Iolaus

Heracles and his nephew, helper and eromenos Iolaus. 1st c. CE mosaic from the Anzio Nymphaeum, Rome

In Greek mythology, Iolaus was a Theban divine hero, son of Iphicles and thus a nephew of Heracles. He often acted as Heracles' charioteer and companion, and was thought to have also been Heracles' eromenos (beloved).

Plutarch reports that down to his own time male couples would go to Iolaus' tomb in Thebes to swear an oath of loyalty to the hero and to each other.Plutarch, Erotikos, 761d This initiatory myth is believed to be of ancient origin. The tomb of Iolaus is also mentioned by Pindar.Pindar, Olympian Odes, IX. 98-99 The Theban gymnasium was also named after him, and the Iolaeia, an athletic festival consisting of gymnastic and equestrian events, was held yearly in Thebes in his honor.Pindar, Olympian Ode, VIII, 84

Heracles and Iolaus, with Eros between them. 4th c. BCE Etruscan ritual vessel

When Heracles was having trouble slaying the multi-headed Hydra because two heads sprang out every time one was cut off, Iolaus cauterized each neck as Heracles beheaded it, and enabled the Hydra to be killed. Heracles married his ex-wife Megara to Iolaus because the sight of her reminded him of his murder of their three children. Iolaus and Megara had a daughter, Leipephilene. He was one of the Heraclidae.Ovid IX, 394.

Upon Heracles' death, Iolaus lit the funeral pyre. Note: sometimes, this was Philoctetes instead.