Mythical Twins Castor and Pollux Statues in Turin
The entrance to Palazzo Reale (Royal Palace) in Turin Italy, is guarded by the statues of two mythical twins, Castor and Pollux of Greek mythology. The statues looked majestic in spite of their worn off green color. These statues were installed here in 1841, made by an Italian sculptor Abbondio Sangiorgio.
Castor and Pollux Statues Turin
Local legend around this twin is that the twins Castor and Pollux watch over the border between the ‘sacred’ (white magic) and ‘diabolical’ (black magic) halves of the city. (If you believe in that sort of things.)
Turin is a point on Triangle of white magic triangle. Other points being in Prague and Lyon.
According to many, Turin forms part of both a black magic triangle, and a white magic triangle: the former with London and San Francisco, the latter with Prague and Lyon. These triangles are said to give Turin its magic, with the white triangle representing ‘good’ and the black triangle representing ‘evil’. Others believe Turin derives much of its power from the differing energies of the two rivers that inhabit it – the Po and the Dora Riparia.
Statues of Twin Brothers Castor and Pollux
The equestrian statues represent Castor and Pollux, the Dioscuri twins of Greek and Roman mythology and of the zodiac sign Gemini.
In Rome and Greece many temples venerated them. In 495 BC, after victory in battle, the Temple of Castor and Pollux was constructed in Rome. They were honored in Rome thereafter and feature on many of their ancient coins.
When Castor was slain in battle, Pollux begged his father, Jupiter, to let him follow Castor into the underworld. Moved by Pollux’s love for his twin, Jupiter instead decided the two would share the fate of life and death by spending one day under the earth and the next in the heavenly abodes. Here in Turin, they guard an invisible line where the sacred and diabolical parts of the city meet.
Statue of Pollux in Turin
You may like these:
- Statues at the University of Coimbra Portugal
- Statues on Milan Duomo Rooftop
- Statue of Joan of Arc in Orleans France
Pin this for later
Very nice pictures with interesting information.
The sculpture in the last pic. is magnifique ! Love that star on the head !
Wonder why we dont have sculptors like them anymore! Such lovely detailing. Lovely shots and interesting story.
Fascinating story and great pictures.
Magnificent statues Indrani, and a fascinating story. Thank you!
The statues are very impressive. Thanks for the information about Castor and Pollux. I didn't know about the international triangle of white magic before.
The story of the twins make me think of the Asian concept of Yin-Yang, necessary and complementary opposites. Handsome lads on these horses, and I personally like a verdigris finish on bronze.
Castor and Pollux, my favorite twins!
Thanks for sharing this – I learn so much from following memes.
Very informative article. Love the way you took photo of the statue. Have a nice weekend.
Intersting read, Did not know about the twins, Thanks
Interesting post and cool statues. Happy skywatching.
I never realised the twins of Gemini had names ( how stupid of me!). Nice piece of info.
Great shots – and I like the lovely legend of the devoted twins.
lovely patina on the statue. the international triangle of white magic is quite intriguing–will check it out.:p
always find statues interesting.
happy weekend.
http://www.ewok1993.wordpress.com
very interesting! this was one story i hadnt read!
Great photos of the statue, the white magic is intriguing..is there no black magic?hehe
Amazing. Beautiful. Thank you.
Very interesting information and the statues are very beautiful.
Awesome captures and history!
Happy SWF.
Regards.
Fascinating history, beautiful statues and lovely blue skies! Those make for a terrific post for the day and you always have one of those, Indrani! Enjoy your weekend!
Sylvia
Very beautiful statues.
cool shots with interestig info
Beautiful shot of the statue against the azure sky, and an intriguing story behind it.
I love that idea of an 'international triangle of white magic'. I wonder what 'white magic' is?
Interesting story to go with those shots.
I have never heard of the international triangle of white magic. I'm going to check this out.