Pollux

Also known as: Ambulian Pollux · Family: Greek · Role: hero · First appears: Book 1 · Chapter 41

In Book 1, Theseus wished to connect himself by marriage with Pollux and Castor, and Timalcus went with the brothers to the siege of Aphidna. Book 3 identifies Pollux as one of the sons of Tyndareus, descended on their mother’s side from Pleuron; it also says the brothers were born at Pephnos and that Hermes took them to Pellana to be brought up. After they sought lodging with Phormio, his daughter and her attendants vanished the next day, and statues of the brothers were found in the chamber.

Pollux took part with Castor in the expedition against Aphidna, where Cnageus was captured and sold into slavery in Crete, and in the expedition with Jason. On their safe return from Colchi, the brothers were said to have erected a temple to Athene Asia. They were not reckoned gods until forty years after the battle between Idas and Lynceus. In Book 4, a quarrel over cattle ended with Pollux killing Lynceus, while Idas died after being struck by lightning.

Later accounts say an apparition of Pollux, Castor and Helen prevented Aristomenes from entering Sparta by night. At Athens, Pollux and Castor ran off with Helen and dragged Æthra away. The people of Elis sacrificed monthly at the brothers’ joint altar; Pollux is also named among the rivals of Admetus.