Dante, Inferno
Charon in Dante’s Inferno, Canto III
Charon ferries the dead across the Acheron in the third canto of Dante’s Inferno. When a living traveller steps forward, the ferryman objects. His challenge gives Dante a first glimpse of the rules that govern passage through Hell.
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In the sources
The encounter
LiteraryAn old man approaches in a boat and warns the spirits that they will not see the sky again. He recognises Dante as alive and says that a different passage and a lighter boat must carry him.
Further detail
LiteraryVirgil silences the objection by invoking the place where will and power are one. The ferryman continues his appointed work with the dead, gathering and driving them toward the crossing.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows the exact supplied Thompson & Thomas edition of H. F. Cary’s translation. Figures, places and events belong to Dante’s literary vision; their assigned roles are distinguished from historical biography, other classical traditions and independently established descriptions of an afterlife.
Original passages
Source 1
Dante's Inferno
Charon! thyself torment not: so 'tis will'd, Where will and power are one: ask thou no more." Straightway in silence fell the shaggy cheeks Of him,Open this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante’s Inferno, Cary translation; active reader leaf 27
- Edition
- IMJ-0082-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0082-E001-P0027
- Original scan leaf
- 34
- Recorded leaf number
- 34
- Current Reader position
- 27
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Dante's Inferno
Charon, demoniac form, With eyes of burning coal, collects them all, Beckoning, and each, that lingers, with his oar Strikes. As fall off the light autumnalOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante’s Inferno, Cary translation; active reader leaf 30
- Edition
- IMJ-0082-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0082-E001-P0030
- Original scan leaf
- 37
- Recorded leaf number
- 37
- Current Reader position
- 30
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Illustrations
Continue exploring
Acheron in Dante’s Journey
The river where the arriving dead assemble for Charon’s crossing.
Same subject and traditionAntaeus, Bearer of the Travellers
The unfettered giant who lowers Dante and Virgil toward Cocytus.
Same subject and traditionChiron among the Armed Centaurs
The centaur who notices the physical evidence that Dante is alive.
Same subject and traditionEphialtes in Chains
The rebellious giant whose immense strength is confined by a repeated chain.