Dante's Ascent of Mount Purgatory

Dante climbs the seven terraces of Purgatory, purging the seven deadly sins and preparing for Paradise.

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Arrival at the Shores of Purgatory

The Shores of Purgatory Cato of Utica Dante and Virgil emerge from Hell to see the four stars of the southern cross. They meet Cato of Utica, the guardian of Purgatory, who instructs them to wash Dante's face and gird him with a rush. The Angel Boat They witness an angel piloting a boatload of souls to the shore. Among them is Dante's friend Casella, who sings a sweet song until Cato scolds them for lingering.

The Gate of Purgatory

The Gate of Purgatory The Angel with the Keys Dante and Virgil reach the gate of Purgatory, guarded by an angel with a sword. The angel carves seven P's (peccata) on Dante's forehead with the sword's point, then opens the gate with the keys of St. Peter. The First Terrace: The Proud Inside, they enter the first terrace, where the proud carry heavy stones on their backs. Dante sees sculptures of humility and speaks with Omberto di Santafiore and Oderisi d'Agobbio, who teach him about the vanity of earthly fame.

The Fifth Terrace: The Avaricious

The Fifth Terrace Pope Adrian V and Hugh Capet On the fifth terrace, the avaricious lie prostrate on the ground, weeping. Dante meets Pope Adrian V, who speaks of the emptiness of worldly wealth, and Hugh Capet, who laments the corruption of the French royal line and prophesies future woes. The Earthquake As they leave, the mountain trembles and all souls cry 'Gloria in excelsis Deo.' Virgil explains that an earthquake occurs when a soul is purified and ready to ascend.

The Wall of Fire and the Earthly Paradise

The Wall of Fire The Angel of God Dante must pass through a wall of fire to reach the Earthly Paradise. He hesitates until Virgil reminds him that Beatrice awaits on the other side. Dante enters the flames and emerges unharmed. The Earthly Paradise They ascend to the Earthly Paradise, a beautiful forest. Virgil crowns Dante as master of himself, then departs. Dante meets Matilda, who explains the nature of the place and the rivers Lethe and Eunoe.

Beatrice's Appearance and Dante's Confession

The Procession of the Church The Triumphal Chariot A magnificent procession appears, led by the Griffin pulling a chariot. Beatrice descends from the chariot, veiled, and addresses Dante sternly, forcing him to confess his sins. The Passage of Lethe Dante drinks from the river Lethe, forgetting his sins, and is then led by Matilda to the dance of the four cardinal virtues. He finally sees Beatrice unveiled, her beauty overwhelming him.

Dawn of Easter Sunday, after leaving Hell

After the first three terraces of Ante-Purgatory, at the gate

After the fourth terrace, ascending to the fifth

After the seventh terrace, before the Earthly Paradise

In the Earthly Paradise, after Virgil's departure