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List of cultural references in the Divine Comedy

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Dante, Andrea del Castagno, ca. 1450 (Uffizi Gallery)

The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri is a long allegorical poem in three parts or canticas (or "cantiche"), Inferno (Hell), Purgatorio (Purgatory), and Paradiso (Paradise), and 100 cantos, with the Inferno having 34, Purgatorio 33, and Paradiso 33 cantos. Set at Easter 1300, the poem describes the living poet's journey through hell and purgatory to paradise.

Throughout the poem, Dante refers to people and events from Classical and Biblical history and mythology, the history of Christianity, and the Europe of the Medieval period up to and including his own day. A knowledge of at least the most important of these references can aid in understanding the poem fully.

For ease of reference, the cantica names are abbreviated to Inf., Purg., and Par. Roman numerals are used to identify cantos and Arabic numerals to identify lines. This means that Inf. X, 123 refers to line 123 in Canto X (or 10) of the Inferno and Par. XXV, 27 refers to line 27 in Canto XXV (or 25) of the Paradiso. The line numbers refer to the original Italian text.

Boldface links indicate that the word or phrase has an entry in the list. Following that link will present that entry.


Contents: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z — References

A

Aeneas flees burning Troy, Federico Barocci, 1598 Galleria Borghese, Rome
  • Abel: Biblical son of Adam and brother of Cain.
  • Abraham the Patriarch: Important biblical figure.
  • Absalom and Ahitophel: Absalom was the rebellious son of King David who was incited by Ahitophel, the king's councelor.
    • Bertran de Born compares his fomenting with the "malicious urgings" of Ahitophel. Inf. XXVIII, 136—138.
  • Acheron: The mythological Greek underworld river over which Charon ferried souls of the newly dead into Hades.
    • The "melancholy shore" encountered. Inf. III, 71–78.
    • Formed from the tears of the statue of the Old Man of Crete. Inf. XIV, 94–116.
  • Achilles: The greatest Greek hero in the Trojan War. Although Homer has him die in battle after killing Hector, another account well known in the Middle Ages has him killed by Paris after having been lured with the promise of Priam's daughter Polyxena.
    • Found amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. IV, 65.
    • Remembered by Virgil for having been educated by Chiron. Inf. XII, 71.
    • His abadonment of Deidamia and his only son, at the urging of Ulysses, to go to the war against Troy. Inf. XXVI, 61–62.
  • Adam: According to the Bible, the first man created by God.
    • His "evil seed". Inf. III, 115–117.
    • Our "first parent", raised by Jesus from Limbo into Paradise. Inf. IV, 55.
  • Aeneas: Hero of Virgil's epic poem Aeneid, his descent into hell is a primary source for Dante's own journey.
    • Son of Anchises, fled the fall of Troy. Inf. I, 74–75.
    • "Father of Sylvius", journey to Hades, founder of Rome. Inf. II, 13–27.
    • When Dante doubts he has the qualities for his great voyage, he remembers Virgil "io non Enëa, Io non Paulo sono" ("I am no Aeneas, no Paul"). Inf. II, 32
    • One of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
    • "Rome's noble seed". Inf. XXVI. 60.
    • Founder of Gaeta. Inf. XXVI, 93.
  • Aesop: A semi-legenary Greek fabulist of whom little reliable is known. A famous corpus of fables is traditionally assigned to him.
    • His fable of the Frog and the mouse is mentioned. Inf. XXIII, 4–6.
  • Ahitophel: See Absalom.
  • Alberto da Casalodi: Guelph count of Brescia, he was Signore of Mantua during the feuding between Guelphs and Ghibellins. He was ousted in 1273 by his advisor Pinamonte dei Bonacolsi.
    • His foolishness ("la mattia da Casalodi") in trusting Pinamonte. Inf. XX, 95–96.
  • Tegghiaio Aldobrandi: Florentine son of the famous Aldobrando degli Adimari, he was podestà of Arezzo in 1256 and fought at the battle of Montaperti in 1260, where his warnings against attacking the Senese forces went unheeded, and the Florentines were annihilated.
    • One of a group of famous political Florentines, "who were so worthy … whose minds bent toward the good", asked about by Dante of Ciacco. Inf. VI, 77–81.
    • One of a group of three Florentine sodomites who approach Dante, and are much esteemed by him (see Jacopo Rusticucci). Inf. XVI, 1–90.
    • Cryptically described as he, "la cui voce nel mondo sù dovria esser gradita" ("whose voice the world above should have valued"), probably an allusion to his councils at Montaperti. Inf. XVI, 40–42.
  • Alecto: see Erinyes.
  • Alexander the Great: King of Macedon (336 BCE–323 BCE) and the most successful military commander of ancient history
    • Probably the tyrant pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XI, 107.
    • Apocryphal story of his adventures in India provide a simile for the punishment of the violent against god in Inf. XIV, 31–36.
  • Amphiaraus: Mythical king of Argos and seer, who although he had foreseen his death, was persuaded to join the Seven against Thebes expedition. He was killed while fleeing from pursuers, when Zeus threw a thunderbolt, and the earth opened up and swallowed him.
    • The story of his death is told. Inf. XX, 31–39.
  • Pope Anastasius II: Pope who Dante perhaps mistakenly identified with the emperor Anastasius I and thus condemned to hell as a heretic. Anastasius I was a supporter of Monophysitism, a heresy which denied the dual divine/human nature of Jesus.
    • Dante and Virgil take shelter behind Anastasius' tomb and discuss maters of theology. Inf XI, 4–111.
St Thomas Aquinas

