Iolaus | Hercules’ Friend, Labors & Heroism (2024)

Greek mythology

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Iolaus, ancient Greek hero, the nephew, charioteer, and assistant of Heracles. He was the son of Iphicles, himself mortal half brother of Heracles by the same mother, Alcmene.

Iolaus aided Heracles in his second Labour, the slaying of the Hydra and its ally the crab. He also went with Heracles to the far west to capture the cattle of the giant Geryon (the 10th Labour). Hence he was associated with various places in Sicily and, later, in Sardinia—which he is said to have colonized with the 50 children Heracles had with the daughter of King Thespius. Iolaus was a famous charioteer; he won the chariot race at the first Olympic Games (founded by Heracles) and the race at the funeral games of Pelias. According to Pindar as well as to Euripides’ Children of Heracles (430 bc), Iolaus defended Heracles’ children from the attacks of Heracles’ old enemy Eurystheus. Iolaus had a hero cult at Thebes, but elsewhere he was worshipped only in conjunction with Heracles.

Iolaus | Hercules’ Friend, Labors & Heroism (1)

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From Athena to Zeus: Basics of Greek Mythology

Iolaus | Hercules’ Friend, Labors & Heroism (2024)

FAQs

Was Iolaus Hercules lover? ›

Moreover, according to the Greek historian Plutarch, Hercules's list of lovers 'went beyond numbering', including many male lovers, such as Jason, Adonis, or Iolaus. The last of these, Iolaus, accompanid Hercules on his expedition against Troy, as well as on some of his labours, serving as charioteer and shield-bearer.

What is the moral of the 12 Labors of Hercules? ›

To atone for his evil deeds, Hercules was required to complete 12 seemingly impossible tasks, known to us as the 12 Labors of Hercules. In order to surmount these superhuman challenges, Hercules, for starters, had to learn to redirect his immense anger and rage into eradicating rather than wreaking evil.

During what labor is Heracles helped by his friend Iolaos? ›

Iolaus aided Heracles in his second Labour, the slaying of the Hydra and its ally the crab. He also went with Heracles to the far west to capture the cattle of the giant Geryon (the 10th Labour).

What happened to Iolaus? ›

In saving Nebula, Iolaus was killed by the treacherous Gilgamesh and Dahak took Iolaus' body as his own.

Who was Hercules favorite wife? ›

By all accounts, Hercules and Megara had a happy married life. They loved and cared for each other and they had several children, usually between three and eight in various sources. Unlike Megara, who is an ordinary human woman, Hercules is the son of Zeus with the mortal woman Alcmene.

Who is Hercules crush? ›

Along the way, Hercules saves Megara from Nessus, a centaur acting as the river guardian, and falls in love with her. Unbeknownst to Hercules, Megara is unwillingly working for Hades and relates the events to him; through this, he learns that Hercules is still alive and plots to kill him at the start of his career.

Why did Hera hate Hercules? ›

Hera hates Heracles because he is a living reminder of her husband's infidelity. Because of this she is cruel to him. She could bring about Herakles' death but instead she wants him to suffer. She sends Madness to drive Heracles to murder his wife and progeny.

What was Hercules' weakness? ›

Answer and Explanation: Hercules' weakness was his temper and lack of intelligence. He was notorious for getting himself into trouble because of his temper. His inclination to react instead of think also illustrated his lack of intelligence and judgment.

What did the Greeks call Hercules? ›

Hercules (known in Greek mythology as Heracles or Herakles) is one of the best-known heroes in ancient mythology. His life was not easy—he endured many trials and completed many daunting tasks—but the reward for his suffering was a promise that he would live forever among the gods at Mount Olympus.

Which creature did Hercules not slay? ›

3. Cerynitian Hind. Eurystheus then sent Heracles to capture the Cerynitian Hind, a deer with golden horns that was sacred to the goddess Artemis. Because the deer was sacred to Artemis, Heracles could not kill it; he had to capture it alive.

Which god is Hercules? ›

Hercules (/ˈhɜːrkjʊˌliːz/, US: /-kjə-/) is the Roman equivalent of the Greek divine hero Heracles, son of Jupiter and the mortal Alcmena. In classical mythology, Hercules is famous for his strength and for his numerous far-ranging adventures.

Who was the queen of the Underworld? ›

Persephone is Queen of the Underworld in Ancient Greek mythology. Wife of Hades, and daughter of Zeus and Demeter, Persephone's journey to the underworld at the hands of Hades is a cornerstone myth.

How did Iolaus help Hercules? ›

Iolaus provided essential help to Heracles in his battle against the Hydra, his second labor. Seeing that Heracles was being overwhelmed by the multi-headed monster (the Lernaean Hydra), who grew two heads in place of each one cut off, Iolaus helped by cauterizing each neck as Heracles beheaded it.

What is the meaning of Iolaus? ›

Origin:Greek. Meaning:Of Iolaos; Arrow; Rust; Poison; People. Ideal for lovers of the mystique and Greek mythology, Iolaus is the perfect choice for your precious arrival. Iolaus is a masculine name of Greek origin and a variant of the name Iolaos.

How did Iolaus help Hercules defeat the sea monster Hydra? ›

Each time Hercules bashed one of the hydra's heads, Iolaus held a torch to the headless tendons of the neck. The flames prevented the growth of replacement heads, and finally, Hercules had the better of the beast. Once he had removed and destroyed the eight mortal heads, Hercules chopped off the ninth, immortal head.

Were Hercules and Hylas lovers? ›

After Hercules killed the youth's father in a dual, he took Hylas on as his weapon-bearer. He eventually became Hercules favourite companion and lover, accompanying on all his adventures, including aboard the Argo. Leslie's portrayal of Hylas as an androgynous, lithe and petite youth, is particularly distinctive.

Who was Hercules love interest? ›

Megara, better known as Meg, is the tritagonist from Disney's 1997 film Hercules and a character in its 1998 television series. She was Hercules' love interest, later wife and a heroine in the film. She was voiced by Susan Egan, who also did the character's singing voice.

Who is Heracles' lover? ›

Several years later Heracles fell in love with Iole, daughter of Eurytus, king of Oechalia.

Who was Hercules in love with in the movie? ›

Hercules & Megara Didn't Have A Happy Ending

In the Greek myth of Heracles, he also met Megara, and they had a relationship, but it was nothing like Disney's version. In Disney's Hercules, the title hero met Megara when he was looking for a chance to prove himself as a hero.

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