Halloween is my absolute favorite celebration, and I love marking the occasion on my blog with intriguing monster collections! I’ve previously explored ghosts and iconic movie monsters, but this year, I’m excited to highlight my all-time favorite: Cerberus, the famous canine from the Underworld!
Who’s a good boy? Who’s the best bo-oy?
As a child, I was captivated by Greek mythology and often checked out a large book filled with its tales from my Middle School library. Cerberus, the three-headed sentinel of Hades, was the standout character for me. I found him to be such a fierce and striking creature! I even invented a superhero version of Cerberus, featuring one normal head along with two cleverly crafted fake dog heads on his shoulders as an integral part of his ensemble. I can’t help but wish I could dig up some of those old sketches from my middle school days. But enough nostalgia! For this Halloween, I’ve compiled a list showcasing the most memorable appearances of Cerberus in contemporary culture. Join me if you dare!
6. Sci-Fi Channel Original Movie
Now available on DVD
There was a time when the Sci-Fi Channel produced deliberately cheesy movies aimed at a niche audience. This trend led to wild titles such as Sharknado 4 and Dinocroc vs. Supergator, but has that craziness faded away? Anyway, the movie Cerberus revolves around a band of thieves who make off with Attila the Hun’s famed breastplate. This unusual piece supposedly unlocks the legendary Sword of Mars, which grants invincibility to its possessor. Fascinating, right? But guarding this sword is Cerberus! Yes, our favorite hellhound makes a cameo! I can’t help but wonder if he sometimes takes a break from his Underworld duties. In the end, it’s up to a gritty young history buff to confront the thieves, defeat Cerberus, and restore the sword to where it belongs—I think! I won’t spoil my viewing experience by actually watching the film.
5. My Little Pony
Being a Brony is fantastic
In a world where My Little Pony already includes unicorns and pegasi, they might as well embrace all the mythological creatures! In My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, viewers encounter manticores, sea serpents, cockatrices, jackalopes, and even a hydra! Among them is Cerberus, the guardian of the Underworld, who makes several appearances! In the series’ premiere, he initially wreaks havoc in Ponyville until the resident animal expert, Fluttershy, soothes him with a belly rub—she gets along with all animals! Later, the ponies discover that while Cerberus was away from Tartarus, one of their greatest foes escaped, creating an urgent need to restore order! Cerberus makes his presence known again when the ponies successfully return the villain to confinement. Good dog indeed!
4. Marvel Comics
Pfff, he doesn’t even possess three human heads
With both Thor and Hercules as part of the Avengers, Marvel Comics frequently plays with characters and creatures from mythology. Cerberus is no exception, occasionally transforming into a human form! He recently made a brief yet memorable appearance in X-Factor, but first graced the pages of Thor comics back in the 1960s. Cerberus is known as a formidable deity who wields a giant hammer, complemented by a look featuring spikes and horns. Initially, he clashed with Thor as the hero sought to enter the Underworld to rescue Hercules. Unsurprisingly, Thor triumphed over him. Rest assured, if I ever get the chance to write for the Avengers, you can bet that Cerberus will take Thor’s place—much like that attempted substitution with Ares ages ago!
3. Final Fantasy 8
Even better than Shiva!
In Final Fantasy 8, Cerberus appears as a summon—also referred to as a Guardian Force. Summoning has long been one of the most exciting gameplay elements in the Final Fantasy series, especially during its earlier titles. Cerberus is notably featured in an optional boss encounter in the Galbaia Garden atrium—a term that should resonate with fans. While it’s been ages since I played FF8, I distinctly remember assigning Cerberus to my most beloved character, which made perfect sense, as he had the unique ability to cast Triple upon summoning. Although other versions of Cerberus appear throughout Final Fantasy, none were as impressive or memorable as his portrayal in this installment!
2. All the Herculeses
Kids are fascinated by monsters
Cerberus is most famously known for his role in the legendary 12th Labor of Hercules, where Hercules bravely ventured to the Underworld, capturing this mighty dog and bringing him back to the mortal realm. Consequently, Cerberus features in myriad adaptations of Hercules! This includes Disney’s animated Hercules, appearances in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, and even a cameo in Dwayne Johnson’s Hercules. However, I refuse to search for details about the non-Rock version from the same year—it’s purely a matter of principle, even if I find myself with time to spare!
1. Harry Potter
Adorable, lovable monsters!
For a brief spell, Cerberus guarded the Sorcerer’s Stone at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The three-headed canine, nicknamed Fluffy, was purchased by gamekeeper Hagrid from a seller described as a “Greek fellow.” Hagrid’s knack for odd naming was evident here! Regardless of his daunting stature and fearsome heads, Fluffy was outsmarted by a simple melody, which both He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named and a few first-year students figured out. Let’s hope no one decides to bring an instrument into the Underworld! However, you might ask, wasn’t Fluffy merely a regular three-headed dog rather than the actual Cerberus? While this may be a good point, it’s been confirmed by J.K. Rowling herself that Fluffy indeed traces his lineage to the great Cerberus! Hagrid certainly has some unusual friends.
