Twins (Jesus, mysticism, creation, hell, myth)

[Willamena]

Since I became aware of what unity/duality is many things in mythology make more sense to me (d'uh). Today I was thinking of the symbol of the Twins, in particular --two boys who are different and yet inseparable, and who live out the story of their lives together "as if one." One is immortal with a god for a father; the other of mortal descent; both born of or fed upon the breast of the same mother.

The concept of "unity and duality" can be seen in different forms, but as a symbol "the Twins" can directly represent a particular vision of unity/duality in religion. Each is a half of who we each are as a whole conscious being: one foot in the heaven of ideal being, where we identify a "true" self with God (soul), our Father; and one grounded in the reality that conscious recognition presents us with, and with which we must deal in a social life.

The Twins can also symbolize two views of unity/duality from the perspective of people who have embraced mysticism and those who have not --one boy is a dreamer, the other more practical. And from yet another perspective, between them they are a symbol of duality alone, standing in contrast to each other and to the gods who gave them birth.

Comments?

[doppelgänger]

Oh . . . you just have to read I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. You have to . . .!

I'd think we could have a really excellent discussion about it.

[Guitar's Cry]

Originally Posted by Willamena

Since I became aware of what unity/duality is many things in mythology make more sense to me (d'uh). Today I was thinking of the symbol of the Twins, in particular --two boys who are different and yet inseparable, and who live out the story of their lives together "as if one." One is immortal with a god for a father; the other of mortal descent; both born of or fed upon the breast of the same mother.

The concept of "unity and duality" can be seen in different forms, but as a symbol "the Twins" can directly represent a particular vision of unity/duality in religion. Each is a half of who we each are as a whole conscious being: one foot in the heaven of ideal being, where we identify a "true" self with God (soul), our Father; and one grounded in the reality that conscious recognition presents us with, and with which we must deal in a social life.

The Twins can also symbolize two views of unity/duality from the perspective of people who have embraced mysticism and those who have not --one boy is a dreamer, the other more practical. And from yet another perspective, between them they are a symbol of duality alone, standing in contrast to each other and to the gods who gave them birth.

Comments?

This is an impressive interpretation!

The Twin (often referred to as doppelganger) is an important literary device used to show the relationship between characters. This relationship is often highly important to the allegory of the story. Mary Shelly's Frankenstein is an excellent example: Dr. Frankenstein and his monster/creation are essentially twins. Both have social and existential yearnings, yet fail to achieve their goals due to their actions and presentation. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Stevenson is a well-known example of the good/evil duality created through religious and secular conflict. Jesus and Lucifer could be said to be Twins, as well as God and Satan.

I like your mystical interpretation! That one side of us is practical, and the other mystical is something I take to heart. I am not the scientist alone, I am also the poet. Logic unbridled is just as dangerous as religion unbridled.

[Nanda]

I love mythological themes of duality; but then, I'm a gemini.

Gemini, the blade and the chalice, yin and yang, male and female, light and darkness; whether it be a doppelganger, or simply the duality within a person, I love the idea. (Even the majority of my tattoos reflect this.)

[Willamena]

Originally Posted by doppelgänger

Oh . . . you just have to read I Know This Much is True by Wally Lamb. You have to . . .!

I'd think we could have a really excellent discussion about it.

Oh, great. My reading list is already longer than my arm.