In Greek mythology, who was Hercules’ mortal twin half-brother?

Iphicles was Hercules’ mortal twin half-brother in Greek mythology.

The twins were born to Alcmene, but they had different fathers. Zeus fathered Hercules after approaching Alcmene in the guise of Amphitryon, while Amphitryon fathered Iphicles. This made Hercules divine through Zeus and Iphicles fully mortal through Amphitryon.

The contrast between the brothers is a recurring feature of Hercules’ family story. Iphicles did not possess Hercules’ extraordinary strength, but he belonged to the same royal household and appears in myths connected with the hero’s youth and family. Iphicles’ son was Iolaus, who became one of Hercules’ most important companions.

The names can be confused because Iolaus often travels with Hercules during heroic adventures, while Iphicles is the older-generation family relation. Iolaus helped with the Hydra, but Iphicles was Hercules’ maternal twin half-brother.