B

The meeting of Dante and Beatrice, Henry Holiday
  • Bacchus: The Roman name of the Greek god Dionysus, protector of wine.
    • Born in the Thebes. Inf. XX, 59.
  • Barratry: The sin of selling or paying for offices or positions in the public service or officialdom (cf. simony).
    • One of the sins of ordinary fraud punished in the Eighth Circle of hell. Inf. XI, 60.
    • The barrators, are found in the fifth pouch in a lake of boiling pitch guarded by the Malebranche. Inf. XXI–XXII.
  • Beatrice (1266–1290): Dante's idealised childhood love, Beatrice Portinari. In the poem, she awaits the poet in Paradise. She symbolised Heavenly Wisdom.
    • The "worthier spirit" who Virgil says will act as Dante's guide in Paradise. Inf. I, 121–123.
    • Asks Virgil to rescue Dante and bring him on his journey. Inf. II, 53–74.
    • Asked by Lucia to help Dante. Inf. II, 103–114.
    • When Dante appears upset by Farinata's prophesy on his future exile, Virgil intervenes and explains to him that Beatrice, "quella il cui bell' occhio tutto vede" ("one whose gracious eyes see everything"), will eventually clarify all. Inf. X, 130–132.
    • Virgil, speaking with Chiron, alludes to Beatrice as she who has entrusted Dante to him. Inf. XII, 88.
    • Speaking with Brunetto Latini Dante alludes to her as the woman who shall fully explain the sense of Brunetto's prophesy regarding his exile from Florence. Inf. XV, 90.
  • Mastro Benvenuto: Nicknamed Asdente ("toothless"), he was a late 13th century Parma shoemaker, famous for his prophesies against Frederick II. Dante also mentions him with contempt in his Convivio, as does Salimbene in his Cronica, though with a very different tone.
    • Among the soothsayers. Inf. XX, 118–120.
  • Gualdrada Berti: Daughter of Bellincione Berti dei Ravignani, from about 1180 wife to Guido the Elder of the great Guidi family, and grandmother of Guido Guerra. The 14th century Florentine chronicler Giovanni Villani remembers her as a model of ancient Florentine virtue.
    • "The good Gualdrada". Inf. XVI, 37.
  • Bertran de Born (c. 1140–c. 1215): French soldier and troubadour poet, who fomented trouble between Henry II of England and his sons.
    • Among the sowers of discord, where he carries his severed head (although he died a natural death). Inf. XXVIII, 118–142.
  • Guido Bonatti: A prominent 13th century astrologer, and a staunch Ghibelline, he is famous for having boasted of being responsible for the Senese victory at Montaperti in 1260.
    • Among the the soothsayers. Inf. XX, 118.
  • Bonaventure: Franciscan theologian.
  • Pope Boniface VIII (c. 1235–1303): Elected in 1294 upon the abdication of Celestine V, whom he promptly imprisoned. He supported the Black Guelphs against Dante's party the White Guelphs (see Guelphs and Ghibellines).
    • "One who tacks his sails". Inf. VI, 68.
    • Referred to ironically using one of the official papal titles "servo de' servi" (Servant of His servants"). Inf. XV, 112
    • Accused of avarice, deceit and violating the "lovely Lady" (the church). Inf. XIX, 52–57.
    • Pope Nicholas III prophesies his eternal damnation among the Simoniacs. Inf. XIX, 76–77.
    • The "highest priest — may he be damned!". Inf. XXVII, 70.
    • The "prince of the new Pharisees". Inf. XXVII, 85.
    • His feud with the Colonna family. Inf. XXVII, 85–111.
  • Guglielmo Borsiere, a pursemaker accused of sodomy (see Sodom), who made a joke that was the subject of the Decameron (i, 8).
    • A sodomite mentioned in Hell Circle VII Round 3 by Jacopo Rusticucci as having spoken to him and his companions of the moral decline of Florence, generating great anguish and inducing Rusticucci to ask Dante for corroboration. Inf. XVI 67–72.
  • Martin Bottario: A cooper of Lucca who held various positions in the government of his city. He died in 1300, the year of Dante's travel.
  • Agnello Brunelleschi: From the noble Florentine Brunelleschi family, he sided first with the White Guelphs, then the Blacks. A famous thief, he was said to steal in disguise.
    • Among the thieves, he merges with Cianfa Donati to form a bigger serpent. Inf. XXV, 68.
  • Brutus, Lucius Junius: Traditionally viewed as the founder of the Roman Republic on account of his role in overthrowing Tarquinius Superbus.
    • One of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Brutus, Marcus Junius (d. 43 BCE): One of the assassins of Julius Caesar, with whom he had close ties. His betrayal of Caesar was famous ("Et tu Brute") and along with Cassius and Judas, was one of the three betrayer/suicides who, for those sins, were eternally chewed by one of the three mouths of Satan. Inf. XXXIV, 53–67.
  • Bulicame: Spring near Viterbo renowned for its reddish colour and sulphurous water. Part of its water was reserved for the use of prostitutes. Inf. XIV, 79–83.

