Iphicles- Greek FigureMortal"Twin Brother of Heracles"
Also known as: Iphikles, Ἰφικλής, and Iphiklēs
Titles & Epithets
Description
On the same night that Zeus sired Heracles, the mortal Amphitryon sired Iphicles. When Hera sent serpents to their cradle, Heracles strangled them. Iphicles screamed. He fathered Iolaus, Heracles' companion, and died in battle at his brother's side.
Mythology & Lore
The Mortal Twin
On a single night, Zeus took the form of Amphitryon and came to Alcmene's bed. He stretched the darkness until it lasted three nights' worth of hours. When the real Amphitryon returned from his war against the Taphians, he too lay with his wife. Alcmene bore twin sons from different fathers: Heracles from Zeus, Iphicles from Amphitryon.
The Serpents in the Cradle
Hera sent two serpents to the infants' cradle. The baby Heracles seized them and strangled them with his bare hands. Iphicles screamed and tried to crawl away. In Theocritus's telling, Amphitryon came running with his sword drawn, but the baby was already holding out the dead snakes.
Warrior and Father
Iphicles married Automedusa and fathered Iolaus, who would become Heracles' charioteer and closest companion. Iphicles himself fought beside his brother across the Peloponnese. In Apollodorus, he fell during Heracles' war against the sons of Hippocoon in Sparta. In Pausanias, the battle was against King Augeas of Elis. In both, Iphicles died fighting at his brother's side.