The Story of Iolaus
Iolaus was the son of Iphicles, the mortal twin brother of Heracles, which made him Heracles' nephew. He became the hero's faithful companion and often served as his charioteer. Many of Heracles' adventures had Iolaus at his side.
Iolaus is best known for helping Heracles defeat the Hydra. Whenever Heracles cut off one of the monster's heads, two more grew in its place, so Iolaus burned each stump with a torch until no new heads could grow. Long after Heracles died and became a god, King Eurystheus attacked his children, and in Euripides' play the elderly Iolaus prayed to be young again for a single day, the gods granted his wish, and he captured Eurystheus in battle.
The Thebans honored Iolaus with games called the Iolaia, held near his tomb. Plutarch tells that pairs of lovers would swear oaths of loyalty there, because Iolaus stood for faithful friendship. Some tellings also say he led a group of Heracles' sons to settle the island of Sardinia.
Famous Myths About Iolaus
Fighting the Hydra
Iolaus drove Heracles' chariot to the swamp of the Hydra. As Heracles cut off each head, Iolaus burned the stump with a torch so no new heads could grow, and together they defeated the monster.
Young for a Day
Long after Heracles died, King Eurystheus attacked his children, and the elderly Iolaus went to defend them. He prayed to be young again for a single day, the gods granted his wish, and he captured Eurystheus in battle.
Iolaus's Family Tree
Parents of Iolaus
Partners of Iolaus
Children of Iolaus
Frequently Asked Questions About Iolaus
Who was Iolaus in Greek mythology?
Iolaus was the nephew of Heracles and his loyal charioteer and companion on many of his labors. He was the son of Iphicles, the mortal twin brother of Heracles.
How did Iolaus help Heracles kill the Hydra?
Each time Heracles cut off one of the Hydra's heads, two more grew back. Iolaus burned each stump with a torch so no new heads could grow.
What did Iolaus do after Heracles died?
Iolaus protected the children of Heracles from King Eurystheus. In one version, he was made young again for a single day so he could defeat Eurystheus in battle.
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