Divine Comedy, Longfellow’s Translation, Hell

Dante wakes in a forest so savage that even remembering it renews his fear. A panther, a lion, and a ravenous she-wolf bar the mountain path—and a voice rises from the silence.

In this vision of the afterlife, Dante’s attempt to climb toward the light is driven back by beasts that seem impossible to pass. His unexpected rescuer is Virgil, the Roman poet he reveres, who offers to lead him through the “eternal place” and its grieving souls. But Dante doubts he is worthy of such a journey, and the road ahead promises sights that will test both his courage and his faith. What will he find beyond the dark forest—and can he bear to follow Virgil there?

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