Keroberos
The gluttonous guardian lion who guides Sakura on her magical journey.
Keroberos is a protagonist character in CLAMP's manga and anime series Cardcaptor Sakura, and is one of the two Guardians of the Clow Cards created by Clow Reed, along with Yue. His name is more commonly known in its Greek version, Kerberos, which is often shortened to Kero-chan or just Kero. In his borrowed form, he resembles a stuffed animal with yellow-orange fur, beady black eyes, prominent round ears, a long white-tufted tail, and small white wings, while his true form is that of a leonine creature with enormous white wings, golden eyes, and metal armor. By nature, he is bossy, demanding, and gluttonous, but genuinely cares about Sakura and acts as her guide to gather the Cards.
Quick Facts
- Role
- Guardian Beast of the Cards
- Creator
- Clow Reed
- Partner
- Yue
- Affiliation
- Sakura Kinomoto; Clow Legacy
- Appearance
- Lion-like creature with wings
- Status
- Active Guardian
Lore & Background
Having spent a lengthy amount of time in the book while it was in Osaka, Cerberus speaks with a pointed Osakan-accent. He tends to be bossy, demanding, egotistical and gluttonous, but clearly displays his affection for Sakura, especially if she is hurt or in danger. He becomes very fond of video games, and is addicted to sweets. Cerberus spends most of his time in a "temporary" or "false form": a small figure resembling an orange stuffed animal with wings.
Unlike Yue, Cerberus' magical powers are like the sun, and thus largely self-sustaining, and he is subsequently not as dependent on his master's power to support his life as is Yue. However, his master must have control of the Firey and Earthy cards in order to power his true form, a large-winged mountain lion. In the anime adaptation, the Light card is changed to the Earthy card to delay his obtaining his true form. Cerberus' name is taken from the Greek mythological figure, Cerberus, a large three-headed dog who was assigned to guard the gates of the Greek underworld.
Reader's Guide
Cerberus serves as both a mentor and comic relief throughout Sakura's magical journey. Initially arrogant about his status as Clow Reed’s creation, he eventually grows deeply fond of Sakura Kinomoto. His primary role is assisting her in capturing scattered magic cards while protecting her from danger. Over time, he transitions from guarding the original Clow Cards to becoming a guardian of the new Sakura Cards alongside Yue.
He possesses significant magical abilities, including flight and transformation into his true form—a large-winged mountain lion. Despite his love for sweets and tendency toward laziness, Cerberus proves brave when it matters most. He provides strategic advice during card battles using his extensive knowledge of mysticism. His relationship with Syaoran Li evolves from rivalry to mutual respect as they work together.
Ultimately, Cerberus represents the bridge between Clow Reed’s legacy and Sakura's new era of magic, ensuring safety while allowing the young girl to find her own path.
Did You Know?
- In the Cardcaptors dub, his name is spelled Keroberos and "Kero" was repronounced as "kirō" instead of "kerō".
- Cerberus appears in Episode 44 of Tsubasa: Reservoir Chronicle guarding the Country of Kero, with Aya Hisakawa reprising her role.
More in Characters
Elsewhere in Cardcaptor Sakura
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