Iphicles
Iphicles (famous might) In Greek mythology, twin brother of Heracles, son of Amphitryon and Alcmena. When the two babies were in the cradle, Hera, ever hateful toward Heracles, sent two large snakes to destroy them, but Heracles, only a year old, squeezed the snakes to death. This story is cited in some accounts as evidence that Heracles was fathered by Zeus and Iphicles by Amphitryon. Iphicles was the father of Iolaus, who helped Heracles conquer the Lernean Hydra by cauterizing the place where the head had been cut off.
SOURCE:
Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante
