Brynlee's Thoughts on Mythology and Folklore

Dante's Divine Comedy  translated by Tony Kline We had entered Cante 9. I heard my master saying something from behind me but I could not place it. I was distracted by a tall tower that reached far above me. I squinted trying to see better. Then, three furies flew down. They were stained with blood and holding a woman. But, she was not normal. She had green snakes coming from her scalp. They were tearing at her breast. She screamed mercilessly and attempted to swat them away. Suddenly their attention shifted towards me. They attempted to use Medusa in their attack towards me. My master told me to hide my eyes and turn my back. No matter what persuaded me otherwise. As she came towards us, there was a loud crash that shook both the banks. My master told me to focus on the mist. Only the mist. More than a thousand spirits scattered from the water. Amongst them was a Stygain ferry with dry feet. He waved the mist away with annoyance. I knew he was a messenger from Heaven. He walked to...

Dante's Divine Comedy  translated by Tony Kline There were banners for the king of Hell. I looked to the front of the stage to see if I could see him. My master kept walking towards the front till I could see him. Lucifer. It was then my master told me I must gather the courage to face him. I lost all sense, there was nothing but fear inside of me. I walked closer. He had three people in displayed in his head. There was Judas, Brutus, and Cassius. He was chewing a sinner in his mouth, savoring the taste. I looked at the poor sinners in his head. They looked defeated. I knew what I had to do. In order to leave Hell, I had to climb Satan. This is a depiction of Satan. Source:  Wikipedia

Dante's Divine Comedy  translated by Tony Kline We had now reached the six, seventh, eighth, and ninth levels of Hell. The city burned red as if on fire. For I found out the eternal flames of Hell burned here. As we entered the city, hundreds of angels fell towards us. They were angry with us. They could not understand why  I was here because I was still alive. My master asked to speak with them in private, leaving me alone in Hell. I begged him not to leave me. I was sure that would be the end of me. He turned to go in and the angels shut the gate in his face. He walked back angered but knew he would win in the end.  This is a depiction of the City of Dis which hold the final levels of Hell. Source:  Fandom

Dante's Divine Comedy  translated by Tony Kline On cante four, my master and I heard a calling. We were far from it but it was gradually getting closer. I heard them call out and was confused by their wording.  "Who are these people I asked?"  "They are those honored in your lifetime. They have been granted a good graces because of their works. There is Homer, Horace, Ovid, and Lucan. They are the greats and you are among them" my master said to me. I couldn't believe it. They looked at me as though I was one of them. I thought it couldn't be true. We stayed with them for the night. The looks of admiration never stopped. I didn't believe I should be among them.  We continued on our journey until we came across a castle surrounded 7 times. It was here I recognized many leaders. There was Caesar and Tarquin. I could not believe my eyes. I let my eyes wander. I gazed slightly higher and saw the great philosophers. There was Aristotle sitting high above ...