Cerberus was the offspring of Echidna and Typhon, two Ancient Greek mythological monsters. Its siblings were also many-headed creatures, the beast Chimera and the serpent-like Hydra.
The Greek hero Hercules was given twelve labors, or tasks, by King Eurystheus. The twelfth and final labor was to capture Cerberus from Hades and bring him before the king. Hercules navigated the underworld and successfully captured Cerberus, also freeing the hero Theseus on his journey.
After presenting Cerberus to Eurystheus, the three-headed dog returned to the underworld. Some sources say Hercules brought him back, while others say he escaped on his own and found his way home.
