Myths in the Sky: the Bull and the Twins

The Bull (lat. Taurus)

This is a very ancient zodiac constellation in which the vernal equinox existed from 4000 till 1700 В. C. The Phoenician King's daughter Europa was picking flowers on the seashore. Suddenly a big bull came up to her. He seemed to be tamed and turned his back to her as if he were playing. As soon as Europa jumped on him, the bull made for the sea and struck out, carrying his rash captive. The bull was Zeus, who had kidnapped Europa in such a crafty way.

^{Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 27}

The Twins (lat. Gemini)

This is an ancient constellation. The brothers Castor and Pollux, the sons of Zeus and Leda, were among the greatest heroes of Greece. The brothers, who participated in the Argonaut's, search for the Golden Fleece, during which they accomplished many feats of valour, were called Dioscuri. When Castor perished in battle, Zeus gave Pollux immortality, but the latter refused to accept it without sharing it with his brother. Moved by the brothers' love of each other, Zeus complied with Pollux' request, but only on the condition that the brothers would live by turns, and placed them among the constellations.

^{Johannes Hevelius, atlas Firmamentum Sobiescianum, Map 28}