According to most accounts, Heracles (Hercules) did not kill Cerberus; instead, he captured and temporarily removed him from the underworld as one of his Twelve Labors.
Here's a breakdown of the story:
- The Twelfth Labor: Heracles was tasked with bringing Cerberus, the multi-headed hound guarding the gates of the Underworld, to King Eurystheus.
- Heracles's Approach: He traveled to the Underworld, often with the guidance or assistance of figures like Hermes and Athena.
- Capturing Cerberus: Heracles wrestled Cerberus into submission. Accounts vary, but often he used his immense strength without weapons, or sometimes with the permission of Hades, the ruler of the underworld, on the condition that he not harm the dog.
- Showing Cerberus to Eurystheus: Heracles brought Cerberus to Eurystheus, who was terrified.
- Returning Cerberus: After fulfilling the task, Heracles returned Cerberus to the Underworld, where he resumed his post guarding the gates.
However, there's a less common version:
- Pseudo-Nonnus's Account: In a unique account by Pseudo-Nonnus, Heracles killed Cerberus during a descent into Hades to abduct Persephone. This version is not widely accepted.
In summary, while the standard myth describes Heracles capturing Cerberus without killing him, a less common version states that he killed Cerberus.
