Geryon

Greek mythology

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

Geryon was a three-bodied giant in Greek mythology, known for his cattle. He was one of the many creatures and challenges faced by the legendary hero Heracles as part of his famous Labours. Heracles was tasked by King Eurystheus to seize Geryon's cattle, which were kept on the island of Erytheia in the far west. This was the tenth of Heracles's twelve labours.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Heracles
…cattle of the three-bodied giant Geryon, who ruled the island Erytheia (meaning red) in the far west; (11) the bringing back of the golden apples kept at the world’s end by the Hesperides; and (12) the fetching up from the underworld of the triple-headed dog Cerberus, guardian of its gates.
Read More
…cattle of the three-bodied giant Geryon, who ruled the island Erytheia (meaning red) in the far west; (11) the bringing back of the golden apples kept at the world’s end by the Hesperides; and (12) the fetching up from the underworld of the triple-headed dog Cerberus, guardian of its gates.
Read More