Horn of Nimrod
The Horn of Nimrod is a colossal instrument carried by the giant Nimrod, encountered by Dante and Virgil in the eighth circle of Hell, specifically in the ninth circle's outer rim where the giants stand guard over the frozen lake of Cocytus. Its blast is described as so loud that it would make every thunderclap seem faint, and it is the only means by which Nimrod can express himself, as his speech is unintelligible to all. The horn thus serves as a powerful symbol of the confusion of languages and the pride that led to the Tower of Babel, a theme that resonates throughout the Inferno.
Appearance and Sound
The horn is first heard by Dante as a "blare of a loud horn" that "would have made each thunder faint" (E04390-E04392). The sound is so powerful that it draws Dante's attention and causes him to look toward the giants. The horn is described as being carried by Nimrod, who is identified as the giant who "by whose evil thought / One language in the world is not still used" (E04455-E04456). The horn's blast is compared to the sound made by Orlando at the battle of Roncesvaux, but even that legendary blast is said to be less terrible than Nimrod's (E04395-E04396).
Nimrod's Use of the Horn
When Dante and Virgil first encounter Nimrod, the giant begins to clamor with "Raphael mai amech izabi almi" (E04445-E04446), a phrase that is unintelligible to the travelers. Virgil immediately recognizes the giant's confusion and tells him to "Keep to thy horn, and vent thyself with that, / When wrath or other passion touches thee" (E04448-E04450). Virgil then explains to Dante that Nimrod's speech is incomprehensible to all, just as his own language is incomprehensible to Nimrod (E04458-E04459). The horn is thus the only means by which Nimrod can express his emotions, and it serves as a constant reminder of his role in the confusion of languages at Babel.
Symbolic Significance
The Horn of Nimrod is a powerful symbol of the pride and folly that led to the Tower of Babel. Nimrod, who was a mighty hunter and king in the biblical tradition, is here depicted as a giant who attempted to build a tower to reach heaven, only to have his language confounded by God. The horn, which he uses to express his rage and frustration, is a constant reminder of his failure and the punishment that followed. The horn's blast, which is so loud that it would make every thunderclap seem faint, symbolizes the immense power and pride of Nimrod, which ultimately led to his downfall. The horn also serves as a contrast to the harmonious music of the spheres that Dante will later hear in Paradise, highlighting the discord and confusion that result from human pride and rebellion against God.
