Deianira

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In the twelfth canto of the Inferno, in a passage that summarizes the mythological tale of the centaur who is the subject of the verse, the figure is recalled through the connection with the death of Nessus, which occurred, according to the text, because of the beautiful Deianira. The mention appears as a recollection of the mythical past of the centaur on the part of Virgil, while the encounter between the two poets and the centaurs is taking place at the Phlegethon. The entry limits itself to recording this citation, without extending the reconstruction of the myth beyond what is authorized by the anchor verses and the notes provided.