The Story of Pollux
Pollux, called Polydeuces by the Greeks, was the twin brother of Castor and a son of Leda, queen of Sparta. In the most common telling, Pollux and his sister Helen were children of Zeus, while Castor was the son of Leda's mortal husband Tyndareus. Together the twins were known as the Dioscuri, the sons of Zeus.
Pollux was the finest boxer of his day. When the Argonauts landed in the land of the Bebryces, the brutal King Amycus challenged them to box with him, as he forced on every stranger. Pollux accepted and defeated the giant king, ending his reign of terror.
The twins did many deeds together. They rescued their sister Helen after Theseus carried her off to Athens and brought her home to Sparta. They also sailed on the Argo and joined the hunt for the Calydonian Boar.
When Castor was killed in a fight with their cousins Idas and Lynceus, Pollux was heartbroken. As a son of Zeus he could live forever, but he did not want to live without his brother. Zeus allowed him to share his immortality with Castor, and from then on the twins spent alternate days on Olympus and in the underworld.
Zeus placed the brothers among the stars as the constellation Gemini, where its two brightest stars still bear the names Castor and Pollux. The Greeks honored the twins as protectors of sailors, horsemen and athletes, especially in Sparta. Their devotion to each other made them the model of brotherly love.
Famous Myths About Pollux
The Boxing Match with Amycus
When the Argonauts landed in the country of the Bebryces, the brutal King Amycus challenged them to a boxing match, as he forced on all strangers. Pollux accepted and beat the giant king, ending his reign of terror.
Rescuing Helen
Pollux and his twin Castor rescued their young sister Helen after Theseus carried her off to Athens. They brought her home to Sparta, where she later became the most famous beauty in the world.
The Gift of Immortality
When Castor was killed in a fight with their cousins, Pollux, as the son of Zeus, was offered a place on Olympus. He refused to live forever without his brother, so Zeus allowed the twins to share his immortality and placed them in the sky as Gemini.
Pollux's Family Tree
Parents of Pollux
Partners of Pollux
Children of Pollux
Frequently Asked Questions About Pollux
Who was Pollux in Greek mythology?
Pollux was one of the Dioscuri, the twin brothers of Sparta, and a champion boxer. His Greek name was Polydeuces, and Pollux is the Latin form used by the Romans.
Who were Pollux's parents?
Pollux was the son of Zeus and Leda, queen of Sparta, which made him immortal. His twin Castor was usually called the mortal son of King Tyndareus.
What is Pollux famous for?
Pollux was the greatest boxer of his age. While sailing with the Argonauts, he defeated and killed Amycus, a brutal king who forced every traveler to box with him.
Why are Castor and Pollux the constellation Gemini?
When Castor was killed, Pollux asked Zeus to let him share his immortality with his brother. Zeus agreed, and the twins were placed in the sky as Gemini.
Explore More Heroes of Greek Mythology
