Hebe Restores the Youth of Iolaus

Canonical narrative

The children of Heracles have fled to Attica under threat from Eurystheus, and old Iolaus has stayed beside them when younger allies failed. Battle finally turns against their pursuer. Iolaus sees Hyllus drive out, climbs into the chariot, takes the reins, and strains after Eurystheus. Age is now the last barrier between the defender and the man who hunted his family.

Crossing the hill of Pallene, Iolaus prays to Hebe and Zeus. He does not ask to escape age forever. He asks for one day of youth, enough time to punish the enemy. Two stars settle above the horses’ yoke and cast the chariot into darkness. The messenger says learned interpreters identify them as Heracles and Hebe. From that shadow the old man appears with a young body and strong arms.

Iolaus drives on, overtakes Eurystheus near the Scironian rocks, binds his hands, and brings him back alive. Hebe’s intervention is exact and temporary. Youth arrives as the strength needed for one act of protection and justice. The tragedy does not promise perpetual rejuvenation, a fountain of youth, or a rite for reversing age.

Episodes in this myth

Participants and roles

Source-scoped variants

Source witnesses