Bible Dictionary
Castor and Pollux
Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri, were twin heroes of Greek and Roman mythology regarded as protectors of sailors. Their figures likely marked the ship carrying Paul.
Definition
Castor and Pollux, called the Dioscuri, were twin heroes of Greek and Roman mythology. They were regarded as protectors of sailors and were represented by figures, stars, or a constellation.
Biblical Usage
Their figures probably appeared on the prow or as the figurehead of the ship carrying Paul, which Luke mentions in Acts.
Historical Background
They were identified as the twin sons of Jupiter and Leda and were associated in the heavens with Gemini. Their images were commonly connected with ships and sailors.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
The “Dioscuri”, two heroes of Greek and Roman mythology. Their figures were probably painted or sculptured on the prow of the ship which Luke refers to (Acts 28:11). They were regarded as the tutelary divinities of sailors. They appeared in the heavens as the constellation Gemini.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(Acts 28:11) the twin sons of Jupiter and Leda, were regarded as the tutelary divinities of sailors; hence their image was often used as a figure-head for ships. They appeared in heaven as the constellation Gemini . In art they were sometimes represented simply as stars hovering over a ship.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>kas'-ter, pol'-uks.</p><p>See DIOSCURI; ASTRONOMY.</p>