Popes and clergy

Adam

Adam is the first man, recalled by Dante on the terrace of the proud in Purgatory as the progenitor from whom human flesh comes, and invoked collectively in Limbo by the souls of the patriarchs.

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In Purgatorio XI, v. 44, Dante mentions «la carne d'Adamo» as the perishable nature that clothes the souls awaiting purification, evoking the condition of humanity marked by original sin. This reference is inserted in the speech of Omberto Aldobrandeschi, who speaks from Ante-Purgatory addressing the two pilgrims. In Purgatorio XXXII, v. 37, during the vision of the mystical procession, Dante hears all the souls murmuring the name «Adam», a cry that recalls the bond between redeemed humanity and its forefather. No further data on Adam's placement, sin, or role in the poem emerge from the verses provided or from the notes supplied.

In the text

Linked verses

7 verses