Heracles Labors: Cerberus.
     In his final and most difficult labor, Heracles (Hercules) was sent to fetch Cerberus, the three-headed hound who guarded the entrance to the Underworld. Guided by Hermes and Athena, Heracles descended and received permission from Hades, lord of the Underworld, to capture Cerberus as long as he did not use weapons. Heracles wrestled the hound into submission and carried him to Eurystheus, then returned him to Hades.
     While in the Underworld, Heracles released Ascalaphus, who was trapped under a stone for betraying Persephone, and found Theseus and Pirithous attached to their chairs after their attempt to carry off Persephone. He delivered Theseus but was unable to free Pirithous. Heracles also spoke with the shade of Meleager and agreed to marry Meleager’s sister, Deianeira, a promise which eventually led to his death.

Further Reference:
Galinsky, G. Karl. 1972. The Herakles Theme: The Adaptations of the Hero in Literature from Homer to the Twentieth Century. Totowa, N.J., Rowman & Littlefield.


Listings for Heracles' Labors are arranged under the following headings:
Heracles Labors, General List
The Nemean Lion
The Lernean Hydra
The Erymanthian Boar
The Ceryneian Hind
The Stymphalian Birds
The Stables of Augeas
Heracles and Antaeus
The Cretan Bull
The Mares of Diomedes
The Girdle of Hippolyta
The Cattle of Geryon
The Apples of the Hesperides
Cerberus

For Heracles entries generally:
Heracles