Underworld Rollercoaster

As I approached the gateway to the human world, I could feel the power emanating from the gate. But before I could step through it, a mighty roar echoed through the chamber.

I turned to see the three-headed hound of Hades, Cerberus, standing before me. Its eyes glinted in the dim light, and its massive jaws dripped with saliva.

"You shall not pass," Cerberus growled.

I gripped my spear tightly, ready to do battle. But then I remembered a tale my father had once told me about Cerberus.

"Cerberus," I said, "did you know that your brother Orthrus was once tamed by the hero Heracles?"

Cerberus snarled, "And what of it?"

"Well," I said, "if Heracles could tame Orthrus, then surely I can tame you."

Cerberus scoffed, "You are no Heracles."

"But I have something that Heracles did not," I replied. "The blood of the gods runs through my veins."

As I held out my hand and let a drop of my blood fall to the ground, Cerberus sniffed at it and then licked it up. But instead of becoming friendly, Cerberus began to growl and bare its teeth.

"I see you are trying to trick me," Cerberus said. "But I am no fool. You shall not pass."

I realized my mistake too late. Cerberus was no ordinary beast. It was a creature of Hades himself, and I had underestimated its intelligence.

"Very well," I said, "I don't intend to fight you. But can you at least tell me how I can pass?"

Cerberus thought for a moment, and then spoke in riddles:

"I guard the way to the human world,

But knowledge can make me unfurl.

Tell me, mortal, answer true,

What can you not see, but still pursue?"

I racked my brain, but the answer eluded me. I asked Cerberus for another riddle.

"Very well," Cerberus said, "try this one on for size:

"I am light as a feather, yet the strongest man cannot hold me for much more than a minute. What am I?"

I thought for a moment, and then it hit me.

"The answer to your first riddle is destiny," I said. "And the answer to your second riddle is breath."

Cerberus growled in frustration. "You are correct," it said. "You may pass. But beware, mortal. The gods have not forgotten your father's deeds. They will not let you go unpunished."