Autolycus was the son of Hermes and Chlone and became a trickster, much like his father. He married either Neaera or Amphithea and had two daughters, Anticlea and Polymede.
His two daughters became the mothers of two Greek heroes:
- Anticlea bore Odysseus
- Polymede bore Jason.
He inherited the arts of theft and trickery from his father, and he could not be caught by anyone while stealing. He also possessed a helmet that rendered him invisible to the human eye. He taught Heracles the art of wrestling, but he later caused trouble to the demigod; after Autolycus stole the cattle of Eurytus, the latter accused Heracles of the theft. The hero went mad listening to these accusations and killed Eurytus and his wife, as well as Autolycus' son, Iphitus. As a result, Heracles had to serve the gods for three years as a punishment.