Norsery Rhymes from A to Z Happy Thorsday - The Dioscuri as Alcis, Castor and Pollux, Well here we are another Thor’s Day and another 20 min sketch of a Norse (and Germanic) mythological characters. This week it’s The Dioscuri / Dioskouroi , Norse worshiped versions of Castor / Kastor / Kaster and Pollux / Pollix/ Polydeus the Gemini twins, linked with the Norse Alcis twin gods.
The Germainc tribe of the Naharnavali of the south Baltic Sea, Various Scandinavian fishing communities, and some North Sea Celts, Worshiped the Dioscuri as the Alcis. Swapping Pollux’s Greek father Zues, who seduces Leda their mother, as a swan, and Castor’s father Tyndareus the King of Sparta with Odin. Keeping their Mother Leda’s role intact.
In Greek myth they are listed as mortal, immortal, mixed, and even one scenario where Pollux sacrifices half his immortality to have his brother adopted by Zues / Odin also become divine, meaning they would both live forever free and clear during the day, and then be tied to staying as stars at night.
They are thought of as great hunters, and sailors. Gods of seafaring households, who gave help with fertility and sailing with favourable winds and help when shipwrecked.
In their sacred grove, priests and priestesses would wear gowns and worship the young brothers. Originally the Alcis were very much a regional pair, they evolved over time to be linked to the Dioscuri.
For a sketch of the Alcis and a quick note you can see my post here: https://jeffreystewart.tumblr.com/post/156724122459/happy-thorsday-alcis-well-here-we-are-another