
Cerberus or Kerberos in Greek and Roman mythology is a bronze multi-headed dog, usually three heads. Often referred too as a Hell Hound with a serpents tail, a mane of snakes and lions claws. It guards the entrance of the underworld to prevent those who entered from ever escaping. Although the depiction of Ceberus often differs and varies they often have the same body and same three heads.
The most notable difference is the number of its heads: Most sources describe or depict three heads; others show it with two or even just one; a smaller number of sources show a variable number, sometimes as many as 50 or even 100.
Cerberus is the offspring to Echidna, a hybrid half- woman and half- serpent, and Typhon, a gigantic monster even the Greek gods feared. It is the sibling of Lernaean Hydra, Orthrus a two headed hellhound, and the Chimera a three headed monster.
In most works, the three heads each respectively see and represent the past, the present, and the future, while other sources suggest the heads represent birth, youth, and old age. Each of Cerberus' heads is said to have an appetite only for live meat and thus allow only the spirits of the dead to freely enter the underworld, but allow none to leave. Cerberus was always employed as Hades' loyal watchdog, and guarded the gates that granted access and exit to the underworld.
Cerberus was often said to freely move between the land of the living and the underworld. It would often collect souls that refused to go to the underworld. There was a legend of Cerberus actually leaving the underworld and running amuck. It is said that the only one who could get close enough to stop Cerberus is Heracles. He was said to have stabbed Cerberus in the shoulder and drive him with such force back to Hades. At this time Hades did not wish to lose his loyal companion so he was said to have chained each head of Cerberus. Cerberus was said to have deeply hated being chained up and broke free once. At which time he was chained again and this time with no chance of breaking free.
Cerberus not only was a loyal watchdog and a guardian to the gates of the underworld but to Hades himself. He has been said to give each head a nickname while keeping the name Cerberus as a whole.
While the beast slumbers,
One can run free,
But be careful,
Should he wake..
One will be sent to hades,
For all sake.