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Metamorphoses · Chapter

Iolaus Restored to Youth explained

At Hercules' request, Hebe restores youth to Iolaus, bringing joy to Alcmena and Iole.

What happens

At Hercules' request, Hebe restores youth to Iolaus, bringing joy to Alcmena and Iole.

Themes in this chapter

  • Transformation and Metamorphosis

    Iolaus is physically transformed from old age back to youth by divine intervention.

  • Mortality and Immortality

    The restoration of youth blurs the line between mortal aging and divine power over life.

Characters to notice

  • Hercules

    Requests Hebe to restore youth to Iolaus.

  • Hebe

    Goddess of youth who restores Iolaus' youth at Hercules' request.

  • Iolaus

    Son of Hercules and Hebe, restored to youth.

  • Alcmena

    Mother of Hercules, weeps with joy at Iolaus' restoration.

  • Iole

    Declares the fatal change, present at the restoration.

Key passages

  • “Hebe, at the request of Hercules, renews the youth of her son Iolaus.”

    Hercules asks Hebe to make Iolaus young again.

    Central action of the chapter.

  • “A youth he stood, and the soft down began O’er his smooth chin to spread, and promise man.”

    Iolaus appears as a young man with the first signs of a beard.

    Describes Iolaus' restored youthful appearance.

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