Gods,Heroes,Myths Greek Mythology Homer's epics,Expeditions

"Thus, if Hercules managed to complete eleven of his labors and return alive to Tiryns, Eurystheus was certain that he would not succeed in the twelfth and final labor. He sent him to descend into Hades and bring back Cerberus alive! Cerberus was a formidable dog with three heads and a tail that ended with a snake's head. He served as an impenetrable guard at the gate of Hades, preventing anyone from escaping, and he would destroy all who dared to enter. How could mortal Hercules enter Hades and manage to escape?

Nevertheless, Hercules dared to embark on this labor. He reached the edge of Cape Taenarum and found the entrance to Hades. Cerberus immediately sensed him but did not remain still. He was so frightened by Hercules' threatening stance and determined gaze that he fled and sought refuge with Pluto, the god of Hades. Hercules continued his journey through Hades. To his right and left, he saw the souls of the dead, many of whom he knew. Suddenly, one of the dead, the hero of Aetolia, Meleager, approached him. Meleager had died recently. When Hercules saw him approaching, he prepared his bow.

"Do not be afraid, I will not harm you," Meleager said. "I only wish you to do me a favor," he said, and he recounted the tragic story of his death. "I died leaving behind my sister, the beautiful Deianira. Do you give me your word that you will marry her when you leave Hades?"

"You have my word," replied Hercules, moved. "I will marry your sister."

Immediately afterward, he proceeded to Pluto's throne. The god of Hades, with Persephone, the daughter of Demeter, by his side, asked Hercules why he had descended to the world of the dead.

"To take Cerberus alive and present him to the king of Tiryns, Eurystheus," Hercules confidently replied.

Pluto was enraged that a mortal had invaded his domain unscathed, but Persephone, who was also a daughter of Zeus and did not want Hercules to be punished, pleaded with Pluto to allow him to take Cerberus to Eurystheus.

"If you can capture him, take him with you," Pluto said, "but you must return him."

Hercules then pursued Cerberus, reached him, grabbed him by the neck, squeezed him with force until he fainted, and once he had him secured, he bound him with chains and abducted him from Hades.

When he presented the living Cerberus at the palace, Eurystheus, terrified, fled and hid once more in the jar.

Thus, Hercules fulfilled the twelve labors and his responsibility for what he had done many years before in Thebes in the midst of his madness was accomplished."