The Punishment of the Schismatics

The mutilation of those who caused division in the Church and society, as seen in the ninth bolgia.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Mahomet's Wound

The Horrible Sight The Split Body Dante sees a soul split from chin to groin, with entrails hanging out. It is Mahomet, who identifies himself and points to Ali, similarly cleft. The Explanation Mahomet explains that they are punished for causing schism and scandal. A devil continually wounds them, and they heal only to be wounded again.

Pier da Medicina's Warning

The Prophecy The Mutilated Soul Another soul with a pierced throat and missing nose and ear speaks. It is Pier da Medicina, who warns Dante about the betrayal of Guido and Angiolello of Fano. The Traitor He names the one-eyed tyrant (Malatestino) who will drown them. This is a political prophecy about Romagna.

Curio's Tongue

The Seditious Speech The Slit Tongue Curio, whose tongue is slit, is pointed out. He urged Caesar to cross the Rubicon, causing civil war. His punishment fits his crime of inciting division. Mosca's Hands Mosca, who said 'A thing done has an end,' has his hands cut off. He instigated the murder of Buondelmonte, leading to the Guelph-Ghibelline feud.

Bertrand de Born's Headless Trunk

The Walking Head The Lantern Bertrand de Born carries his severed head like a lantern, swinging it to speak. He caused rebellion between Henry II and his son. The Contrapasso He says: 'Because I parted persons so united, parted do I now bear my brain.' His punishment mirrors his sin of dividing father and son.

Dante's Reaction

The Overwhelming Sight The Inebriation Dante is so overwhelmed by the carnage that he wants to weep. Virgil urges him to move on, as time is short. The Kinsman Dante notices Geri del Bello, a relative, who threatens him. Virgil explains that Geri's violent death is unavenged, causing his disdain. Dante pities him.

In the ninth bolgia of Malebolge, among the schismatics

After Mahomet, in the ninth bolgia

After Pier, in the ninth bolgia

After Mosca, in the ninth bolgia

Throughout the ninth bolgia