Editing Cerberus (section)

== Twelfth Labour of Heracles ==
[[File:12th labour of Heracles - Project Gutenberg eText 19119.png|thumb|Athena, Hermes and Heracles, leading a two-headed Cerberus out of the underworld, as Persephone looks on. [[Hydria]] (c. 550–500 BC) attributed to the [[Leagros Group]] (Louvre CA 2992).<ref>''LIMC'' [http://www.iconiclimc.ch/visitors/treesearch.php?source=100&term=%22Herakles+2599ad%22 Herakles 2599ad]; Beazley Archive [http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/record/98FDAA7B-C130-4953-9FA3-AA36BACE3278 302005]. Reproduced from Baumeister's ''Denkmäler des klassichen Alterthums,'' volume I., figure 730 (text on p. 663).</ref>]]

Cerberus' only mythology concerns his capture by Heracles.<ref>For discussions of Heracles' capture of Cerberus, see Gantz, pp. 413&ndash;416; Hard, [https://books.google.com/books?id=r1Y3xZWVlnIC&pg=268 pp. 268&ndash;269]; Ogden 2013a, pp. 104&ndash;115.</ref> As early as [[Homer]] we learn that Heracles was sent by [[Eurystheus]], the king of [[Tiryns]], to bring back Cerberus from [[Hades]] the king of the underworld.<ref>[[Homer]], ''[[Iliad]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+8.367 8.367–368]; compare with ''[[Odyssey]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=942966DAA722FA1A71797BE2B6F2624E?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0136%3Abook%3D11%3Acard%3D601 11.620–626]. Heracles is also given the task by Eurystheus in [[Hecataeus of Miletus]], fr. *27 a Fowler (Fowler 2000, p. 136) (''apud'' [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+3.25.4 3.25.4–5]), (cf. ''FGrH'' 1 F27), [[Euripides]], ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+1276 1276–1278], ''Pirithous'' ''[[TrGF]]'' 43 F1 lines 10–14 (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]; Collard and Cropp, [https://www.loebclassics.com/view/euripides-dramatic_fragments/2008/pb_LCL506.647.xml pp. 646–647]); [[Euphorion of Chalcis|Euphorian]], fragment 71 Lightfoot (Lightfoot, [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/euphorion_chalcis-poetic_fragments/2010/pb_LCL508.301.xml pp. 300–303]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]); [[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#25 4.25.1]; [[Gaius Julius Hyginus|Hyginus]], ''[[Fabulae]]'' [http://www.theoi.com/Text/HyginusFabulae1.html#32 32].</ref> According to [[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], this was the twelfth and final labour imposed on Heracles.<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.12]. So also in [[Euphorion of Chalcis|Euphorian]], fragment 71 Lightfoot 13 (Lightfoot, [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/euphorion_chalcis-poetic_fragments/2010/pb_LCL508.301.xml pp. 300–303]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]), and [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.388–410 (Greek: Kiessling, [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 pp. 55–56]; English translation: Berkowitz, [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n48/mode/1up p. 48]). [[Euripides]], ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+22 22–25], calls this labor the last. However according to [[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#25 4.25.2] this labor was the eleventh and next to last, the twelfth being stealing the [[Apples of the Hesperides]].</ref> In a fragment from a lost play ''Pirithous'', (attributed to either [[Euripides]] or [[Critias]]) Heracles says that, although Eurystheus commanded him to bring back Cerberus, it was not from any desire to see Cerberus, but only because Eurystheus thought that the task was impossible.<ref>''Pirthous'' ''[[TrGF]]'' 43 F1 lines 10–14 (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA70 p. 70]; Collard and Cropp, [https://www.loebclassics.com/view/euripides-dramatic_fragments/2008/pb_LCL506.647.xml pp. 646–647]); Ogden 2013a, p. 113.</ref>

