Cerberus (Kerberos)
KERBEROS (or Cerberus) was the gigantic hound which guarded the gates of the underworld. He was posted to prevent ghosts of the dead from leaving the underworld. Kerberos was described as a three-headed dog with a serpent's tail, a mane of snakes, and a lion's claws. Some say he had fifty heads, though this number might have included the heads of his serpentine mane.
Herakles was sent to fetch Kerberos forth from the underworld as one of his twelve labors, a task which he accomplished through the grace of Persephone.
Now, when you and I think of dogs, we think of “man’s best friend.” But, in the ancient world dogs were usually thought of as wild animals that ran in packs and scavenged at the edge of town. They were not as domesticated as today. And Cerberus incorporates not only the fearsome qualities of a wild dog, but was also said to have a mane, not of hair, but of live snakes! He was said to eat only live meat and was the offspring of Echidna, a half-woman, half-snake, and Typhon, a fire-breathing giant. Not the most pleasant of “dogs” to be sure.
You get the picture. In Greek mythology he “welcomed” you to Hades when you died and made sure you did not leave.
Herakles was sent to fetch Kerberos forth from the underworld as one of his twelve labors, a task which he accomplished through the grace of Persephone.
Now, when you and I think of dogs, we think of “man’s best friend.” But, in the ancient world dogs were usually thought of as wild animals that ran in packs and scavenged at the edge of town. They were not as domesticated as today. And Cerberus incorporates not only the fearsome qualities of a wild dog, but was also said to have a mane, not of hair, but of live snakes! He was said to eat only live meat and was the offspring of Echidna, a half-woman, half-snake, and Typhon, a fire-breathing giant. Not the most pleasant of “dogs” to be sure.
You get the picture. In Greek mythology he “welcomed” you to Hades when you died and made sure you did not leave.