Iolaus
heroIolaus was Heracles' beloved nephew and charioteer who helped him slay the Hydra by cauterising the stumps — the essential companion to the greatest hero.
The Myth
Son of Iphicles, Iolaus drove Heracles' chariot and fought alongside him. During the Hydra labour, when Heracles discovered that cutting heads only multiplied them, Iolaus devised the solution: after each decapitation, he seared the stump with a burning torch, preventing regrowth. Eurystheus used Iolaus's assistance to disqualify the labour. Iolaus later defended Heracles' children from persecution and was briefly rejuvenated by Hebe to fight one last battle.
Parents
Iphicles and Automedusa
Symbols
Explore Further
Hebe
godHebe served nectar to the gods and married Heracles.
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Heracles
heroThe greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his...
Hydra
creatureA monstrous water serpent with multiple heads that grew two more whenever one was cut off. Slaying...
Io
heroIo was a priestess of Hera whom Zeus seduced and then transformed into a white cow to hide from his...
Iphicles
heroIphicles was the mortal twin brother of Heracles — born the same night to the same mother but...