The Cerberus

There was now only one more feat to be accomplished and then Hercules would be free. But what would Eurystheus ask of him? Would he make it to the end? So Eurystheus called him one day and ordered him to go to the underworld and bring Cerberus back alive. But Cerberus was a monster with three dog-like heads, a dragon's tail, and on his back instead of hair he had snake heads.

Hercules and Charon

And then, who ever went to the underworld, the world of the dead? What will Hercules do? He's off to Laconia again now. For near Cape Taenaro was an underground road leading to Hades. Once he reached Lake Acherousia. There he found Charon in his boat and crossed him to the opposite shore.

Hercules in Hades

He went out and pulled for the god Pluto. He found him and told him why he came. And the god told him to take him if he could, but without his weapons. Hercules threw down his weapons and walked towards the entrance to Hades, where Cerberus was.

The completion of the labor

As soon as the monster saw him, he rushed at him, screaming. But Hercules caught up and grabbed him by the throat and squeezed him hard. Cerberus was paralyzed, so he bound him tightly and brought him, on the earth, through an opening in the earth, to Troezen. Thence he led him to Eurystheus. When the king saw him, he was so frightened that he ordered Hercules to take him back to Hades at once.