Purgatory

The second major leg of Dante’s journey. In this realm, he and Virgil encounter the shades of individuals whom are facing punishment, but are to be granted absolution from their sins after they endure their assigned trials. Much like the two poet’s travels through The Inferno, the path through this plane presents a great number of folks Dante had known in the world of the living. Upon the realisation that Dante possesses a mortal body, the shades dwelling in the terraces of Purgatory often beg the poet to pray for them after he returns to the earth. When the shades of in this world receive prayer from living beings, their time spent before being allowed to enter the gates of Paradise is shortened to a great degree. Our protagonists reach the final terrace of Purgatory and Virgil must part ways with Dante. He has fulfilled his duty to God by granting Dante passage through the two previous realms. Dante is then guided by the lovely Beatrice through the final terrace and into Paradise.

Another fantastic read. I feel as though The Inferno is usually the main focus, when people discuss Dante’s work. It was refreshing to experience more of the story. Classical poetry is great. I reccomend it to anyone wanting to dip their toes into medieval religious themes.