Heracles was aided in his mission by his being an initiate of the [[Eleusinian Mysteries]]. Euripides has his initiation being "lucky" for Heracles in capturing Cerberus.<ref>[[Euripides]] ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+612 612–613]; Papadopoulou, [https://books.google.com/books?id=O3A-MUBefHYC&pg=PA163 p. 163].</ref> And both [[Diodorus Siculus]] and Apollodorus say that Heracles was initiated into the Mysteries, in preparation for his [[katabasis|descent into the underworld]]. According to Diodorus, Heracles went to Athens, where [[Musaeus of Athens|Musaeus]], the son of [[Orpheus]], was in charge of the [[initiation rites]],<ref>[[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#25 4.25.1–2].</ref> while according to Apollodorus, he went to [[Eumolpus]] at [[Eleusis]].<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.12]; so also, [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.394 (Greek: Kiessling, [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 pp. 55–56]; English translation: Berkowitz, [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/48/mode/1up p. 48]). Apollodorus adds that, since it was unlawful for foreigners to be initiated, Heracles was adopted by Pylius, and that before Heracles could be initiated, he first had to be "cleansed of the slaughter of the centaurs"; see also Frazer's [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 note 2] to Apollodorus, 2.5.12.</ref>

Heracles also had the help of [[Hermes]], the usual guide of the underworld, as well as [[Athena]]. In the ''[[Odyssey]]'', Homer has Hermes and Athena as his guides.<ref>[[Homer]], ''[[Odyssey]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=942966DAA722FA1A71797BE2B6F2624E?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0136%3Abook%3D11%3Acard%3D601 11.620–626]; compare with [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+8.18.3 8.18.3]. [[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.1] also has Hermes aiding Heracles in the underworld.</ref> And Hermes and Athena are often shown with Heracles on vase paintings depicting Cerberus' capture. By most accounts, Heracles made his descent into the underworld through an entrance at [[Tainaron]], the most famous of the various Greek entrances to the underworld.<ref>Ogden 2013a, p. 110; Fowler 2013, [https://books.google.com/books?id=scd8AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA305 p. 305] with n. 159. An entrance at Tainaron is mentioned as early as [[Pindar]], ''Pythian'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0162%3Abook%3DP.%3Apoem%3D4 4.44].</ref> The place is first mentioned in connection with the Cerberus story in the rationalized account of [[Hecataeus of Miletus]] (fl. 500–494 BC), and Euripides, [[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], and Apolodorus, all have Heracles descend into the underworld there.<ref>[[Hecataeus of Miletus]], fr. *27 a Fowler (Fowler 2000, p. 136) (''apud'' [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+3.25.4 3.25.4–5]), (cf. ''FGrH'' 1 F27); [[Euripides]], ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+22 22–25]; [[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.103.xml 662–696 (pp. 102–105)]; [[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.1], so also, [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.395 (Greek: Kiessling, [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 pp. 55–56]; English translation: Berkowitz, [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n48/mode/1up p. 48]).</ref> However [[Xenophon]] reports that Heracles was said to have descended at the Acherusian Chersonese near [[Heraclea Pontica]], on the [[Black Sea]], a place more usually associated with Heracles' exit from the underworld (see below).<ref>[[Xenophon of Athens]], ''[[Anabasis (Xenophon)|Anabasis]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Xen.+Anab.+6.2.2 6.2.2].</ref> Heraclea, founded c. 560 BC, perhaps took its name from the association of its site with Heracles' Cerberian exploit.<ref>Ogden 2013a, p. 108.</ref>

=== Theseus and Pirithous ===
While in the underworld, Heracles met the heroes [[Theseus]] and [[Pirithous]], where the two companions were being held prisoner by Hades for attempting to carry off Hades's wife [[Persephone]]. Along with bringing back Cerberus, Heracles also managed (usually) to rescue Theseus, and in some versions Pirithous as well.<ref>Gantz, pp. 291–295.</ref> According to Apollodorus, Heracles found Theseus and Pirithous near the gates of Hades, bound to the "Chair of Forgetfulness, to which they grew and were held fast by coils of serpents", and when they saw Heracles, "they stretched out their hands as if they should be raised from the dead by his might", and Heracles was able to free Theseus, but when he tried to raise up Pirithous, "the earth quaked and he let go."<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.12], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+Epit.+E.1.24 E.1.24]; compare with [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.396–410, 4.31.911–916 (Greek: Kiessling, pp. [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 55–56], [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA153 153]; English translation: Berkowitz, pp. [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n48/mode/1up 48], [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n138/mode/1up 138]).</ref>

