In
Greek mythology,
Cerberus (;
Kerberos ), often called the "hound of
Hades", is a monstrous
multi-headed dog, who guards the gates of the
underworld, preventing the dead from leaving. He was the offspring of the monsters
Echidna and
Typhon, and is usually described as having three heads, a serpent for a tail, with snakes protruding from various parts of his body. Cerberus is primarily known for his capture by
Heracles, one of Heracles'
twelve labours.