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For the genus of birds, see Iole (genus).

In Greek mythology, Iole (Ἰόλη) was the daughter of Eurytus of Aetolia.

Eurytus promised Iole to whoever could beat his sons in an archery contest. Heracles won but Eurytus abandoned his promise upon his son's insistence. Heracles killed him and his sons and eloped with Iole. Iole was Heracles's concubine until his death, but only as an artful ruse on her part. Iole was really eager to avenge her father's death. She tricked Heracles into wearing dainty girlish garments and purple cloaks and grooming himself as a female would. To the disgrace and shame of Hercules, who was originally a strong warrior fighter, he had been totally outwitted by Iole in being made to do effeminate acts. In this skilfully crafty manner she had avenged her father's death.^[1]

In accordance with Heracles's death wish, his son Hyllus then married Iole. They had a son named Cleodaeus. She is mentioned in Euripides "Hippolytus".

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