The Vision of the Empyrean and the River of Light

Dante's final preparation for the Beatific Vision, including the transformation of the river of light into the celestial rose.

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The River of Light

The Living Light The Vision Dante sees a river of light flowing between banks of flowers, with sparks (angels) diving in and out like rubies. The sight is overwhelming. The Invitation Beatrice tells Dante to drink from the river to understand its meaning. He stoops and drinks, and the river transforms into a circular light.

The White Rose

The Celestial Stadium The Transformation The river becomes a vast white rose, with the blessed seated in tiers. Angels fly between the petals, bringing peace and ardour. The Structure The rose is divided into two halves: those who believed in Christ before his coming and those after. The seats are arranged in a circular amphitheater.

The Throne of Henry VII

The Prophecy The Empty Throne Beatrice points out an empty throne with a crown, prepared for the Emperor Henry VII. He will come to reform Italy but will be opposed by the corrupt papacy. The Lament She laments the blindness of the Florentines and others who resist the emperor. Henry will be a victim of treachery.

The Departure of Beatrice

The Farewell The Throne Beatrice takes her seat in the rose, leaving Dante with St. Bernard. Dante prays to her, thanking her for his salvation. The Smile Beatrice smiles at him from afar, then turns to the eternal fountain. Her role as guide is complete.

The Prayer to the Virgin

The Final Intercession Bernard's Prayer St. Bernard prays to the Virgin Mary, asking her to grant Dante the vision of God. He praises her as the source of hope and grace. The Response Mary's eyes show her favor, and she turns to the Eternal Light. Dante's sight is purified, and he sees the Trinity and the Incarnation.

In the Empyrean, after leaving the Primum Mobile

After drinking, in the Empyrean

In the Empyrean, during the vision of the rose

In the Empyrean, after showing the rose

At the end of the poem, in the Empyrean