In Greek mythology, the creature said to have guarded the golden apples is the Ladon, a dragon-like serpent. This creature was tasked with protecting the apples in the Garden of the Hesperides, which were given to Hera as a wedding gift. The apples represented immortality and were highly coveted, leading to the legendary quest of Heracles (Hercules) as one of his twelve labors. Ladon’s fierce protection of the apples highlights themes of greed, desire, and the challenges faced in attaining that which is highly valuable.