2 fathers

[gnostic]

Now, I know in myths, anything is possible. Plus, biology isn’t my strongest science...hence my questions here.

In Greek myths, 2 birth stories stand out.

In the story of Heracles (Hercules in Latin), he was actually a twin, his brother was Iphicles, who was father of Iolaus, Heracles’ loyal company in some of his adventures. Anyway, his mother Alcmene bore the twins, but while Zeus was Heracles’s father, Amphitryon was Iphicles’.

And in another myth, one version of this myth, say that Castor and Polydeuces (Pollux), Clymnestra and Helen, were all born to the Spartan Queen, Leda. The father of Polydeuces and Helen were Zeus, while King Tyndareus was father of Castor and Clymnestra.

Now I have no interests in asking questions about demigods, children being part god and part mortal. But I am interested in asking,

is it biological possible for mother to have twins, triplets, etc, whose children’ fathers were of two different men?

If it is not possible to happen among humans, can such multiple birth happened to other animals?

 

[The Hammer]

is it biological possible for mother to have twins, triplets, etc, whose children’ fathers were of two different men?

If it is not possible to happen among humans, can such multiple birth happened to other animals?

In humans I do not think it is possible.

But it is possible for a litter of puppies to have multiple fathers for instance.

Edit: correction. It's possible in humans, but very rare.
Superfecundation - Wikipedia

 

[ChristineM]

is it biological possible for mother to have twins, triplets, etc, whose children’ fathers were of two different men?

Yes. Fraternal twins can have 2 father's.
Views vary from a very rare occurrence to as many as 12% of fraternal twins having 2 fathers

 

[Harel13]

Superfetation - Wikipedia
https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/2021/04/08/conceive-baby-while-pregnant/

Rare but I guess technically possible.

 

[gnostic]

Thank everyone.

This is something new to learn to be true. I wasn't sure if this was possible or not.

 

[Native]

But I am interested in asking,
is it biological possible for mother to have twins, triplets, etc, whose children’ fathers were of two different men?
If it is not possible to happen among humans, can such multiple birth happened to other animals?

1) Could you provide links to your used articles?
2) Why do you ask human questions when dealing with mythical deities?

 

[ChristineM]

2) Why do you ask human questions when dealing with mythical deities?

Note which thread this is in