The earliest evidence for the involvement of Theseus and Pirithous in the Cerberus story, is found on a shield-band relief (c. 560 BC) from [[Olympia, Greece|Olympia]], where Theseus and Pirithous (named) are seated together on a chair, arms held out in supplication, while Heracles approaches, about to draw his sword.<ref>''LIMC'' [http://www.iconiclimc.ch/visitors/treesearch.php?source=100&term=%22Herakles+3519%22 Herakles 3519]; Gantz, p. 292; Schelfold 1966, pp. 68–69 fig. 24.</ref> The earliest literary mention of the rescue occurs in Euripides, where Heracles saves Theseus (with no mention of Pirithous).<ref>[[Euripides]] ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+1169 1169–1170.], :[https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+1221 1221–1222]; Gantz, p. 293.</ref> In the lost play ''Pirithous'', both heroes are rescued,<ref>Gantz, P. 293; Collard and Cropp, [https://www.loebclassics.com/view/euripides-dramatic_fragments/2008/pb_LCL506.637.xml p. 637]; ''Pirithous'' ''[[TrGF]]'' 43 F1 Hypothesis (Collard and Cropp, [https://www.loebclassics.com/view/euripides-dramatic_fragments/2008/pb_LCL506.640.xml pp. 640–641]).</ref> while in the rationalized account of [[Philochorus]], Heracles was able to rescue Theseus, but not Pirithous.<ref>[[Philochorus]], ''FGrH'' 328 F18a, b, c; Harding, [https://books.google.com/books?id=KH4T9CBXwEEC&pg=PA67 pp. 67–70]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ir5FhAQbcfAC&pg=PA73 p. 73]; Ogden 2013a, p. 109 (Philochorus F18a = [[Plutarch]], ''Theseus'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0067%3Achapter%3D35%3Asection%3D1 35.1], compare with [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A2008.01.0067%3Achapter%3D31%3Asection%3D1 31.1–4]).</ref> In one place Diodorus says Heracles brought back both [[Theseus]] and [[Pirithous]], by the favor of Persephone,<ref>[[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#26 4.26.1].</ref> while in another he says that Pirithous remained in Hades, or according to "some writers of myth" that neither Theseus, nor Pirithous returned.<ref>[[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4D*.html#63 4.63.4]; Gantz, pp. 294–295.</ref> Both are rescued in the ''[[Fabulae]]'' of Hyginus.<ref>[[Gaius Julius Hyginus|Hyginus]], ''[[Fabulae]]'' [http://www.theoi.com/Text/HyginusFabulae2.html#79 79].</ref>

=== Capture===
[[File:Herakles Kerberos Louvre A481.jpg|thumb|left|Athena, Heracles, and a two-headed Cerberus, with mane down his necks and back. Hermes (not shown in the photograph) stands to the left of Athena. An [[amphora]] (c. 575–525 BC) from [[Kameiros]], [[Rhodes]] (Louvre A481).<ref>Beazley Archive [http://www.beazley.ox.ac.uk/record/912A6BEC-EC0B-47D2-8C0F-6923CB008329 10772].</ref>]]
There are various versions of how Heracles accomplished Cerberus' capture.<ref>Ogden 2013a, pp. 110–112.</ref> According to Apollodorus, Heracles asked Hades for Cerberus, and Hades told Heracles he would allow him to take Cerberus only if he "mastered him without the use of the weapons which he carried", and so, using his lion-skin as a shield, Heracles squeezed Cerberus around the head until he submitted.<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.1]; compare with [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.400–401 (Greek: Kiessling, [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 pp. 55–56]; English translation: Berkowitz, [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n48/mode/1up p. 48]) which says that Heracles mastered Cerberus "Covered only by his lion skin and breast piece / Apart from the rest of his weapons, just as Pluton [i.e. Hades] said".</ref>

