Greek MythsHeroes

Hercules and Cerberus

Hercules completes his final labor by wrestling the three-headed guard dog of the Underworld.

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Illustration for Hercules and Cerberus - a heroes Greek Myths story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Relive the legend of Hercules and Cerberus as the Greek hero descends into the Underworld to capture the three-headed hound in his final, most difficult labor.

To complete his twelfth and final labor, Hercules was tasked with the most daunting feat of all: capturing Cerberus, the three-headed hound that guarded the gates of the Underworld. Hercules descended into the realm of the dead, eventually standing before Hades himself. The god of the Underworld agreed to let the hero take the beast, but only on the condition that Hercules subdue Cerberus using nothing but his own physical strength—no weapons allowed. Clad in the impenetrable skin of the Nemean Lion, Hercules lunged at the snarling creature, wrapping his powerful arms around all three necks at once. Despite the beast's snapping jaws and thrashing serpent tail, Hercules held fast, his grip unrelenting. Eventually, the air was squeezed from the monster, and Cerberus surrendered. Hercules paraded the terrified dog before King Eurystheus, who hid in a jar in fear, before the hero honorably returned the guardian to his post at the gates of Hades.

The Moral

True strength is not found in the weapons one carries, but in the discipline and courage of the spirit.

“I come not to conquer your kingdom, Hades, but to master the beast that guards its gate.”

Fun Fact

According to ancient lore, the poisonous plant aconite, or monkshood, first grew from the spots where Cerberus’s acidic saliva hit the earth during his journey to the surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Hercules and Cerberus?

The story teaches that perseverance and self-reliance allow a person to overcome even the most impossible obstacles. It also highlights the importance of honor, as Hercules fulfills his promise to return the beast.

Why did Hercules have to capture Cerberus?

It was the twelfth and final labor assigned by King Eurystheus. The labors were meant to be impossible tasks to atone for the crimes Hercules committed while driven mad by Hera.

How did Hercules defeat Cerberus?

Hercules defeated the beast using only his bare hands. He used his immense strength to wrestle the dog into submission by choking its three necks until it grew weak and surrendered.

What happened to Cerberus after the labor?

After showing the beast to King Eurystheus to prove his success, Hercules stayed true to his deal with Hades. He safely escorted the three-headed dog back to the gates of the Underworld.

Who is Cerberus in Greek mythology?

Cerberus is the multi-headed dog (usually three heads) that guards the entrance to the Underworld. His job is to prevent the dead from leaving and the living from entering.

Did Hades help Hercules?

Hades did not help him, but he did not stop him either. He gave Hercules permission to take Cerberus as long as the hero could do it without using any weapons or armor beyond his lion skin.