The Contrapasso of Sin

The principle of divine justice that punishes each sin with a fitting torment, illustrated throughout Hell.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Lustful in the Hurricane

The Storm of Passion The Punishment The lustful are blown about by an infernal hurricane, never resting. This mirrors their earthly lives, driven by uncontrolled passion. The Symbolism The wind represents the restlessness of lust. The souls are forever tossed, unable to find peace, just as they could not control their desires.

The Gluttonous in the Rain

The Eternal Slush The Punishment The gluttonous lie in a foul slush of hail, rain, and snow, tormented by Cerberus. They are reduced to a bestial state. The Symbolism Their punishment reflects their earthly excess: they wallowed in food and drink, now they wallow in filth. Cerberus, a three-headed dog, represents their animalistic nature.

The Avaricious and Prodigal

The Rolling Weights The Punishment The avaricious and prodigal push heavy weights in opposite directions, clashing and then turning back. They shout 'Why keepest?' and 'Why squanderest?' The Symbolism Their punishment mirrors their earthly obsession with money. They are forever engaged in futile labor, unable to find rest. The weights represent the burden of their greed or waste.

The Violent in the River of Blood

The Boiling Blood The Punishment The violent against others are immersed in a river of boiling blood, guarded by Centaurs. The depth of immersion corresponds to their guilt. The Symbolism The blood represents the violence they shed. They are now bathed in it eternally. The Centaurs, half-human, half-beast, symbolize their brutal nature.

The Traitors in the Ice

The Frozen Lake The Punishment Traitors are frozen in the ice of Cocytus, with varying degrees of immersion. Some have only their heads out, others are completely encased. The Symbolism The ice represents the coldness of their hearts, devoid of love. They are trapped in a state of immobility, reflecting their betrayal of trust. Lucifer himself is frozen at the center.

In the second circle of Hell

In the third circle of Hell

In the fourth circle of Hell

In the seventh circle, first round

In the ninth circle of Hell