In Greek mythology, Hylas was the son of King Theiodamas of the Dryopians. When Heracles killed his father, he spared Hylas and the pair became great friends - some say lovers. Heracles took him with him on the Argo, making Hylas one of the Argonauts. On this trip, Hylas was kidnapped by a nymph at the spring of Pegae. Heracles, along with Polyphemus, searched for a long time. The ship set sail without them. Hylas' ultimate fate was unknown.

Hercules and Hylas; Detail from the Cista Ficoroni, 4th c. BCE, engraving on bronze Etruscan ritual urn; Villa Borghese, Rome