Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/285

Rh dates only from classical times. Burritt gives the following mythological history of the constellation: "Castor and Pollux were twin brothers, sons of Jupiter, by Leda, the wife of Tyndarus, King of Sparta. They were educated at Pallena, and afterwards embarked with Jason in the celebrated contest for the golden fleece at Colchis, on which occasion they behaved with unparalleled courage.

Pollux distinguished himself by his achievements in arms and personal prowess, and was a famous pugilist. Castor was superior in equestrian exercises, and the management of horses. The Twins are represented in the temples of Greece, on white horses, armed with spears, riding side by side."

Among the ancients, and particularly among the Romans, there prevailed a superstition that Castor and Pollux often appeared at the head of their armies, and led on their troops to battle and victory.

Castor and Pollux were a common object of adjuration among the Romans, and the slang of the present day, "By Jiminy," is a survival of the old Roman oath. As guardians of Rome the Twins were inscribed on the Roman silver coins. The "Pence" of the good Samaritan bore their figures, where they were represented as two horsemen. They also appear on coin types of as early date as from 431 to 370

Virgil thus writes concerning these illustrious Twins: