Mythological
Alcide
Alcide is the name by which the verses of Paradiso designate Hercules, so called from the name of his grandfather Alceus. He is remembered as one of the three celebrated lovers of antiquity, together with Dido and Phyllis.
Profile
In Canto IX of Paradiso the poet, in order to measure the intensity of his own amorous ardor, recalls three among the most famous passions sung by ancient poetry: that of Dido for Aeneas, of Phyllis for Demophon, and of Hercules for Iole. To the last of these the text refers with the appellation Alcide, as the notes to the canto clarify, which specify that the nickname derives from the grandfather Alceus. The passion of Hercules for Iole, daughter of the king of Thessaly, provoked the jealousy of his wife Deianira, who made him wear the poisoned shirt of the centaur Nessus, as recalled in the authorized notes. The figure of Alcide is not placed in any circle, cornice, or heaven of the Dantean journey, but is simply evoked as a term of mythological comparison.
In the text
Linked verses
1 verses| Cantica | Canto | Verso | Testo | Open verse |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paradise | Canto IX | 101 | fu da Demofoonte, né Alcide | Open verse |