Castor and Pollux Statuettes, Bronze

Castor and Pollux statuettes

Experience the timeless elegance of the bronze statuettes of the Dioscuri Castor and Pollux (Greek: Castor and Polydeuces), masterfully crafted from real, solid bronze. These exquisite statuettes are the result of precise craftsmanship and are individually produced in our own workshop using an elaborate lost wax casting process.

Castor and Pollux, the patron gods of horsemen and cavalry, have their roots deep in Indo-Germanic heritage and were closely associated with chivalry and the exciting horse races in the circus in Roman times. As radiant figures of light of the constellation Gemini and protectors of travellers and sailors, they guided people safely through the night, whether on land or on the open sea.

The bronze figures are modelled on a group of figures made of marble. The original statuettes, which are around 60cm tall, probably come from a Mithraeum in Sidon (Lebanon), where they were found in the 19th century. From a Lebanese private collection via the antiquities trade and other stops, the statuettes were eventually loaned to the Metropolitan Museum in New York.
The special stars above the heads of the figures, which refer to the iconic constellation, were modelled on a find from the Berlin Cast Collection of Ancient Sculpture.

These statuettes not only combine skilful craftsmanship with ancient mythology, but also make an impressive decorative piece for your home or a unique gift for collectors and lovers of ancient art. These extraordinary statuettes are of course also suitable lucky charms for every rider and horse lover!

Image of the original: Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

The mythology

The story of Castor and Pollux (Greek: Castor and Polydeukes) comes from Greek mythology. The two brothers are known as the Dioscuri ("sons of Zeus") and play an important role in ancient tales. They are also closely associated with the Gemini constellation.

Origin and birth

Castor and Pollux were the sons of Leda, the queen of Sparta, and had two different fathers. Leda was seduced on the same night by her husband Tyndareos, the king of Sparta, and by the god Zeus in the form of a swan. This led to a special birth: Leda laid two eggs from which four children hatched. Castor and Clytemnestra, the children of Tyndareos and therefore mortal, emerged from the first egg. Pollux and Helena, the children of Zeus and immortal demigods, hatched from the second egg.

This unusual origin makes Castor and Pollux half-brothers and leads to their most important characteristic: Pollux was immortal, but Castor was not.

The close bond between the brothers

Castor and Pollux were considered inseparable and were known for their close brotherly love. They were brave warriors and heroes who went on numerous adventures together. In mythology, they are often depicted as protectors of travellers, sailors and soldiers. They symbolised bravery, loyalty and the sacred bond between brothers.
Castor is often referred to as the 'horse tamer' because he was known in Greek mythology as an excellent horseman and horse breeder.

The adventures of the Dioscuri

The Dioscuri are present in several myths and heroic stories. For example, they take part in the voyage of the Argo, where they accompany Jason on his search for the Golden Fleece. During this journey, Pollux proved his strength as a pugilist by defeating the giant Amykos, an enemy king, in battle. They also accompanied Hercules on his journey to the Amazons.

The brothers fell in love with Phoibe and Hilaeira, the daughters of Leucippus. However, they were already betrothed, which is why Castor and Pollux simply abducted the women. This triggered a dispute with the cousins of the Dioscuri, Idas and Lynceus, which quickly escalated: Idas slew the mortal Castor. Pollux, full of anger and grief, then killed Lynceus. When Idas tried to kill Pollux, Zeus intervened and struck him down with a thunderbolt.

Pollux's sacrifice for Castor

Pollux was inconsolable after Castor's death. As he was immortal, he did not want to accept the loss of his brother. Pollux asked Zeus to give Castor immortality as well so that they could stay together. Zeus was impressed by Pollux's brotherly love and offered him a choice: Either he should stay young forever and live among the gods, or alternate each day between spending one day in the subterranean realm of Hades, the realm of the dead, and one day in Olympus with the gods, growing old and eventually dying. Without hesitation, Polydeuces chose the second option and from that moment on accompanied his brother on his travels between Olympus and Hades.
Zeus eventually placed them in the sky as the constellation Gemini to immortalise their inseparable love.

Meaning and veneration

The Dioscuri were worshipped as patron gods in the Greek and Roman world. Sailors in particular called on them for help, as they were considered saviours in storms. When two luminous apparitions (the so-called Elms fire, caused by electrical discharges) became visible on the masts of ships, this was seen as a sign that Castor and Pollux were holding their protective hand over the ship. Numerous temples were erected in their honour in Greek and Roman times, they were depicted on coins and immortalised on other everyday objects.

Symbolism

The story of Castor and Pollux is a symbol of brotherly love and loyalty. Pollux's willingness to sacrifice for Castor is often interpreted as an example of selfless love. Their duality symbolises opposites such as mortality and immortality, day and night, life and death. They also symbolise divine eternity as a constellation and are still revered today as protectors of travellers and horsemen.

The legend of the Dioscuri has inspired artists, writers and astronomers for centuries and is still one of the most famous stories in Greek mythology.