Twins in Mythology

Miranda Madden is a senior at Slippery Rock University and spent the past summer as an intern at the Herald. This is the first in a series of articles about twins that Miranda was hounded by a certain co-worker to write because she is a twin. Enjoy!

Twins in mythology seem to be a phenomenon that brings about conflicting views. They can never be just normal people; they are either providers of great success or providers of mass destruction–no in between!

Most mythological tales depict twins as beings who bring great fortune and prosperity. Greek mythology’s Castor and Pollux are two who represent protection, loyalty, and divine favor.

In the myth, Castor and Pollux are twins who share a mother, but do not have the same father. Pollux is the son of Zeus, God of the sky, lightning, and thunder, while Castor is the son Tyndareus, the mortal king of Sparta. With Pollux’s connection to Zeus, they have a divine heritage which gives them a special status amongst both man and God.

Their most famous tale is one that symbolizes the power of brotherhood and bravery. In the tale, Castor, being a mortal, is killed during battle. Pollux, to bring his brother back, chooses to share his immortality with his brother, which leads to their shared existence as the Gemini constellation in the heavens.

The selflessness that Pollux displayed is seen as a great example of fraternal loyalty.

On the other hand, there are still tales that see twins as bringers of misfortune and disruption. In Greek mythology, twin giants, Otus and Ephialtes, also known as the Aloadae, were notable figures who brought about destruction and chaos.

In the tale, the Aloadae rebel against the Gods and attempt to invade and conquer Mount Olympus. Along with their rebellion, they plan to capture two goddesses, Artemis and Hera. Their acts of rebellion and reckless ambition are significant threats to the divine order.

These two giants exhibit attributes that are greatly condemned: hubris, the Greek term for excessive pride, and impiety. Their actions cause great chaos amongst the gods, and threaten the balance between mortal and divine.

Twins are beings who seem to be special in either a glorious way or destructive way in many myths. Although twins can symbolize balance and protection, they can also represent conflict and turmoil.

What did twins do in the past to only be either highly praised or completely abhorred in these tales?!