Funeral Service Practice Exam

Who was Cerberus in Greek mythology?

1. A one-headed serpent

2. A three-headed dog of the underworld

3. A winged horse

4. A goddess of love

The correct answer is: A three-headed dog of the underworld

Cerberus is a significant figure in Greek mythology, recognized primarily as the three-headed dog that guards the gates of the Underworld. His role is to prevent the souls of the deceased from escaping and to ensure that the living do not enter the realm of the dead without permission. The depiction of Cerberus with three heads symbolizes vigilance and strength, as each head watches in different directions, maintaining a constant lookout over the threshold between life and death. This imagery is deeply rooted in ancient Greek beliefs about the afterlife and the protection of the sacred boundaries between realms. The other options reference different mythological creatures or figures: a one-headed serpent does not correspond to any notable character in Greek mythology, a winged horse refers to Pegasus, and a goddess of love points to Aphrodite. Each of these entities has its unique role and significance in various Greek myths, but none relate to the function and symbolism embodied by Cerberus as the guardian of the Underworld.