The Ninth Circle: Cocytus and the Traitors

Dante and Virgil find themselves on the frozen lake of Cocytus, where the traitors are immersed in the ice. In the first ring, Caina, traitors to their kindred are frozen up to their faces. Dante sees two brothers, Alessandro and Napoleone degli Alberti, butting each other like goats. Camicion de' Pazzi names himself and others. In the second ring, Antenora, traitors to their country are frozen more deeply. Dante accidentally kicks the face of Bocca degli Abati, who at first refuses to name himself. Dante pulls his hair until another traitor names him. Bocca names other traitors: Buoso da Duera, Beccaria, Gianni del Soldanier, Ganelon, and Tebaldello. This episode introduces the frozen landscape of the lowest Hell and the increasing coldness of the traitors' hearts.