In some early sources Cerberus' capture seems to involve Heracles fighting Hades. Homer (''Iliad'' 5.395–397) has Hades injured by an arrow shot by Heracles.<ref>[[Homer]], ''[[Iliad]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Hom.+Il.+5.395 5.395–397]; Kirk, p. 102; Ogden 2013a, pp. [https://books.google.com/books?id=FQ2pAK9luwkC&pg=PA110 110]&ndash;[https://books.google.com/books?id=FQ2pAK9luwkC&pg=PA111 111]; Gantz, pp. 70, 414, 416. [[Panyassis]] [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/panyassis-heraclea/2003/pb_LCL497.213.xml F26 West (West, M. L., (pp. 212–213)] has "Elean Hades" being shot by Heracles. Compare with Seneca, ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.53.xml 48–51 (pp. 52–53)], where Heracles brings back "spoils of triumph over that conquered king … subdued Dis".</ref> A scholium to the ''Iliad'' passage, explains that Hades had commanded that Heracles "master Cerberus without shield or Iron".<ref>Schol. [[Homer]] ''[[Iliad]]'' 5.395–397 (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA66 p. 66]); Ogden 2013a, [https://books.google.com/books?id=FQ2pAK9luwkC&pg=PA112 p. 112]; Gantz, p. 416.</ref> Heracles did this, by (as in Apollodorus) using his lion-skin instead of his shield, and making stone points for his arrows, but when Hades still opposed him, Heracles shot Hades in anger. Consistent with the no iron requirement, on an early-sixth-century BC lost Corinthian cup, Heracles is shown attacking Hades with a stone,<ref>Smallwood, pp. 96–97; Ogden 2013a, p. 111.</ref> while the iconographic tradition, from c. 560 BC, often shows Heracles using his wooden club against Cerberus.<ref>Ogden 2013a, p. 111.</ref>

Euripides has [[Amphitryon]] ask Heracles: "Did you conquer him in fight, or receive him from the goddess [i.e. Persephone]? To which Heracles answers: "In fight",<ref>[[Euripides]] ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+610 610–613]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]. This question is echoed in Seneca, ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.111.xml 760–761 (pp. 110–111)], where Amphitryon asks "Is it spoil [Heracles] brings, or a willing gift from his uncle.</ref> and the ''Pirithous'' fragment says that Heracles "overcame the beast by force".<ref>''Pirithous'' ''[[TrGF]]'' 43 F1 Hypothesis (Collard and Cropp, [https://www.loebclassics.com/view/euripides-dramatic_fragments/2008/pb_LCL506.640.xml pp. 640–641]).</ref> However, according to Diodorus, Persephone welcomed Heracles "like a brother" and gave Cerberus "in chains" to Heracles.<ref>[[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#26 4.26.1].</ref> Aristophanes has Heracles seize Cerberus in a stranglehold and run off,<ref>[[Aristophanes]], ''[[The Frogs|Frogs]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.01.0032%3Acard%3D460 465–469]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA65 pp. 65–66].</ref> while Seneca has Heracles again use his lion-skin as shield, and his wooden club, to subdue Cerberus, after which a quailing Hades and Persephone allow Heracles to lead a chained and submissive Cerberus away.<ref>[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.113.xml 797–812 (pp. 112–113)].</ref> Cerberus is often shown being chained, and Ovid tells that Heracles dragged the three headed Cerberus with chains of [[adamant]].<ref>[[Ovid]], ''[[Metamorphoses]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0028%3Abook%3D7%3Acard%3D404 7.409–413].</ref>

