Among the many incredible and impressive creatures that Greek mythology has to offer, there is a dog that filled the hearts of men with fear. To this day, in both legend and literature, he remains synonymous with the fierce guardian and the afterlife. We are talking about Cerberus. Also known as Cerberus, his name means “demon of the well”. The monstrous three-headed dog possessed a snake instead of its tail. This beast guarded the entrance to the Greek underworld, the kingdom of Hades, preventing the dead from escaping and the living from entering.
The Meaning Behind Cerberus Tattoos
Legend has it that his most powerful weapon was his gaze, since he had the ability to turn anyone who looked at him into stone. His large teeth were sharp as knives and his bite was said to be poisonous. Cerberus symbolizes the ferocity and the will with which we can defend our ideals and maintain our position. He also has a strong charge of ferocity, aggressiveness, and a rough nature to the point of cruelty. It can also be used to represent the constant vigilance against threats and the willingness to attack them when necessary.
Descriptions of Cerberus tend to vary on the number of heads he possesses. These range from three to figures above one hundred. Some scholars consider the three-headed version to have special symbology. These would represent the past, the present and the future. Other interpretations suggest that they embody childhood, youth and old age. This animal has gained a lot of popularity appearing in literature, for example in Dante’s Divine Comedy or in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, where it responds to the name of Fluffy. In the same way it appears in anime such as Saint Seiya, One Piece, Naruto or Sakura Card Captor and in various video games.
Tattoos and most outstanding ideas with Cerberus
If you are looking for a design to get a Cerberus tattoo, you have many options. It is a motif that can be made in various styles and with a high degree of customization. The fundamental element is that it is a three-headed dog. The breed of the dog is your choice. Being the guardian of the underworld, large and fierce-looking races are preferred. Dobermans, pitbulls and wolves are the most used.
It is equally common for them to be represented with threatening attitudes, highlighting their role as guardian. A good detail to incorporate is an emphasis (can be in color) on his petrifying eyes. You can accompany your design with infernal elements such as fire, caves, skeletons or even a door with a Greek air.