C

  • Venedico and Ghisolabella Caccianemico: Venedico (c. 1228–c. 1302) was head of the Guelph faction in Bologna, he was exiled three times for his relationship with the marquis of Ferrara, Obizzo II d'Este.
    • Found among the panders, he confesses that he prostituted his sister Ghisolabella to Obizzo. Inf. XVIII, 40–66.
  • Cacus: A mythological monster son of Hephaestus, he was killed by Heracles for stealing part of the cattle the hero had taken from Geryon. Dante, like other medieval writers, erroneously believes him to be a Centaur. According to Virgil he lived on the Aventine.
    • As guardian of the thieves he punishes Vanni Fucci. Inf. XXV, 17–33.
  • Cadmus: Mythical son of the Phoenician king Agenor and brother of Europa, and legendary founder of Thebes. Cadmus and his wife Harmonia are ultimately transformed into serpants.
    • His transformation in Ovid's Metamophoses (IV, 562–603) is compared to the fate of the thieves. Inf. XXV, 97–99.
  • Cahors: Town in France that was notorious for the high level of usury that took place there and became a synonym for that sin.
    • Mentioned as being punished in the last circle. Inf. XI, 50.
  • Cain: The son of Adam and brother of Abel.
    • An allusion to a popular tradition that identified the Moon's spots with him. Inf. XX, 126.
  • Caiphas: The Jewish High Priest during the govenorship of Pontius Pilate of the Roman province of Judea, who according to the Gospels had an important role in the crucifixion of Jesus.
    • Among the hypocrites, his punishment is to be crucified to the ground while the full rank of the sinners tramples him. Inf. XXIII, 110–120.
  • Calchas: Mythical Greek seer at the time of the Trojan war, who as augur at Aulis, determined the most propitious time for the Greek fleet to depart for Troy.
    • With Eurypylus, he "set the time to cut the cables". Inf. XX, 110–111.
  • Camilla: Figure from Roman mythology and Virgil's Aeneid (VII, 803; XI), was the warrior-daughter of King Metabus of the Volsci, and ally of Turnus, king of the Rutuli, against Aeneas and the Trojans, and was killed in that war.
    • One of those who "died for Italy". Inf. I, 106–108.
    • One of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Cangrande della Scala (1290–1329): Ghibelline ruler of Verona and most probable figure behind the image of the "hound" ("il Veltro"). Inf. I, 101–111.
  • Capaneus: In Greek mythology, in the story of the Seven Against Thebes he defied Zeus who then killed him with a thunderbolt in punishment.
    • Found amongst the violent against God. Inf. XIV, 46–72.
    • His pride is compared with that of Vanni Fucci. Inf. XXV, 15.
  • Caprona: Fortress on the Arno near Pisa, in 1289, it was besieged by a Tuscan Guelph army. The Ghibellines surrendered, and were allowed, under truce, to leave the castle, passing through (with trepidation) the enemy ranks. Caprona's fall along with the Guelph victory in the same year at Campaldino represented the final defeat of the Ghibellines. Dante's reference to Caprona in the Inferno, is used to infer that he took part in the siege.
    • Dante's fear for his safe passage through threatening devils, is compared to the fear of the surrendering solidiers at Caprona. Inf. XXI, 88–96.
  • Cassius: The most senior of Julius Caesar's assassins, Gaius Cassius Longinus was a Roman politician and soldier. Along with Brutus and Judas, he was one of the three betrayer/suicides who, for those sins, were eternally chewed by one of the three mouths of Satan. Inf. XXXIV, 53–67.
  • Castel Sant'Angelo: A Papal castle in Rome with bridge attached. Inf. XVIII, 28–33.
  • Catalano dei Malavolti (c. 1210–1285): From a powerful Guelph family of Bologna, he was podestà in several towns, including Florence, and governor of his city. He was commander of the infantry in the Battle of Fossalta in 1249, when the Ghibellines suffered a crushing defeat. He later became a member of the Knights of St. Mary, founded by Loderingo degli Andalò.
    • Among the hypocrites. Inf. XXIII, 76–144.
File:Cavalcanti and dante.jpg
Guido Cavalcanti and Dante
  • Catiline: a Roman politician of the 1st century BC who is best known for the "Catiline conspiracy", an attempt to overthrow the Roman Republic, and in particular the power of the aristocratic Senate.
    • Probably Pistoia's "seed", which Pistoia surpasses in "wickedness". Inf. XXV, 12.
  • Cato the Younger (95 BCE–46 BCE) : Politician and statesman in the late Roman Republic, and a Stoic.
    • His crossing of the Libyan desert in 47 BCE provides a simile for the hot sands of the seventh circle. Inf. XIV, 14–15.
  • Cavalcante de' Cavalcanti: (died c. 1280) Father of Guido Cavalcanti, his shade appears to Dante, alongside the shade of Farinata degli Uberti. Inf. X 52–72.
  • Guido Cavalcanti (c. 1255–1300): First Florentine poet of Dolce Stil Novo, close friend of Dante and son of Cavalcante de' Cavalcanti. Inf. X, 56–63, Pur. XI, 97–98.
  • Cecina: See Maremma.
  • Pope Celestine V: Abdicated the Papacy in 1294, is perhaps the person whose shade Dante meets in the Ante-Inferno, where those who lived "sanza 'nfamia e sanza lodo" (without praise and blame) dwelt, and referred to as the one, "Che fece per viltate il gran rifiuto" (who made, through cowardice, the great refusal). Inf. III, 60.
  • Centaur: In Greek mythology, a race part Man and part horse, with a horse's body and a human head and torso.
    • Supervising the punishment of the violent. Their leader Chiron appoints one of their number, Nessus, to guide the poets. Inf. XII, 55–139.
    • The only one not with the violent is Cacus, who supervises the thieves. Inf. XXV, 28–30.
  • Cerberus: In Greek mythology, he was the three-headed dog who garded the gate to Hades. In the Aeneid, Virgil has the Sibyl throw a drugged honey cake into Cerberus' mouths, in the Inferno Dante has Virgil throw dirt instead.
    • Encountered In the Third Circle. Inf. VI, 13–33.
    • Example of divine punishment. Inf. IX, 98.
  • Cesena: City on the Savio River during Dante's time, though free, its politics were controlled by Guido Montefeltro's cousin Galasso da Montefeltro. Inf. XXVII, 52–54.
  • Charles I of Sicily (1227–1285): Son of Louis VIII of France, he was one of the most powerful rulers of his age and the undisputed head of the Guelph faction in Italy. His dream of building a Mediterranean Empire was wrecked by the Sicilian Vespers.
  • Charybdis: In Greek mythology, a sea monster who swallows huge amounts of water three times a day and then spouts it back out again, forming an enormous whirlpool. Mentioned frequently by classical writers.
    • Used in a simile to describe the punishment of the greedy and prodigal in the fourth circle of hell. Inf. VII, 22.
  • Charon: The mythological Greek figure who ferried souls of the newly dead into Hades over the underworld river Acheron. Inf. III, 82–129.
  • Chiron: Leader of the centaurs, legendary tutor of Achilles. Inf. XII, 65.
  • Ciacco ("pig"): Nickname, for a Florentine contemporary of Dante, perhaps well known as a glutton, and probably the same who appears in Boccaccio's Decameron (IX, 8).
    • Central figure of canto VI, he voices the first of many prophesies concerning Florence. Inf. VI, 37–99.
  • Ciampolo di Navarra: Utterly uknown to sources other than Dante, this Ciampolo (i.e. Jean Paul) appears to have been in the service of Theobald II, king of Navarre.
  • Cicero, Marcus Tullius (c. 106 BCE–c. 43 BCE): Roman statesman and author.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 141.
  • Circe: Mythical daughter of Helios, god of the Sun, and sister of Aeetis, king of Colchis. She was an enchantress who lived near the Gulf of Gaeta, who turned the crew of Odysseus (Ulysses) into pigs on their journey home from the Trojan war. But Odysseus, with the help of Hermes, forced her to release his men form her spell (Ovid, Met. XIV, 435–440). She fell in love with Ulysses and he stayed with her for another year and in some accounts, she had a son Telegonus with Odysseus, who was to accidentally kill him.
    • It is said, by Ulysses, that she "beguiled" him. Inf. XXVI, 90–92.
The Death of Cleopatra by Reginald Arthur
Constantine the Great
(mosaic in Hagia Sophia, Constantinople, c. 1000)
  • Cocytus: "The river of lamintation", in Greek mythology, it was the river on whose banks the dead who could not pay Charon wandered. It flowed into the river Acheron, across which lay Hades. In the Inferno it is a frozen lake forming the the Ninth Circle and the bottom of Hell.
    • Formed from the tears of the statue of the Old Man of Crete. Inf. XIV, 94–120.
    • Is shut in by cold. Inf. XXXI, 121–122.
    • Described. Inf. XXXII, 22–39.
    • Frozen by flapping of the wings of Dis. Inf. XXXIV, 46–52.
  • Cornelia Africana (c. 190 BCE –100 BCE): daughter of Scipio Africanus Major, and mother of Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 128.
  • Corneto: See Maremma.
  • Constantine the Great (272–337): The famous Roman Emperor who passed the Edict of Milan in 313 and converted to Christianity.
    • Dante alludes to the so-called "Donation of Constantine", which he sees as the source from which stemmed the corruption of the Papacy. Inf. XIX, 115–117.
  • Cronus: In Greek mythology, King of Crete during the Golden Age. He had several children by Rhea, but swallowed them at birth because he had learned from his parents Gaia and Uranus, that he was destined to be overthrown by a son. However, Rhea managed to save Zeus who eventually fulfilled that prophecy.
    • Under his rule, the world lived chastely". Inf. XIV, 96.
    • Rhea protects Zeus from him. Inf. XIV, 100–102
  • Cyclops: Children of Uranus and Gaia, they were giants with a single eye in the middle of their forehead. In Roman mythology, they helped Vulcan make thunderbolts for Zeus.
    • The "others" who Zeus "may tire" making thunderbolts. Inf. XIV, 55.

