Famous Dogs of Greek Mythology

Dogs in Greek Mythology

This list highlights some interesting dogs found in Greek mythology and literature.

Argus - the faithful dog of Odysseus, Argus is the first to recognize Odysseus upon his return to Troy. The dog has been exiled from the house and is an amazing 20+ years old. You must read Homer’s text (Odyssey, Book 17) which is quite moving.

Cerberus - made faithful by Harry Potter, this is the three headed original watchdog “Hound of Hades.” Interestingly, his saliva is what created the first poisonous plants!

Hecuba - while not originally a dog, the gods turned Hecuba into a dog while she was snarling and cursing at Odysseus, allowing her to escape slavery – but only in the story Hecuba by Euripides.

Laelaps - the dog who always caught his prey, he was gifted to Europa by Zeus, then gifted again a couple more times. Unfortunately,Laelaps was sent to catch the Teumessian fox – which could never be caught – and Zeus grew tired of the never ending chase, turned them both to stone.

Marea - belonging to Icarus, Marea led Icarus’s daughter to his slain body buried under a tree. A star is named Marea, which rises a little before the Dog-star Sirius.

Sirius - Sirius was not originally a dog. The name comes from a Greek word meaning “glowing” or “scorcher.” It is associated with dogs because it is the brightest star of the constellation Canis Major, the “Great Dog.” Ancient Greeks also thought this star affected dogs negatively.

Sources:

• Dogs of Greek Mythology by Sheppard Software
• Wikipedia
• Names and Meanings: Dog names
• Colin Hughes at Washington State University

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