Cerberus: The Watchdog of Hell
Cerberus, Kerberos in Greek, was a terrifying three-headed beast that was known as “Hades Watchdog”. He was in charge of watching over the Gates of The Underworld. He plays important roles on myths of other heroes and gods. Cerberus is still known today as the ferocious beast that patrolled the entrance of the Underworld and is remembered.
In ancient Greece, Cerberus was appointed by Hades to guard the entrance from any living person that may want to gain access to the Land of The Dead. He was also in charge of keeping the spirits of the dead inside the Underworld. Besides this duty, Cerberus didn’t rule over anything in particular. He was good at doing his job, however there has been a few instances in which…show more content… Cerberus’ mother was Echidna. She was half woman, half serpent. Cerberus’ father was Typhon, A ferocious beast that made Olympian gods fear him. Cerberus was also associated with the Goddess of magic, sorcery, witchcraft, crossroads, trivial knowledge, and necromancy, Hecate.
Other than protecting the Gates of Hell, Cerberus was involved in the lives of some heroes. He was involved in Heracles’ Twelve Labors. Hercules last labor was to abduct Cerberus and bring him to King Euretheus. He succeeded. Cerberus was also involved in Aeneas’ journey to visit his father. He was guided by a seer of Apollo and upon encountering Cerberus she throws
a cake at him which makes him fall asleep and allows them to proceed. Lastly he was involved in Orpheus’ treacherous journey to bring back her lover, Eurydice. When Orpheus faced Cerberus, he played a soothing tune with his Lyre and managed to put Cerberus in a deep slumber. Allowing him to enter the Underworld without any hassle. The myth of Cerberus gave rise to traditions that were celebrated by ancient Greeks and Romans. Before burying the dead, citizens would place a coin in one hand of the deceased and a cake in the other. The coin was given to them so they could pay Charon, a ferryman that would cross the souls on the newly deceased across the Styx River. The cake was for Cerberus; to help pacify Cerberus and allow them to enter to the Underworld. Other than these encounters, Cerberus wasn’t involved