D

File:Inquisition2.jpg
St Dominic presiding over an auto de fe, Pedro Berruguete, 1475
  • Bonturo Dati (d. 1324): Head of the popular faction in Lucca, he expelled his enemies in 1308 assuming the government of the city, boasting he would put an end to barratry. He is famous for provoking with his jeers in 1313 a war with Pisa, that has been remembered in Faida di Comune by Giosuè Carducci.
    • Sarcastically and ironically said that all Luccans but he are guilty of barratry. Inf. XXI, 41.
  • King David: Biblical king of the Jews. His counselor Ahitophel, incited David's son Absalom against him.
  • Deianira: Wife of Heracles, she was abducted by the centaur Nessus, but Heracles shot him with a poisoned arrow. She was tricked by the dying Nessus into believing that a love potion could be made from his blood, which she later gives to Herakles poisoning him. Inf. XII, 68.
  • Deidamia: Mythical daughter of Lycomedes, king of Scyros, she gave birth to Achilles' only son, Pyrrhus Neoptolemus, but died of grief when, because of the urgings of Odysseus (Ulysses), Achilles left her to go to the war against Troy.
    • Even now she misses her betrothed ("morta ... ancor si duol d'Achille"). Inf. XXVI, 61–62
  • Democritus (c. 460 BCE–370 BCE): Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo, "che 'l mondo a caso pone" ("who ascribes the world to chance"). Inf. IV, 136.
  • Dido: Queen of Carthage. In Virgil's Aeneid, she becomes the lover of Aeneas despite a vow of eternal fidelity to her dead husband Sichaeus. Consequently, as "colei, che s' ancise amorosa" (she who killed herself from love"), Dante places her amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 61–62.
  • Diogenes of Sinope (c. 412 BCE–323 BCE): Greek philosopher.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 137.
  • Diomedes: Mythical king of Argus, he participated to the expedition against Troy, where his prowess is extolled in the Iliad. A great friend of Odysseus (Ulysses), he was his companion in many feats, most notably the theft of Troy's Palladium and the ruse of the Trojan Horse.
    • Among the advisors of fraud, he is punished with Ulysses for the sins they both committed at Troy. Inf. XXVI, 52–63.
  • Dionysius the Areopagite (fl. c. 50 CE): Athenian judge who was converted to Christianity and became a bishop of Athens.
    • Identified in the Heaven of the Sun by Thomas Aquinas. Par. X, 115–7.
  • Dionysius the Elder: Tyrant of Syracuse (405 BCE–367 BCE.
    • Pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XI, 107–108.
  • Pedanius Dioscorides (c. 40–c. 90): Greek physician and author of a work on the medicinal properties of plants, hence Dante's description of him as "il buono accoglitor del quale"/"the good collector of the qualities".
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 139–140.
  • Dis: Another name for Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, used by Dante as both the name of Satan and his realm.
    • First glimpse of the "crimson" city. Inf VIII, 67–75.
    • Dante refused entry. Inf VIII, 76–130.
    • The city dolente (of sorrowing). Inf IX, 32.
    • Entrance. Inf IX, 73–133.
    • Spoils taken from by Jesus. Inf. XII, 38—39.
    • Pointed out by Virgil. Inf. XXXIV, 20.
  • Saint Dominic: Founder of the Dominican Order.
  • Buoso Donati: Of the noble Florentine Black Guelph Donati family, he was one of those who accepted the peace between the factions proposed by Cardinal Latino in 1280 . He died around 1285.
  • Cianfa Donati: Of the Donati family, he is known to have acted as advisor to the Capitano del popolo in 1281. In 1289 he is reported as already dead.
    • Among the thieves, he appears as a six-footed serpent, attacks and melds with Agnello Brunelleschi. Inf. XXV, 43–78.

E

F

Francis of Assisi
  • Farinata degli Uberti (d.1264): Leader of the Florentine Ghibellines famous for his defeat of the Guelphs (Dante's faction), at the Battle of Montaperti in 1260, causing the Guelphs to be exiled from Florence, though he was able to argue successfully against the destruction of the city. Farinata was posthumously condemned as a heretic during the Franciscan inquisition of 1283. To make peace between the Black and White Guelphs, Cavalcante de' Cavalcanti, let his son Guido Cavalcanti, the future poet, marry Farinata's daughter.
    • One of a group of famous political Florentines, "who were so worthy … whose minds bent toward the good", asked about by Dante of Ciacco. Inf. VI, 77–81.
    • Found among the Epicurean heretics. Inf. X, 22–51, 73–123.
    • Predicts Dante's difficulty in returning to Florence after his exile. Inf. X, 79–81.
    • Explains that the damned can see the future but not the present. Inf. X, 97–108.
  • Fiumicello: Tributary of Phlegethon. Inf. XIV, 77.
  • Rampino Foresi: See Vanni Fucci.
  • Forli: City in Romagna. In 1282, under Guido da Montefeltro, it withstood a combined siege by French and Guelph forces, dealing the French a crushing defeat. After 1300 it was ruled by the Ordelaffi.
    • "The city that stood long trial". Inf. XXVI, 43–45.
  • Fortuna: In Dante's cosmology, a power created by god to "guide the destinies of man on earth" (H. Oelsner, P.H. Wicksteed and T. Okey The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, Vol I, p. 79). Inf. VII, 61–96, XV, 91–96.
  • Francesca da Rimini: See Paolo and Francesca.
  • Francesco d'Accorso: Eminent jurist of Bologna who taught law at the universities of Bologna and Oxford. Son of the great Florentine jurist Accorsio da Bagnolo, author of the Glossa Ordinaria on the Corpus Iuris Civilis.
  • Francesco de' Cavalcanti: Nicknamed Guercio ("one-eyed" or "squinter"), he was murdered for unknown reasons by the inhabitants of the village of Gaville, near Florence. Reportedly his death started a bloody feud between his family and the villagers, leaving most of the inhabitants of Galville dead.
    • Among the thieves, as a "blazing little serpent", he attacks the soul of Buosco, causing it to transform into a serpent, and himself to transform back into human form. Inf. XXV, 82–151.
  • Saint Francis: Founder of the Franciscan Order.
  • Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor: Was renowned for his Epicurean lifestyle, and alleged to have punished traitors by cloaking them in leaden capes and placing them into boiling cauldrons.
    • Among the Epicurean heretics. Inf. X, 119.
    • His capes compared to those of the hypocrites. Inf. XXIII, 66.
  • Vanni Fucci: Nicknamed Bestia, for his brutality, he was the Illegitimate son of Fuccio de' Lazzari. He took part in the vicious struggles that divided his city Pistoia, siding with the Black Guelphs, repeatedly sacked the houses of his political enemies. In 1293, he stole the reliquary of San Jacopo from the sacristy of the Cathedral of Pistoia, for which crime the innocent Rampino Foresi was arrested and nearly executed, before the guilt of Fucci and his accomplices was discovered.
    • Among the thieves, like the mythical phoenix, he is burned to ashes and restored. Inf. XXIV, 97–118.
    • Refers to himself as a "mule" meaning "bastard" ("mul ch'i' fui"). Inf. XXIV, 125.
    • Prophesies the triumph in Florence of the Black Guelphs over the Whites. Inf. XXIV, 143–151.
    • Swears against God while performing an obscene gesture (a "fig", the insertion of a thumb between the first and second fingers of a closed fist). Inf. XXV, 1–18.
  • Furies: see Erinyes.

