The creature said to guard the golden apples in Greek traditions is the Hesperides. These mythical nymphs were responsible for safeguarding the apples, which were gifts from Gaia, representing abundance and immortality. The golden apples were sought after by heroes like Heracles during his twelve labors. The Hesperides symbolized the hidden, mystical elements of nature and the challenge of attaining what is precious. Their guardianship highlights themes of desire, conflict, and the quest for glory within Greek mythology, representing rarified treasures in mythic storytelling.