6.75"
 
Cold Cast Bronze
 
In Greek mythology, Cerberus is the fearsome, monstrous watchdog that guards the gates of the underworld, the realm of the dead ruled by the god Hades. Cerberus' primary duty is to prevent the souls of the deceased from escaping back to the land of the living and to stop any living mortals from entering without permission.
 
Cerberus is most commonly depicted as a massive dog with three heads, a tail made of a serpent or dragon, and snakes growing from his back and mane. His parents were the formidable monsters Typhon, a giant with a hundred snake heads, and Echidna, a half-woman, half-snake creature and the "mother of all monsters". The three heads are sometimes interpreted as representing the past, present, and future, or simply his all-seeing vigilance.
 
Cerberus is not an inherently evil creature but rather a loyal and dedicated servant to his master, Hades. Hades cherishes Cerberus as a faithful companion and pet, and Cerberus is fiercely devoted to his master and his duty.
For the Dead: To newly arrived souls, Cerberus is surprisingly docile, fawning over them with wagging tail and ears as they enter Hades' realm.
For Escapees/Intruders: However, should any soul attempt to leave or any living person try to enter, the hound transforms into a vicious beast, devouring them to prevent any breach of the natural order between the living and the dead.