G

File:Geryon herakles vase.jpg
Heracles fighting with Geryon. Greek krater, 6th century BC
  • Galen (131–201): Ancient Greek physician.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 143.
  • Geryon: In Greek mythology, son of Chrysaor and Callirhoe, was a winged giant. The tenth labour of Herakles was to steal his cattle. In Medieval times, he was viewed as an example of treacherous deception, which may explain Dante's choice of him as an emblem of fraud.
    • Guardian of the Eighth Circle, summoned by Virgil, he is encountered in close association with the usurers. Inf. XVI, 106–136.
    • "La fiera con la coda aguzza, che passa i monti, e rompe i muri e l'armi! ... colei che tutto 'l mondo appuzza!" ("The beast who bears the pointed tail, who crosses mountains, shatters weapons, walls! … the one whose stench fills all the worlds!"). Inf. XVII, 1–27.
    • Carries Virgil and Dante on his back. Inf. XVII, 79–136.
    • Sets down Virgil and Dante in the Eighth Circle. Inf. XVIII, 19–20.
  • Giovanni di Buiamonte dei Becchi: Florentine banker, he had held several important offices which earned him a knighthood.
  • Fra Gomita: Chancellor of Nino Visconti and Govenor of the giudicato of Gallura, in Sardinia — at the time a possion of Pisa. He accepted a bribe to let escape a group of Visconti's enemies who were in his custody. For this he was hanged.
    • Among the barrators with Michel Zanche, "a dir di Sardigna le lingue lor non si sentono stanche" ("their tounges are never too tired to speak of their Sardinia"). Inf. XXII, 81–90.
  • Guelphs and Ghibellines: Factions supporting, respectively, the Papacy and the Holy Roman Empire in Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries. After the Guelphs finally defeated the Ghibellines in 1289 at Campaldino and Caprona, (Dante apparently fought for the Guelphs at both), they began to fight among themselves. By 1300 Dante's city Florence, was "divided" between the Black Guelphs who continued to support the Papacy and Dante's party the White Guelphs. That year the Whites defeated the Blacks and forced them out of Florence, however in 1302, the Blacks with the help of Pope Boniface VIII were victorious and the Whites including Dante were banished from Florence. Inf. VI, 60–72.
    • Florence the divided city. Inf. VI, 61.
    • White Guelphs, party of the woods. Inf. VI, 65.
    • Black Guelphs, prevail with help of Boniface. Inf. VI, 68–69.
    • Rivalry. Inf X.
    • Black and White Guelphs, one after the other, will "hunger" after Dante. Inf. XV, 71–72.
    • The expulsion of the White Guelphs from Florence is prophesied: "Fiorenza rinnova gente e modi". Inf. XXIV, 143–150.
  • Guido Guerra (c. 1220–1272): Member of one of the greatest Tuscan families, he was one of the leaders of the Guelph faction in Florence, under whose banners he fought the disastrous battle of Montaperti in 1260. Exiled following the triumph of the Ghibellines, he returned to Florence in 1267 when the Guelphs retook control of the city.
    • One of a group of three Florentine sodomites who approach Dante, and are much esteemed by him (see Jacopo Rusticucci). Inf. XVI, 1–90.
    • "In sua vita fece col senno assai e con la spada" ("In his life he did much with the senses and the sword"). Inf. XVI, 37–39.
  • Guy de Montfort: Son of Simon de Montfort, 6th Earl of Leicester (1208 – August 4, 1265) who was leader of the baronial opposition to king Henry III of England. Simon was killed at the battle of Evesham and Guy revenged his death by killing the king's nephew, another Henry, in a church in Viterbo.
    • Pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XII, 118–120.

H

File:Harpy1.jpg
A medieval depiction of a Harpy.
  • Harpies: Monsters from Greek mythology with human female faces on the bodies of birds.
    • Tormentors of the suicides in Hell Circle VII round 2. Their description is derived from Virgil (Aeneid iii, 209 on), which tells how they drove the Trojans from the Strophades. Inf. XII, 10–15 & 101.
  • Hector: One of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy , Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Helen: Wife of the Spartan king Menelaus and lover of the Trojan Paris, her abduction caused the Trojan War.
    • Found amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 64–65.
  • Heliotrope stone: Also called bloodstone, is dark green with spots of red. In the Middle Ages the red spots were thought to be the blood of Jesus, and it was believed to have miraculous powers, including making its wearer invisible. Boccaccio writes about it in his Decameron (VIII, 3). Inf. XXIV, 93.
Bust of Homer in the British Museum

I

Icarus and Daedalus by Charles Paul Landon

J

L

  • Laertes: Mythical father of Odysseus (Ulysses), he was one of the Argonauts. In the Odyssey he takes part in the massacre of Penelope's suitors.
    • Not even Ulysses' love for his father (and wife and son) was enough to overrule his desire "to gain experience of the world and of the vices and the worth of men". Inf. XXVI, 94–99.
  • Lancelot: Central figure of the Arthurian legend. Reading tales of his amorous adventures led Paulo and Francesca astray.
    • Inf. V, 128.
  • Lano: Notorious spendthrift from Siena. He may have fought in the battle of Pieve al Toppo in 1288.
    • One of two spendthrifts (the other being Jacomo da Sant' Andrea) whose punishment consists of being hunted by female hounds. Inf. XIII, 115–129,
  • Brunetto Latini: Famous Florentine Guelph politician and writer, friend and teacher of Dante till his death in 1294.
    • Encountered by Dante among the sodomites in the 7th Circle of Hell. The meeting between Dante and Brunetto is one of the most important in the Inferno, as Brunetto is given the key role of prophesying the future exile of Dante. Dante extols his encyclopaedia, Li Livres dou Tresor, of which Dante has Brunetto say: "Sieti raccomandato il mio Tesoro, nel qual io vivo ancora". Inf. XV, 22–124.
  • Latinus: The "Latian king" and one of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Lavinia: Daughter of Latinus and one of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Lethe: One of the rivers of Hades in Greek mythology. To drink its waters is to forget everything.
    • Its location is asked about and given. Inf. XIV, 130–138.
    • Probably the little stream. Inf. XXXIV 130–132.
    • Passage of. Pur. XXX, 142–145.
  • Limbo: The first circle of Dante's Hell and the scene of Inf. IV. It is a kind of antechamber in which the souls of the good who died before Jesus spend eternity with no punishment other than the lack of the divine presence. In Dante's version, figures from Classical antiquity significantly outnumber those from the Old Testament.
  • Linus: Mythical son of Apollo who taught music to Orpheus.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 141.
  • Loderingo Andalò (c. 1210–1293): Of a prominent Ghibelline family, he held many civic positions. In 1261 he founded the Knights of Saint Mary or Jovial Friars, a religious order recognized by Pope Clement IV. Its mission was to promote peace between warring municipal factions, but its members soon succumbed to self interest. Together with Catalano dei Malavolti, he shared the position of governor of Florence. Loderingo is extolled for his fortitude in dying by his friend, the poet Guittone d'Arezzo.
    • Among the hypocrites. Inf. XXIII, 103–109.
  • Lucan (39–65): Latin poet, whose Pharsalia, an epic poem on the civil war between Julius Caesar and Pompey, is an important source for Dante. Like Seneca he was forced to commit suicide by Nero for his participation in the Pisonian conspiracy.
    • One of a group of classical poets encountered by Dante in Limbo (see Homer). Inf. IV, 85–105.
    • The serpents in the Malebolge comes from his Pharsalia (IX, 710 ff). Inf. XXIV, 85–90.
    • His description in Pharsalia (IX, 761–804) of the deaths and "transformations" of Sabellus and Nasidiusis is compared with the transformations of the thieves and sinners in the Malebolge. Inf. XXV, 94–96.
  • Lucca: A Tuscan city of considerable importance in the Middle Ages; generally Guelph, it was traditionally an ally of Florence and an enemy of Pisa.
    • Dante, through the words of a devil, accuses its magistrates of being all corrupt: "torno ... a quella terra, che n'è ben fornita: ogn'uom v'è barattier, ... del no, per li denar, vi si fa ita" Inf. XXI, 39–42.
  • Lucia of Syracuse: 4th century martyr saint associated with light and those, like Dante, who suffered from poor eyesight. She symbolises Illuminating Grace in the poem.
    • Serves as an intermediary between the "gentle lady" (see Mary) and Beatrice. Inf. II, 97–108.
  • Lucretia: mythical figure in the history of the Roman Republic, whose rape by the son of Tarquinius Superbus was revenged by Brutus by the overthrowing of that king.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 128.

