Can Cerbero

MYTHOLOGY

Heracles drives Cerberus ahead of him. 

The beast turns one of his heads back in a threatening manner

 and raises its snake tail.

Faultily-fired Attic neck amphora. Found in Vulci.

Date: c. 540 BC

Location: Munich State Collection of Antiques

Cerberus is the guard at the gate that connects the living world with Hades. Hades is a dark region where Persephone and Hades reign, they are the rulers of the underworld. It is the place where the souls of the dead ones go. Cerberus ensures that no mortal enters into the world of the dead ones, and that no dead one escapes from their world. It's a very fierce being, with the body of a dog with three heads and a tail snake's tail. Its eyes are red and are illuminated by a supernatural light. Its fangs are permeated with black and deadly poison. It is feared by its strength and aggressiveness. Its tail is used to catch its enemy.

It has two weaknesses; honey and music. It was beaten twice. The first defeat was enacted by Orpheus, who managed to charm Cerberus, with the music of his lyre. Hercules beat Cerberus by bounding it with his enormous strength. This episode is known as one of the  "Twelve Labors of Hercules". Honey is the other weakness of Cerberus. The few survivors of Cerberus rage who returned have said that cakes with honey calm the fierce animal.

Coin in which appears Cerberus.

Date: 216-211 BC

Found in Capua

Hercules and Cerberus

Statue

Author: Antonin Pavel Wagner

Location: Michaelertor, Hofburg Palace, Vienna, Austria

MEANING

“Cerberus” is used to describe someone that cares or looks after someone or something.

In the RAE it is listed as: Cerberus, ra.

(From can and Cerberus, the three-headed dog guarding the gate of hell).

1. m. and f. coll. Violent or rude guard or keeper.

2. m. Dep. Goalkeeper (Player that defends the goal).