The Greek mythological beast, Cerberus, is one of the most easily identifiable of all mythical creatures, and most people will identify a giant dog with three heads as Cerberus. Even today the imagery is still strong, and Fluffy from Harry Potter and Philosopher’s Stone is a modern day interpretation of the beast. In the original stories of Cerberus, the hound was a monster used by the Greek gods, and in particular Hades.

Cerberus was the offspring of the monsters, Typhon and Echidna. Brother to another hound, Orthrus, and sibling to the Sphinx, the Namean Lion, the Hydra, Ladon and the Chimera. Cerberus is normally described as having three heads, although occasionally with fifty or one hundred. Cerberus is also described as having a mane of snakes, a serpent’s tail and the claws of a lion.

The offspring of Typhon and Echidna were all given roles to test heroes, and as such would eventually be killed; the role of Cerberus was slightly different, and certainly longer lasting than that of most of his siblings. Cerberus was made guardian of Hades, the Underworld. Cerberus was tasked to patrol the banks of the Acheron, and the gates to Hades, to ensure that no mortal entered, and none of the dead departed the realm.

As guardian, Cerberus was not always successful, and stories tell of how the likes of Orpheus, Theseus, Pirithous and Heracles all made it past him.

The story of Heracles and Cerberus is probably the most famous of the tales involving the giant hound, and the encounter would prove to be the last of Heracles’ Twelve Tasks. The final task allotted by King Eurystheus was to capture a hound of Hades and bring him to the earth’s surface. Heracles, on reaching the Underworld, asked permission of Hades to take the hound, which the god agreed to. There was though the condition that Heracles had to remove the dog without harming it. A wrestling match ensued which saw Heracles victorious, and Cerberus was carried into the court of Eurystheus before being returned to Hades.

During the trip to the Underworld, Heracles would free Theseus, although failed to do the same for Pirithous; the angst of Hades making it impossible to remove Pirithous from his imprisonment.

Cerberus, on his return to the Underworld again took up his role of guardian of the gates of Hades, and was never accosted again.