La Divina Commedia di Dante: Inferno

In the middle of his life's journey, a nameless pilgrim finds himself lost in a dark, tangled forest, its twisted paths pressing in on him with a fear that feels almost like death. As he tries to climb a steep hill, three fierce beasts—a spotted leopard, a roaring lion, and a gaunt she‑wolf—stand in his way, each embodying a different kind of temptation and dread. Overwhelmed, he cries out for help, aware that ordinary mortals cannot pass this barrier.

Suddenly a calm, elderly figure appears, introducing himself as a poet from ancient Rome who once walked the same roads of fame. He offers to lead the pilgrim out of the wilderness and through the realms below, promising a chance to confront the shadows that haunt the soul. Accepting this guidance, the traveler prepares to embark on a profound descent that will test his courage, intellect, and hope.