M

Guido Reni's archangel Michael (in the Capuchin church of Sta. Maria della Concezione, Rome) trampling Satan
  • Malebranche ("evil-claws"): A family name of Lucca, in the Inferno, it is the name of a group of demons in the fifth pouch of the Malebolge. Each of the demons is named as well, some using other Luccan family names: Graffiacane ("dog-scratcher"), Scarmiglione, and Cagnasso ("big dog"; here spelled Cagnazzo).
    • Encountered. Inf. XXI, 29–XXIII, 56.
    • A demon is described plunging a barrator into a boiling lake of pitch and returning to Lucca "for more". Inf. XXI, 29–46.
    • Their using prongs to keep the sinner submerged is compared to cooking meat in a pot. Inf. XXI, 55–57.
    • The demon Barbarariccia's remarkable trumpet. Inf. XXI, 136–XXII, 12.
    • Ten demons escort Dante, guarding the shore as they go. A sinner is dragged ashore, attacked by the demons and is questioned but escapes, and two demons fight and fall into the boiling pitch. Inf. XXII, 13–151.
    • Dante and Virgil escape their pursuit. Inf. XXIII 13–56.
    • The demon Malacoda's lie is discovered. Inf. XXIII 140–141.
  • Manto: Mythical daughter of Tiresias, from her father she inherited the power of prophesy.
    • Seen among the seers. Inf. XX, 52–57.
    • Virgil tells how Manto travelled till she arrived in the spot that was to be called after her Mantua. Inf. XX, 58–93.
  • Mantua: An important and ancient city in Lombardy. Its name is probably of Etruscan origin.
    • Birthplace of Virgil. Inf. I, 69.
    • Beatrice addresses Virgil as "courteous Mantuan spirit". Inf. II, 58.
    • Virgil tells Dante of the origin of the name of Mantua and about its foundation. Inf. XX, 58–99.
    • Sordello addresses Virgil as "Mantuan". Purg. VI, 74.
  • Marcia: Wife of Cato the younger.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 128.
  • Maremma: Area consisting of part of southern Tuscany (and partly coincident with province of Grosseto area) and some part of northern Latium (a bordering region of the province of Viterbo). In Dante's time it was quite desolate.
    • Identified as between Cecina and Corneto. Inf. XIII, 7–9.
    • Reputation for snakes. Inf. XXV, 19–20.
  • Mars: In Roman mythology, the god of war.
    • As ei per questo//sempre con l'arte sua la farà trista (he who with this art always will make it [Florence] sad) he is identified as the patron of Florence before John the Baptist. Inf. XIII, 143–144.
  • Mary: The mother of Jesus.
    • Probably the "gentle lady", who takes pity on Dante and calls on Lucia to ask Beatrice to help him. Inf. II, 94–99.
  • Saint Matthias: After Judas' betrayal and suicide, he took his place as one of the twelve apostles (Acts of the Apostles I:23–26). Late legends state he was either crucified in Colchis or stoned by the Jews.
    • How he became an apostle is contrasted with the Simoniacs. Inf. XIX, 94–96. *Medea: Mythical daughter of Aeetes, king of Colchis, she helped Jason get the Golden Fleece, but was abandoned by him. She took revenge by killing their two children.
    • For her also is Jason punished. Inf. XVIII, 96.
  • Medusa (also known as the Gorgon): In Greek mythology, a female monster whose gaze could turn people to stone. See Erinyes.
  • Megaera: See Erinyes.
  • Michael: Archangel who defeated Satan. Inf. VII 11–12.
  • Minos: A semi-legendary king of Crete, son of Zeus and Europa. In The Divine Comedy, he sits at the entrance to the second circle in the Inferno, which is the beginning of Hell proper. Here, he judges the sins of each dead soul and assigns it to its rightful punishment by indicating the circle to which it must descend. He does this by circling his tail around his body the appropriate number of times.
    • Encountered by Dante. Inf. V, 4–24.
    • Sends suicides to their apointed punishments. Inf. XIII, 96.
    • Amphiaraus falls down to him. Inf. XX, 35–36.
    • He can also speak, to clarify the soul's location within the circle indicated by the wrapping of his tail. Inf. XXVII, 124–127.
  • Minotaur: In Greek mythology, a creature that was half man and half bull. It dwelt in the Labyrinth, which was an elaborate maze constructed by King Minos of Crete and was eventually killed by Theseus.
    • Guards the Seventh Circle of hell. Inf. XII, 11–27.
  • Mongibello: Sicialian name for Mount Etna, though to be Vulcan's furnace.
    • "The sooty forge". Inf. XIV, 56.
  • Guido da Montefeltro (1223–1298): Renowned leader of the Ghibellines of Romagna. As ruler of Forli, in 1282, he defeated a French force, which was besieging the city. In 1296 he retired from military life and entered the Franciscan order. Pope Boniface VIII, in 1297, asked his advice on how to capture Palestrina, the impegnable stronghold of the Colonna family, offering in advance papal absolution for any sin his advice might entail. He advised Boniface to promise the Colonnas amnesty, then break it. As a result the Collonas surrendered the fortress and it was razed to the ground. Dante also mentions him in the Convivio, where he curiously extols his piety and sanctity.
    • Among the fraudulent counsellors. Inf. XXVII, 4–132.
    • He "made a bloody heap out of the French". Inf. XXVII, 43–45.
  • Mosca de' Lamberti: Ghibelline who in 1215 rekindled feuding with the Guelphs by urging the killing of the Guelph Buondelmonte dei Buondelmonte, for breaking a marriage engagement.
    • One of a group of famous political Florentines, "who were so worthy … whose minds bent toward the good", asked about by Dante of Ciacco. Inf. VI, 77–81.
    • Found among the Sowers of Scandal and Schism in the Eighth Circle, Ninth Pouch. He was a "seed of evil for the Tuscans". Inf. XXVIII, 106–109.
  • Moses
  • Muses: In Greek and Roman mythology, the inspiring goddesses of song, poetry and art. Inf. II, 7–9

N

O

  • Obizzo II d'Este (1264–1293): Marquis of Ferrara and a leading Guelph. popular tradition had it that he was killed by his son, Azzo VIII.
    • Pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XII, 110–112.
    • The "marquis" for whom Venedico Caccianemico admits to have procured his sister Ghisolabella. Inf. XVIII, 55–57.
  • Sinibaldo degli Ordelaffi: Head of the noble Ordelaffi family and ruler of Forli and the surrounding territory in Romagna from the end of the 13th century. His coat of arms contained a green lion.
    • Forli "beneath green paws". Inf. XXVII 43–45.
  • Orpheus: Mythical Greek singer and poet who, like Dante, descended into the underworld.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 140.
  • Ovid: Latin poet, whose Metamorphoses, is Dante's principle, mythological source.
    • One of a group of classical poets encountered by Dante in Limbo (see Homer). Inf. IV, 85–105.
    • His descriptions of the transformations Cadmus and Arethusa in the Metamorphoses are compared to the transformations of the thieves. Inf. XXV, 97–99

