# Canto XXXI: The Giants and the Descent into Cocytus explained — The Divine Comedy

> Chapter companion for The Divine Comedy by Dante Alighieri.

## What happens

Dante and Virgil cross the bank surrounding the ninth circle, where they encounter the giants—Nimrod, Ephialtes, and Antaeus—who are punished for their rebellion against the gods. Virgil explains their identities and their fates, and Antaeus is persuaded to lower the poets into the frozen pit of Cocytus, where the worst sinners, including Judas and Lucifer, are imprisoned.

## Themes in this chapter

### Divine Justice

The giants are punished for their pride and rebellion against divine authority, with Nimrod's language confusion and Ephialtes' binding illustrating the consequences of challenging the gods.

### Human Free Will and Moral Responsibility

The giants' choices to rebel against Jove and their subsequent punishment highlight the moral responsibility that accompanies free will.

## Character check-ins

### Dante Alighieri

The pilgrim who fears the giants and wishes to see Briareus, but is guided by Virgil to Antaeus for the descent.

### Virgil

Dante's guide, who identifies the giants, rebukes Nimrod, and persuades Antaeus to lower them into Cocytus.

### Nimrod

The giant who built the Tower of Babel; he speaks gibberish and is mocked by Virgil for his pride.

### Ephialtes

A giant who rebelled against Jove and is bound in chains; he shakes violently in rage.

### Antaeus

The unbound giant who, at Virgil's request, lifts the poets and places them in the ninth circle.

## Key lines

> Raphel mai amech izabi almi

Nimrod shouts a meaningless phrase, showing his confusion of language as punishment for the Tower of Babel.

_Virgil rebukes Nimrod for his foolishness and tells him to use his horn instead._

> This proud one wished to make experiment Of his own power against the Supreme Jove

Ephialtes tried to test his strength against the highest god, Jove, and is now bound as a result.

_Virgil explains Ephialtes' rebellion and his eternal punishment._

> Place us below, nor be disdainful of it, There where the cold doth lock Cocytus up.

Virgil asks Antaeus to lower them into the frozen pit of Cocytus without scorn.

_Virgil appeals to Antaeus' pride by promising that Dante can restore his fame in the world._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters/canto-xxxi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_divine_comedy_se/chapters