
men."

Propertius, Elegies 2. 26A (trans. Goold) (Roman elegy C1st B.C.) :
"How I feared lest the sea perchance should take you name and mariners sailing your waters
should weep for you. What vows did I then make to Neptunus [Poseidon], to Castor and his
brother [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], and to you, Leucothoe, a goddess now!"

Valerius Flaccus, Argonautica 5. 366 ff (trans. Mozley) (Roman epic C1st A.D.) :
"The sons of Tyndareus [the Dioskouroi (Dioscuri) amongst the Argonauts] with star-illuminated
hair."

Statius, Silvae 3. 2. 1 (trans. Mozley) (Roman poetry C1st A.D.) :
"Bring forth your favouring stars, Oebalian brethren [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], and sit upon the
twin horns of the yard-arm [as the phenomenon known as St. Elmo's Fire]; let your light illumine
sea and sky; drive far away, I pray your Ilian sister's tempestuous star [the star of Helene was
considered dangerous to ships], and banish her wholly from the heavens."

Seneca, Hercules Furens 552 (trans. Miller) (Roman tragedy C1st A.D.) :
"The stars of the twin Tyndaridae [Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] come ... to the aid of timorous ships."

Nonnus, Dionysiaca 28. 255 ff (trans. Rouse) (Greek epic C5th A.D.) :
"Polydeukes (Polydeuces) brings calm to buffeted ships when he puts to sleep the heavy billows of
the galebreeding sea."





GODS OF HORSE-TAMING, PROTECTORS OF GUESTS

Alcman, Fragment 2 (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek Lyric II) (C7th B.C.) :
"Most worthy of reverence from all gods and men, they dwell in a god-built home beneath the
earth always alive, Kastor (Castor)--tamer of swift steeds, skilled horsemen--and glorious
Polydeukes (Polydeuces)."

Callimachus, Lyric Frag 227 (trans. Trypanis) (Greek poet C3rd B.C.) :
"O Kastor (Castor), and you, Polydeukes (Polydeuces), tamers of horses, protectors of the
homeless and guides of the guests."

PATRON GODS OF THE OLYMPIC GAMES

Pindar, Olympian Ode 3 (trans. Conway) (Greek lyric C5th B.C.) :
"For to these [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri] he [Herakles] gave, when he departed to high Olympos, to
preside over the glorious contest [the Olympian Games]."

Pindar, Nemean Ode 10 ep3 :
"The two brothers [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], at the games of Sparta's wide-built city, joint patrons
with Hermes and with Herakles (Heracles) the presidency share. And due regard have they for
men of justice. Truly the gods are faithful friends."



HYMNS TO THE DIOSCURI

Homeric Hymn 17 to the Dioscuri (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C7th to 4th B.C.) :
"Sing, clear-voiced Mousa (Muse), of Kastor (Castor) and Polydeukes (Polydeuces), the Tyndaridai
(Tyndaridae), who sprang from Olympian Zeus. Beneath the heights of Taygetos stately Leda bare
them, when [Zeus] the dark-clouded Son of Kronos had privily bent her to his will. Hail, Tyndaridai,
riders upon swift horses."

Homeric Hymn 32 to the Dioscuri :
"Bright-eyed Mousai (Muses), tell of the Tyndaridai (Tyndaridae), the Sons of Zeus, glorious
children of neat-ankled Leda, Kastor (Castor) the tamer of horses, and blameless Polydeukes
(Polydeuces). When Leda had lain with [Zeus] the dark-clouded Son of Kronos, she bare them
beneath the peak of the great hill Taygetos,--children who are deliverers of men on earth and of
swift-going ships when stormy gales rage over the ruthless sea. Then the shipmen call upon the
sons of great Zeus with vows of white lambs, going to the forepart of the prow; but the strong
wind and the waves of the sea lay the ship under water, until suddenly these two are seen darting
through the air on tawny wings. Forthwith they allay the blasts of the cruel winds nad still the
waves upon the surface of the white sea: fair signs are they and deliverance from toil. And when
the shipmen see them they are glad and have rest from their pain and labour. Hail, Tyndaridai,
riders upon swift horses!"

Anonymous, Inscription from the shrine of Asclepius at Epidaurus (trans. Campbell, Vol. Greek
Lyric V Anonymous Fragment 937) (C7th to 6th B.C.) :
"High-skilled Asklepios (Asclepius); and summon the two Dioskouroi (Dioscuri) and the august
Kharites (Charites, Graces) and glorious Mousai (Muses) and kindly Moirai (Fates) . . . Greetings, all
you immortal gods everlasting and immortal goddesses!"

DIOSCURI ATTENDANTS OF HERA

Apuleius, The Golden Ass 10. 30 ff (trans. Walsh) (Roman novel C2nd A.D.) :
"[Description of an ancient Greek play portraying the Judgement of Paris:] Each maiden
representing a goddess was accompanied by her own escort. Juno [Hera] was attended by Castor
and Pollux [the Dioskouroi, Dioscuri], their heads covered by egg-shaped helmets prominently
topped with stars; these Castors were represented by boys on stage."

CULT OF THE DIOSCURI

See the Cult of the Dioskouroi page.





IDENTIFIED WITH FOREIGN GODS

Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 56. 4 (trans. Oldfather) (Greek historian C1st B.C.) :
"The Keltoi (Celts) who dwell along the ocean venerate the Dioskoroi (Dioscuri) above any of the
gods, since they have a tradition handed down from ancient times that these gods appeared
among them coming from the ocean."

Sources:

Hesiod, Catalogues of Women - Greek Epic C8th-7th BC
The Homeric Hymns - Greek Epic C8th-4th BC
Homerica, The Cypria - Greek Epic BC
Pindar, Odes - Greek Lyric C5th BC
Greek Lyric I Alcaeus, Fragments - Greek Lyric C6th BC
Greek Lyric II Alcman, Fragments - Greek Lyric C7th BC
Greek Lyric II Terpander, Fragments - Greek Lyric C7th BC
Plato, Euthydemus - Greek Philosophy C4th B.C.
Apollodorus, The Library - Greek Mythography C2nd BC
Apollonius Rhodius, The Argonautica - Greek Epic C3rd BC
The Orphic Hymns - Greek Hymns BC
Strabo, Geography - Greek Geography C1st BC - C1st AD
Pausanias, Guide to Greece - Greek Geography C2nd AD
Diodorus Siculus, The Library of History - Greek History C1st BC
Plutarch, Lives - Greek Historian C1st-2nd AD
Aelian, Historical Miscellany - Greek Rhetoric C2nd-3rd A.D.
Hyginus, Fabulae - Latin Mythography C2nd AD
Hyginus, Astronomica - Latin Mythography C2nd AD
Ovid, Fasti - Latin Epic C1st BC - C1st AD
Ovid, Heroides - Latin Poetry C1st B.C. - C1st A.D.
Propertius, Elegies - Latin Elegy C1st BC
Cicero, De Natura Deorum - Latin Philosophy C1st BC
Seneca, Hercules Furens - Latin Tragedy C1st AD
Valerius Flaccus, The Argonautica - Latin Epic C1st AD
Statius, Silvae - Latin Epic C1st AD
Apuleius, The Golden Ass - Latin Epic C2nd AD
Nonnos, Dionysiaca - Greek Epic C5th AD
Suidas - Byzantine Lexicon C10th AD