The Allegorical Procession of the Church

The elaborate allegorical pageant in the Earthly Paradise representing the history and corruption of the Church.

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The Seven Candlesticks

The Lights The Procession Begins Dante sees seven golden candlesticks, followed by twenty-four elders (the books of the Old Testament), all singing. Then come four animals (the Evangelists) and a chariot drawn by a Griffin (Christ). The Symbolism The candlesticks represent the seven gifts of the Holy Spirit. The elders represent the books of the Bible. The Griffin's two natures symbolize Christ's divinity and humanity.

The Three Theological and Four Cardinal Virtues

The Dancing Maidens The Three at the Right Wheel Three maidens dance at the right wheel: red (Charity), green (Hope), and white (Faith). They represent the theological virtues. The Four at the Left Wheel Four maidens in purple dance at the left wheel, representing the cardinal virtues (Prudence, Justice, Fortitude, Temperance). One has three eyes (Prudence).

The Appearance of Beatrice

The Lady Descends The Cloud of Flowers Angels scatter flowers, and Beatrice appears veiled in white, with an olive crown, green mantle, and fiery robe. She is the embodiment of divine revelation. The Recognition Dante feels the power of ancient love and turns to Virgil, but Virgil is gone. Beatrice addresses him sternly, calling him by name.

The Transformation of the Chariot

The Allegory of Corruption The Eagle, Fox, and Dragon Dante sees an eagle (persecution) strike the chariot, a fox (heresy) leap in, and a dragon (schism) tear it. Then the chariot grows feathers (donation of Constantine) and heads (the seven deadly sins). The Whore and the Giant A whore (corrupt papacy) appears on the chariot, and a giant (French monarchy) beats her and drags the chariot away. This allegorizes the Church's captivity in Avignon.

Beatrice's Prophecy of Deliverance

The Promise The DXV Beatrice prophesies that a 'Five-hundred, Ten, and Five' (DXV) will come to slay the whore and the giant, restoring the Church. This is a cryptic reference to a future savior. The Command She commands Dante to write down what he has seen, for the benefit of the living world. The vision is a warning and a call to reform.

In the Earthly Paradise, after Matilda's explanation

During the procession, in the Earthly Paradise

After the procession, in the Earthly Paradise

After Beatrice's reproach, in the Earthly Paradise

After the transformation, in the Earthly Paradise