Dante and Virgil approach the banks river Acheron where the souls of the damned gather to cross into the boundary of Hell. They watch as suddenly a boat approaches the shore, guided by the monstrous Charon. He orders them into the boat, whacking any laggard passengers with his oar. Charon recognizes Dante as one who is still alive and refuses him entry, however Virgil informs Charon that it’s God’s will Dante enters Hell.

The Poet Dante was inspired by the poet Virgil, consequently we see many parts of Virgil’s epic poem, The Aeneid, referenced in the Divine Comedy. The Character Charon appears in Virgil’s poem and classical mythology as the ferryman of dead souls into Hades.

As the souls of the damned hear Charon announce their doom, the color drains from their faces and their teeth begin to chatter. Once again, Dante tells us that these souls are only getting what they yearn for:

…they want to cross the river, they are eager;

it is Divine Justice that spurs them on,

turning the fear they have into desire.

At this point a howling wind with a reddish light, knocks Dante unconscious until he wakes up on the other side of the river. continue the journey…or …go back…