Cerberus was a monstrous dog in charge of guarding the gates of Hades. It seems that he had been conceived by the monsters Typhoon and Echidna, and it was believed that he was the brother of the Hydra and the Chimera, creatures as terrifying as himself. Cerberus had three heads, although according to some sources he could have many more. His tail was a serpent, and on his back was a mane made of serpent heads. His breath and his saliva were very dangerous and, like Medusa, his gaze could turn anyone to stone.