Twin Horse Gods: The Dioskouroi in Mythologies of the Ancient World

The Dioskouroi and Gemini were popular figures in the classical world, but no dedicated study has been published on them for over a hundred years. Henry John Walker's comparative study traces the origins, meanings, and applications of the twin divinities to social and ritual settings in Greece, Vedic India, Etruria, and classical Rome. He demonstrates that the Asvins were regarded as being halfway between gods and men, and that young Spartans saw themselves as standing midway between animal and human. These diverse and creative interpretations of the myth played a central role in the culture and society of antiquity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The twin deities known as the Dioskouroi and the Gemini were revered figures in the classical world, particularly associated with youth, low status, and service. Despite their popularity, no dedicated study has been published on the horse gods for over a hundred years. Henry John Walker's comparative study traces the origins, meanings, and applications of the twin divinities to social and ritual settings in Greece, Vedic India, Etruria, and classical Rome. In the Bronze and Early Iron Ages of Vedic India, the young horse gods, known as the Asvins, were seen to have similar characteristics to their Greco-Roman counterparts. They were quick to come to the rescue of those in trouble and were ready to assist the old, the weak, and the humble. Walker uncovers a great variety of loosely related beliefs and practices relating to the sibling deities, demonstrating that the Dioskouroi were regarded as being halfway between gods and men, while young Spartans saw themselves as standing midway between animal and human. These diverse and creative interpretations of the myth seem to have played a central role in the culture and society of antiquity.

Weight: 354g
Dimension: 139 x 218 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350197800