Orthus was just about the fiercest watch-dog in history. According to Ancient Greek legend, this beast had two vicious heads with snapping jaws. The creature immediately charged anyone it considered an enemy. Orthus, who came from a long line of monsters, guarded the cattle that were sought after by many Greek gods.
Bad Build: Orthus was a huge, muscular dog that had two heads, each of which could bite viciously. This beast could also strike from its tail, which was a writhing serpent.
All in the Family: Orthus was just one in a large line of monsters. Its father was the horse-headed Typhon, its mother was the serpent-woman Echidna, its brother was the three-headed dog, Cerberus, and Orthus went on to become the father of the dreaded Sphinx.
Hole in One[]
An ancient statue depicts Hercules with his mighty club.
This fierce, two-headed canine had a job as a guard dog. Orthus protected the beautiful red cattle owned by the monster Geryon on the island of Erythia. Unfortunately for the hound, the hero Hercules was sent to round up the cattle and bring them to the city of Tiryns. The moment Hercules set foot on the island, Orthus sniffed him out and attacked him. Though the beast leaped on Hercules with tremendous force, it was killed with one swing of the hero's spiked club.
Brightest Star: Some legends say that after being killed by Hercules, Orthus rose into the sky and became a star. The star, now known as Sirius (or dog star), is the brightest star seen in the western sky.
Move Any Mountain: On his way to grab the cattle that Orthus protected, Hercules was said to have split a mountain between what is now Spain and Africa in half. To this day, these mountains are called the Pillars of Hercules.
Bad Brothers[]
According to Ancient Greek mythology, Orthus' brother was the more famous three-headed dog known far and wide as Cerberus. This hound guarded the entrance to Hades, the Greek underworld, but was also defeated by the hero Hercules after he had killed Orthus.
Trading Card[]
Trivia[]
- Orthus' knowledge and trading card both claim Sphinx was their child, but Sphinx is listed on Echidna's card as her kid, and Chimaera's claims they are the mother instead.