Dante, Purgatory and Paradise
Sordello in Dante’s Purgatorio
Sordello greets Virgil as a fellow Mantuan on the mountain of Purgatory. A single place name brings two strangers together and gives Dante the occasion to ask why a common homeland has done so little to keep the peace in Italy.
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In the sources
Principal account
LiteraryHearing Virgil’s homeland, Sordello names himself a fellow Mantuan and embraces him. The immediate affection prompts Dante to contrast this shared belonging with the conflicts among living compatriots.
Further detail
LiteraryAs night prevents further ascent, Sordello takes the travellers to a flowery valley where notable rulers wait. His role changes from recogniser of a poet to guide of the mountain’s temporary refuge.
Context & interpretation
This entry follows Cary’s translation of Dante’s poem. The entry follows his welcome and guidance in the poem; the political invective is Dante’s response, not a speech attributed to the historical Sordello. Its people and places are presented within the literary vision, with the historical or theological subject distinguished from the role Dante assigns it.
Original passages
Source 1
Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante
I am thy countryman, SordelloOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante, Purgatory and Paradise; active reader leaf 40
- Edition
- IMJ-0119-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0119-E001-P0040
- Original scan leaf
- 41
- Recorded leaf number
- 41
- Current Reader position
- 37
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Source 2
Purgatory and Paradise: The Vision of Dante
Sordello conducts our PoetOpen this page in the book
Passage & edition details
Location recorded at citation review: Dante, Purgatory and Paradise; active reader leaf 43
- Edition
- IMJ-0119-E001
- Reader page
- IMJ-0119-E001-P0043
- Original scan leaf
- 44
- Recorded leaf number
- 44
- Current Reader position
- 40
- Reader verification
- Source-preserving update confirmed
Continue exploring
Literary & Visionary Figures ↗
Virgil, Dante’s Guide
The poet who leads Dante through the mountain but leaves before the heavenly ascent.
Shared source pageHarry of England in the Valley
The English king appears alone within the company of waiting rulers.
Shared source pageWilliam of Montferrat's Upward Gaze
A marquis sits lowest in the valley while looking upward.
Same subject and traditionBeatrice, Dante’s Heavenly Guide
The woman whose recognition leads through confession towards the celestial journey.