=== Exit from the underworld ===
[[File:Peter Paul Rubens - Hercules and Cerberus, 1636.jpg|thumb|right|''Hercules and Cerberus''. Oil on canvas, by [[Peter Paul Rubens]] 1636, [[Prado Museum]].]]
There were several locations which were said to be the place where Heracles brought up Cerberus from the underworld.<ref>Ogden 2013a, pp. 107–108, 112–113.</ref> The geographer Strabo (63/64 BC – c. AD 24) reports that "according to the myth writers" Cerberus was brought up at Tainaron,<ref>[[Strabo]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Strab.+8.5.1 8.5.1].</ref> the same place where Euripides has Heracles enter the underworld. Seneca has Heracles enter and exit at Tainaron.<ref>[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.103.xml 663 (pp. 102–105)] (entrance), [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.111.xml 813 (pp. 112–113)] (exit). Seneca's account may reflect a much older tradition rationalized by [[Hecataeus of Miletus]], fr. *27 a Fowler (Fowler 2000, p. 136) (''apud'' [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+3.25.4 3.25.4–5]), (cf. ''FGrH'' 1 F27), see Ogden 2013a, p. 112.</ref> Apollodorus, although he has Heracles enter at Tainaron, has him exit at [[Troezen]].<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.12]. [[John Tzetzes|Tzetzes]], ''[[Chiliades]]'' 2.36.404 (Greek: Kiessling, [https://books.google.com/books?id=dG0GAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA55 pp. 55–56]; English translation: Berkowitz, [https://archive.org/stream/TzetzesCHILIADES/Chiliades#page/n48/mode/1up p. 48]) also has Cerberus brought up at Troezen.</ref> The geographer [[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]] tells us that there was a temple at Troezen with "altars to the gods said to rule under the earth", where it was said that, in addition to Cerberus being "dragged" up by Heracles, [[Semele]] was supposed to have been brought up out of the underworld by [[Dionysus]].<ref>[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+2.31.2 2.31.2].</ref>

Another tradition had Cerberus brought up at [[Heraclea Pontica]] (the same place which Xenophon had earlier associated with Heracles' descent) and the cause of the poisonous plant [[Aconitum|aconite]] which grew there in abundance.<ref>Ogden 2013a, pp. 107–108, 112; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ir5FhAQbcfAC&pg=PA68 pp. 68–69]; Fowler 2013, [https://books.google.com/books?id=scd8AQAAQBAJ&pg=PA305 pp. 305 ff.]; [[Herodorus of Heraclea|Herodorus]] fragment 31 Fowler (= Euphorion fragment 41a Lightfoot); [[Euphorion of Chalcis|Euphorion]], fragment 41 Lightfoot (Lightfoot, [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/euphorion_chalcis-poetic_fragments/2010/pb_LCL508.273.xml pp. 272–275]); [[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/14B*.html#31 14.31.3]; [[Ovid]], ''[[Metamorphoses]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0028%3Abook%3D7%3Acard%3D404 7.406–419]; [[Pomponius Mela]], 1.92; [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]], ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.02.0137:book=27:chapter=2 27.4]; Schol. [[Nicander]] ''alexipharmaca'' 13b; [[Dionysius Periegetes]], 788–792; [[Eustathius of Thessalonica|Eustathius]], ''Commentary on Dionysius Periegetes'' 788–792; [[Vatican Mythographers|First Vatican Mythographer]], 1.57 (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA73 pp. 73–74]; Pepin, p. 36). For aconite in the vicinity of Heraclea, see also [[Theophrastus]], ''[[Historia Plantarum (Theophrastus)|Historia Plantarum]]'' [https://archive.org/stream/enquiryintoplant02theouoft#page/298/mode/2up 9.16.4 pp. 298–299]; [[Strabo]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Strab.+12.3.7 12.3.7]; [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]], ''[[Natural History (Pliny)|Natural History]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus:text:1999.02.0137:book=6:chapter=1 6.4]; [[Arrian]], ''FGrH'' 156 F76a ''apud'' [[Eustathius of Thessalonica]], ''Commentary on Dionysius Periegetes'' 788–792.</ref> [[Herodorus|Herodorus of Heraclea]] and Euphorion said that when Heracles brought Cerberus up from the underworld at Heraclea, Cerberus "vomited bile" from which the aconite plant grew up.<ref>Schol. [[Apollonius of Rhodes]] ''[[Argonautica]]'' 2.353 (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Ir5FhAQbcfAC&pg=PA68 p. 68]); compare with [[Euphorion of Chalcis|Euphorion]], fragment 41a Lightfoot, (Lightfoot, [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/euphorion_chalcis-poetic_fragments/2010/pb_LCL508.273.xml pp. 272–275] = [[Herodorus of Heraclea|Herodorus]] fragment 31 Fowler).</ref> Ovid, also makes Cerberus the cause of the poisonous aconite, saying that on the "shores of [[Scythia]]", upon leaving the underworld, as Cerberus was being dragged by Heracles from a cave, dazzled by the unaccustomed daylight, Cerberus spewed out a "poison-foam", which made the aconite plants growing there poisonous.<ref>[[Ovid]], ''[[Metamorphoses]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Perseus%3Atext%3A1999.02.0028%3Abook%3D7%3Acard%3D404 7.413–419], which has Cerberus brought up from the underworld through a cave on "the shores of Scythia, where, 'tis fabled, the [aconite] plant grew on soil infected by Cerberian teeth."</ref> Seneca's Cerberus too, like Ovid's, reacts violently to his first sight of daylight. Enraged, the previously submissive Cerberus struggles furiously, and Heracles and Theseus must together drag Cerberus into the light.<ref>[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.113.xml?result=16&rskey=CRLRlQ 797–821 (pp. 112–115)]; see also ''Agamemnon'', [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-agamemnon/2004/pb_LCL078.199.xml 859–862 (pp. 198–199)], which has Cerberus "fearing the colour of the unknown light."</ref>