P

Paolo and Francesca discovered by Giovanni, in a painting by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres
  • Maghinardo Pagani da Susinana: Ruler of Faenza on the river Lamone and Imola on the river Santerno. Ghibelline by birth, he was a Guelph in Florence. His coat of arms was a white lion on a blue field.
    • The "young lion of the white lair". Inf. XXVI, 49–51.
  • Palladium: A statue of Pallas Athena. Since it was believed that Troy could not be captured while it contained this statue, Odysseus (Ulysses) and Diomedes stole it during the Trojan War (Aeneid II, 228–240).
    • Its theft is one of the things for which Ulysses and Diomedes are punished. Inf. XXVI, 63.
  • Paolo and Francesca: Brother and wife, respectively, of Giovanni Malatesta. The pair were lovers and reputedly killed by Giovanni. Francesca was the daughter of Guido da Polenta.
    • Found among the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 73–138.
  • Montagna de' Parcitati: Of the noble Parcitati family, he was head of the Ghibelline faction in Rimini till Malatesta da Verrucchio assumed control of the town in 1295. Montagna was first jailed and then treacherously murdered by Malatesta and his son.
    • Malatesta and his son "fecer di Montagna il mal governo". Inf. XXVII, 47.
  • Saint Paul: One of the apostles of Jesus. Referred to by Dante as the "Chosen Vessel" (Acts 9:15). His legendary journey to Hell (2 Corinthians 12:2–4) serves as a model for Dante. Inf. II, 28–32.
  • Paris: Trojan, son of Priam and Hecuba, brother of Hector, and abductor of Helen.
    • Found amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 67.
  • Penelope: Faithful wife of Odysseus (Ulysses) king of Ithaca, refusing the many suitors who invaded her home, she waited twenty years for him to return home from the Trojan War.
    • Not even Ulysses' love for his wife (and son and father) was enough to overrule his desire "to gain experience of the world and of the vices and the worth of men". Inf. XXVI, 94–99.
  • Penthesilea: Queen of the Amazons and one of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
File:Stpeter statue.jpg
Saint Peter is usually depicted in art holding the keys to the gates of heaven.

R

  • Rachel: The biblical second wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. She symbolises the contemplative life in the poem.
  • Rhea: See Cronus.
  • Rinier da Corneto and Rinier Pazzo: Highwaymen who lived in Dante's day. Pazzo was excommunicated by Pope Clement IV, in 1268
    • Pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XII, 137.
  • Ruggiere degli Ubaldini: See Ugolino della Gherardesca.
  • Jacopo Rusticucci: Florentine Guelph of Guido Cavalcanti's guild, active in politics and diplomacy.
    • One of a group of famous political Florentines, "who were so worthy … whose minds bent toward the good", asked about by Dante of Ciacco. Inf. VI, 77–81.
    • One of a group of three Florentine sodomites who approach Dante, and are much esteemed by him. Inf. XVI, 1–90.
    • Blames his wife for his sin: '"e certo fu la fiera moglie più ch'altro mi nuoce". Inf. XVI, 43–45.
    • Questions Dante about Borsiere's reports of the moral decay of Florence, which have caused great anguish for him and his companions. Inf. XVI, 66–72.
    • Represents (with the other two sodomites) past civic virtue, providing an opportunity for Dante to rail against "La gente nuova e i sùbiti guadagni" ("newcomers and quick gains"), as the cause of Florentine decadence. Inf. XVI, 73–75.

S

Gustave Dore's depiction of Satan from John Milton's Paradise Lost
  • Sabellus and Nasidius: Two soldiers of Cato's army in Lucan's poem Pharsalia (IX, 761–804), who are bitten by snakes, while marching in the Libyan Desert, after which their bodies "transform", Sabellus' into a rotting formless mass, Nasidius' swells, then bursts.
    • Their cruel fate is compared to that of the thieves. Inf. XXV, 94–95.
  • Saladin: 12th century Muslim leader renowned for his military prowess, generosity, and merciful attitude to his opponents during the Crusades.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 129.
  • Satan: Biblical angel who embodies evil and is the greatest foe of God and mankind. He is the ruler of Hell. Inf. XXXIV, 28–67
  • Michael Scot (c. 1175–1234): Scottish mathematician, philosopher, alchemist and astrologer, honoured by popes and emperors, especially Frederick II, he developed a popular reputation as a magician and seer.
    • Damned among the soothsayers. Of him it is said "che veramente de le magiche frode seppe 'l gioco". Inf. XX, 115–117.
  • Semiramis: Legendary figure who was, in Dante's day, believed to have been sexually licentious after the death of her husband Ninus.
    • Found amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 52–60.
  • Seneca, Lucius Annaeus (C. 4 BCE–65 CE): Roman philosopher, statesman and dramatist, forced to commit suicide by Nero for his participation in the Pisonian conspiracy, called "morale" (moral), by Dante.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 141.
  • Serchio: A river near Lucca.
    • Leisurely floating on ones back in this river is contrasted, by the Malebranche, with the different kind of swimming by the barrators in the lake of boiling pitch. Inf. XXI, 49.
  • Sextus Pompeius: Son of Pompey the Great and opponent of Julius Caesar, portrayed by Lucan as a cruel pirate (Pharsalia VI, 420–422).
    • Pointed out by Nessus. Inf. XII, 135.
  • Sichaeus: First husband of Dido and ruler of Tyre, he was murdered by Dido's brother.
    • It is remembered that Dido "ruppe fede al cener di Sicheo". Inf. V, 62.
  • Sicilian bull: A brazen figure of a bull used as an instrument of torture by burning victims inside it. It was created by Perillus for the tyrant Phalaris. Its inventor was also its first victim. Inf. XXVII, 7–12.
  • Simon Magus: The magician (or proto-Gnostic) of Samaria. In the Acts of the Apostles (8:9–24) he is rejected by the apostle Peter for trying to buy the ability to confer the Holy Spirit. From his name is derived the word Simony.
    • His followers "fornicate for gold and silver". Inf. XIX, 1–4.
  • Simony: Sin of selling or paying for offices or positions in the church hierarchy (cf. barratry).
    • One of the sins of ordinary fraud punished in the Eighth Circle of hell. Inf. XI, 59.
    • Dante arrives in the 3rd Bolgia of the 8th Circle where the Simoniacs are set upside-down in rock pits, with their exposed feet in flames. Inf. XIX, 1–117.
  • Socrates: Greek philosopher.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 134.
  • Reginaldo Scrovegni: One of the richest Paduan bankers. In expiation of his father's sin his son Enrico commissioned in 1300 the Cappella degli Scrovegni, that was frescoed by Giotto.
    • Among the usurers. Inf. XVII, 64–75.
  • Sodom: Biblical city, which during the Middle Ages, became associated in Christian thinking with the "sin" of homosexuality. Sodomy, like usury, was viewed as a sin against nature.
    • Used to locate the sodomites as being punished in the last ring of the Seventh Circle. Inf. XI, 50.
  • Sordello: 13th-century Italian troubadour, born in Goito near Virgil's home town Mantua.
    • In Purgatory he personifies patriotic pride. Purg. VI, 74.
  • Strophades: See Harpies.
  • Styx: One of the rivers encircling Hades in the Aeneid (VI, 187, 425).
    • Encountered and described. Inf. VII, 100–129.
    • Formed from the tears of the statue of the Old Man of Crete. Inf. XIV, 94–116.

