Who Are You In Dante's 'Divine Comedy'?

Dante's journey through the realms of the dead mirrors the journey of mankind as we struggle through daily life. Understandably terrified by what he experiences in the circles of hell, Dante still retains compassion and sympathy for the sinners, some of whom he knows as his friends, and comes to understand that we are all subject to divine justice for our actions. Like Dante, you are a seeker and a visionary who sees beyond the day-to-day existence of man to the deeper meaning of life as a path toward spiritual enlightenment.

The allegorical representation of human reason, you are Dante's guide through the realms of hell. One of the greatest Latin poets, Virgil is consigned to an eternity in hell, and although he gives Dante wise advice, he is unable to answer all of his questions. As Virgil, you understand that, although human reason is important, there are times when logical thought is unable to provide an explanation and you must put your faith in the divine order of the universe.

The prince of hell, who resides at the very base of the circles of hell, Lucifer administers justice to the sinners of the world. Yet Dante shows him not as a powerful lord but as delivering retribution in an almost mindless manner. This reminds us that evil is powerless in comparison to good. You are not a fallen angel, nor evil, but you do have the ability to see through the layers of glamour with which people try to hide their sins. Although it may not fall on you to mete out punishment, you can use your gift to guide others away from bad decisions and into a more balanced lifestyle.

Dante's eternal love for Beatrice gives him focus and strength as he searches for her through the realms of the dead, and she sends angels to guide and help him as he takes his perilous journey. Like the character Beatrice, you are sensitive and poetic in your ideals of love, and you care more for what is in a person's soul than their exterior appearance. You manifest your love not in the lustful way of man but as a spiritual and holistic love that may be expressed through a desire to be of service to others.

The ferryman of myth, Charon is responsible for taking the souls of the dead across the river Acheron to the shores of hell. Although this may seem a pretty depressing job, Charon is dedicated to his task and at first refuses to ferry Dante, as he is alive not dead and therefore doesn't meet the criteria for making the crossing. Like Charon, you respect tradition and understand that there is an order to society for a reason.

King Minos of Greek myth was a beneficent ruler, legislator, and suppressor of piracy who, upon death, was called to use his talents to judge the souls entering hell. Dante made his Minos a blind half-man/half serpent who sniffs out the scent of corruption and curls his tail around himself to show the circle of hell to which the sinner will be sent. You have the strength of King Minos, combined with a strong moral compass that guides your path.