Pausanias reports that according to local legend Cerberus was brought up through a chasm in the earth dedicated to Clymenus (Hades) next to the sanctuary of [[Chthonia]] at [[Ermioni|Hermione]], and in Euripides' ''Heracles'', though Euripides does not say that Cerberus was brought out there, he has Cerberus kept for a while in the "grove of [[Chthonia]]" at Hermione.<ref>[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+2.35.10 2.35.10]; [[Euripides]], ''[[Heracles (Euripides)|Heracles]]'' [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Eur.+Her.+610 615] (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]).</ref> Pausanias also mentions that at Mount Laphystion in Boeotia, that there was a statue of Heracles [[Charops (mythology)|Charops]] ("with bright eyes"), where the Boeotians said Heracles brought up Cerberus.<ref>[[Pausanias (geographer)|Pausanias]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text?doc=Paus.+9.34.5 9.34.5].</ref> Other locations which perhaps were also associated with Cerberus being brought out of the underworld include, [[Hierapolis]], [[Thesprotia]], and Emeia near [[Mycenae]].<ref>Ogden 2013a, pp. 112–113.</ref>

=== Presented to Eurystheus, returned to Hades ===
In some accounts, after bringing Cerberus up from the underworld, Heracles paraded the captured Cerberus through Greece.<ref>Ogden 2013a, p. 113; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–71].</ref> Euphorion has Heracles lead Cerberus through Midea in [[Argolis]], as women and children watch in fear,<ref>[[Euphorion of Chalcis|Euphorian]], fragment 71 Lightfoot 14–15 (Lightfoot, [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/euphorion_chalcis-poetic_fragments/2010/pb_LCL508.301.xml pp. 300–303]; Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–70]).</ref> and [[Diodorus Siculus]] says of Cerberus, that Heracles "carried him away to the amazement of all and exhibited him to men."<ref>[[Diodorus Siculus]], [https://penelope.uchicago.edu/Thayer/E/Roman/Texts/Diodorus_Siculus/4B*.html#26 4.26.1].</ref> Seneca has Juno complain of Heracles "highhandedly parading the black hound through Argive cities"<ref>[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.53.xml 46–62 (pp. 52–53)].</ref> and Heracles greeted by laurel-wreathed crowds, "singing" his praises.<ref>[[Seneca the Younger|Seneca]], ''Hercules Furens'' [http://www.loebclassics.com/view/seneca_younger-hercules/2002/pb_LCL062.115.xml 827–829 (pp. 114–115)].</ref>

Then, according to Apollodorus, Heracles showed Cerberus to Eurystheus, as commanded, after which he returned Cerberus to the underworld.<ref>[[Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]], [https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/text;jsessionid=9AC4F2564ED0593B31146372FEC08E36?doc=Apollod.+2.5.12 2.5.12].</ref> However, according to [[Hesychius of Alexandria]], Cerberus escaped, presumably returning to the underworld on his own.<ref>[[Hesychius of Alexandria]]
s.v. [https://archive.org/stream/hesychiialexand00schmgoog#page/n276/mode/1up ''eleutheron hydor''] (Ogden 2013b, [https://books.google.com/books?id=Vv0Fxm6Amh4C&pg=PA69 pp. 69–71]); Ogden 2013a, p. 114.</ref>