T

  • Lucius Tarquinius Superbus: Last king of Rome before the founding of the Republic.
    • One of a group of figures associated with the history of Troy, Virgil's Aeneid, and the history of Rome encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 121–128.
  • Telemachus: Son of Odysseus (Ulysses) and Penelope, he plays an important role in the Odyssey. In the lost Telegony he appears to have married Circe and been granted immortality.
    • Not even Ulysses' love for his son (and wife and father) was enough to overrule his desire "to gain experience of the world and of the vices and the worth of men". Inf. XXVI, 94–99.
  • Tiresias: A mythical blind soothsayer who was transformed into a woman and then back into a man, seven years later. He has an important role in classical literature, including the Odyssey.
    • His double transformation is told. Inf. XX, 40–45.
    • Father of Manto. Inf. XX, 58.
  • Thais: A courtesan in Terence's Eunuchus. Perhaps misled by Cicero's commentary (De amicitta XXVI, 98), he places her among the flatterers.
    • Virgil contemptuously calls her "puttana" ("whore"). Inf. XVIII, 127–135.
  • Thales (c. 635 BCE–543 BCE): Greek philosopher.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 137.
  • Theobald V of Champagne (c. 1238–1270): The eldest son of Theobald IV of Champagne, on his death in 1253 he succeeded him as Count of Champagne and, as Theobald II, king of Navarre. He died childless in 1270.
    • The "good king Theobald" ("buon re Tebaldo"). Inf. XXII, 52.
  • Theseus: Legendary king of Athens who visited the underworld and, in the version used by Dante, was rescued by Herakles.
    • His name invoked by the Erinyes. Inf. XI, 54.
    • The "Duke of Athens" who killed the Minatour. Inf. XII, 17.
  • Tisiphone: see Erinyes.
  • Troy: Also called Ilium, the site of the Trojan War, described in Homer's Iliad, and the home of Aeneas. The Greeks were victorious by means of the wooden Trojan Horse, which the Greeks left as a "gift" for the Trojans. The Trojans brought the horse through the gates and into their walled city, and the Greek soldiers who had hid inside the horse, were able to open the gates and let in the rest of the Greek army.
    • Aeneas' escape. Inf. I, 73.
    • "That horse's fraud that caused a breach". Inf. XXVI, 58–60.
  • Tullio/Tully: See Cicero.
  • Turnus: A chieftain of the Rutuli whose conflict with Aeneas is the subject of the second half of the Aeneid, at the end of which, he was killed by Aeneas in single combat (Aeneid II, 919) — one of those who "died for Italy". Inf. I, 106–108.
  • Tristan: Hero of medieval French romance, he was a Cornish Knight of the Round Table, and adulterous lover of Isolde.
    • Found amongst the sexual sinners. Inf. V, 67.

U

  • Ugolino della Gherardesca: Leader of one of two competing Guelph factions in Pisa. In 1288 he conspired with the Archbishop Ruggiere degli Ubaldini to oust the leader of the other faction, his grandson Nino de' Visconti. Ugolino was, in turn, betrayed by Ruggiere and imprisoned with several of his sons and grandsons. They all died of starvation in prison.
    • Found with Ruggiere amongst those damned for treason. Inf. XXXII, 124–XXXIII 90.
  • Ulysses (Odysseus in Greek mythology): King of Ithaca, he was the son of Laertes, husband of Penelope and father of Telemachus. Known for his guile and resourcefulness, he is the hero of Homer's Odyssey, and a major character in the Iliad. During the Trojan War, with Diomedes, he stole the Palladium and conceived the trickery of the Trojan horse. He was famous for the twenty years it took him to return home from the war.
    • Among the advisors of fraud, he is punished with Diomedes for the sins they both committed at Troy. Inf. XXVI, 52–63.
    • At Virgil's urging, he speaks about his journey after leaving Circe. Inf. XXVI, 79–142.
  • Usury: The practice of charging a fee for the use of money; viewed by the medieval church as a sin because it went contrary to the idea that wealth is based on natural increase, which was believed to be a gift from god.
    • Explained by Virgil to Dante. Inf. XI, 97–111.
    • The usurers are punished in the Seventh Circle Inf. XVII, 34–75.
  • Ottaviano degli Ubaldini (c1210–1250): Cardinal and prominent Ghibelline who was the only supporter of their cause at the Papal Court at the time of the Battle of Montaperti (see Farinata).

V

Virgil, probably from 1st century CE.
  • Venetian Arsenal: Shipyard and naval depot for Venice, built c. 1104, in Castello sestiere, it was one of the most important shipyards in Europe, and was instrumental in maintaining Venice as a great naval power.
    • Described. Inf. XXI, 7–15
  • Volto Santo ("Holy face") of Lucca: An early Byzantine, crucifix made of very dark wood, greatly venerated as having been miraculously created.
  • Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro) (October 15, 70–19 BCE): Latin poet. He serves as Dante's guide through the Inferno and Purgatorio. In the absence of texts of Homer, the Middle Ages considered Virgil to be the great epic poet of the Classical world. He had also, rightly or wrongly, become to be viewed as having predicted the arrival of Christianity in the following lines from his Eclogue IV "at the boy's birth in whom/the iron shall cease, the golden race arise" (trans John Dryden). This made him doubly suited to his role as guide. He also symbolises Reason. Inf. I, 61–Purg. XXXIII.
    • Sudden appearance. Inf. I, 61–63
    • The "light and honor of all other poets" (Mandelbaum). Inf. I, 82
    • Dante's inspiration. Inf. I, 85–87
    • Offers to be Dante's guide. Inf. I, 112–114
  • Vitaliano del Dente: Paduan banker, he was podestà of Vicenza in 1304 and of Padua in 1307.
  • Vulcan: In Classical mythology, blacksmith of the gods and, with the help of the Cyclops, maker of thunderbolts for Jove.
    • From whom Jove "took in wrath the keen-edged thunderbolt". Inf. XIV, 52–57.

Z

  • Michel Zanche (d. 1290): Governor of the giudicato of Logudoro, in Sardinia. He administered the province for king Enzo, son of the Emperor Frederick II. Since Enzo was made prisoner in 1249, her wife divorced and married Zanche. The latter ruled Logudoro till 1290, when he was murdered by his son-in-law Branca Doria.
  • Zeno of Elea (c. 490 BCE–c. 430 BCE): Greek presocratic philosopher.
    • Encountered by Dante in Limbo. Inf. IV, 138.
  • Zeus (also Jove or Jupiter): Chief god of Classical mythology.
    • Defied by Capaneus, he kills him with a thunderbolt Inf XIV, 43–75.
  • Saint Zita (c. 1215–1272): Canonized in 1696, she is the Patron saint of all maids and domestics. In her city, Lucca, she was already in life an object of popular devotion and reputed a saint. In Dante's time her fame had already made her a sort of patron saint of her city. The Elders of Saint Zita, were ten citizens of Lucca who, along with the chief magistrate, were the rulers of the city.
    • An "elder of Saint Zita" (perhaps Bottario) is plunged into a lake of boiling pitch with the barrators. Inf. XXI, 35–54.

References

  • Dante
    • The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, Inferno, translated by Allen Mandelbaum, (Bantam Classics 1982) ISBN 0553213393
    • The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, bilingual edition with commentaries and notes, translations by H. Oelsner, P.H. Wicksteed and T. Okey (Temple Classics, 3 vols. 1899–1901).
    • The Divine Comedy of Dante Alighieri, translated by Henry F. Cary. The Harvard Classics. Vol. XX. (New York: P.F. Collier & Son, 1909–14).
    • The Inferno, bilingual edition with commentaries and notes, translated by Robert Hollander and Jean Hollander (New York: Doubleday, 2000). ISBN 0385496974
  • Fay, Edward Allen. Concordance of the Divina Commedia, (Cambridge, MA: Dante Society, 1888)
  • Jacoff, Rachel (ed.). The Cambridge Companion to Dante (Cambridge: University, 1993) ISBN 0521427428
  • Ryan, Christopher. 'The Theology of Dante' in Jacoff (1993) pp. 136-152.
  • Toynbee, Paget. Concise Dictionary of Proper Names and Notable Matters in the Works of Dante (Oxford: University, 1914)
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