Cerberus
Cerberus
Cerberus is a gigantic three-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld for Hades. He has glowing red eyes, and is described in The Lightning Thief as being mostly see-through, like the spectres of the dead. When visible, he is a colossal black dog with a snake for a tail and a three-holed black collar. He is the father of all hellhounds.
While he possesses a fierce guardian instinct, following strict orders from Hades, he does show certain dog-like qualities, such as when Annabeth distracts him with a red ball in The Lightning Thief. He also enjoys playing with Mrs. O’Leary [Percy Jackson’s pet hellhound], who he easily dwarfs. Mrs. O’Leary is comparable to the size of a garbage truck.
He has been charmed or distracted in order to let people pass into the Underworld at least three times: once with Orpheus’ music, once with a honey cake from Psyche, and once by Annabeth Chase (as seen above).
Cerberus is an icon of Greek Mythology, a famed and unique beast.
Cerberus features in the legend of Orpheus, the musician.
Cerberus features in the myth of Eros and Psyche.
Cerberus is seen in the books: The Lightning Thief, The Last Olympian, Son of Neptune, The Staff of Serapis and Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods.
Sources & Credits
Basic Information
Parents: Typhon and Echidna
Realm: Underworld
Symbol: Three Headed Dog
Cerberus is a gigantic three-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld for Hades. He has glowing red eyes, and is described in The Lightning Thief as being mostly see-through, like the spectres of the dead. When visible, he is a colossal black dog with a snake for a tail and a three-holed black collar. He is the father of all hellhounds.
While he possesses a fierce guardian instinct, following strict orders from Hades, he does show certain dog-like qualities, such as when Annabeth distracts him with a red ball in The Lightning Thief. He also enjoys playing with Mrs. O’Leary [Percy Jackson’s pet hellhound], who he easily dwarfs. Mrs. O’Leary is comparable to the size of a garbage truck.
He has been charmed or distracted in order to let people pass into the Underworld at least three times: once with Orpheus’ music, once with a honey cake from Psyche, and once by Annabeth Chase (as seen above).
Cerberus is an icon of Greek Mythology, a famed and unique beast.
Brief History
Cerberus features in the Twelve Labours of Heracles. The hero takes the monster out of the Underworld with Hades’ permission, and returns him after he has shown his cousin Eurystheus. It is said that where the dog’s saliva fell, aconite flowers bloomed.Cerberus features in the legend of Orpheus, the musician.
Cerberus features in the myth of Eros and Psyche.
Cerberus is seen in the books: The Lightning Thief, The Last Olympian, Son of Neptune, The Staff of Serapis and Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods.
Trivia
-Cerberus may have the ability to consume the souls of the dead.
-While it is commonly believed that Cerberus’ name translates to “Spotted” (Hades called his dog Spot), this is untrue.
-He is one of the three monsters Percy is too afraid to engage in combat, with Ladon and Kampê.
-There may be other Cerberuses in the Underworld, hinted at by Serapis.
Sources & Credits
Information from Cerberus - Riordan Wiki
Written by Invern Solstorn