# Iolaus Restored to Youth explained — Metamorphoses

> Chapter companion for Metamorphoses by Ovid.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/iolaus-restored-to-youth
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters