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Third metope of the treasury at Delphi.
Representation of the cattle lifting
raid in Arcadia, from Dioskuri. Kastor in front,
followed by Idas and
Polydeukes (Lynkeus, brother of Idas, not showing).
The Dioskuri (Kastor and Polydeukes) were sons of Zeus.
Kastor had the ability to tame wild horses and Polydeukes was a
master
in boxing. They were worshiped from the ancients, especially
Spartans,
as symbols of dexterity in fight and bravery. The same was true
for Idas
and Lynkeus, sons of Aphareous of Messenia.
Idas was the strongest of all men, as Homer says, and Lynkeus had
the
ability to see even inside the earth. They all took part in the
Argonautic
expedition. They came to quarrel between them, in dividing the
loot
(according to one account) after the raid. Idas stabbed Kastor and
Polydeukes pierced Lynkeus through. Idas was slain by the
lightning of Zeus.
Polydeukes, unlike his brother Kastor, had been born immortal. |
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