Diana

Profile

In Purgatorio XXV, after the end of the hymn dedicated to chastity, the souls of the terrace of the lustful cry out examples of chastity at the top of their voices, alternating the prayer sung in a low voice with the proclamation spoken aloud. The first example is drawn from the life of Mary, with the words "Virum non cognosco," spoken by the Virgin at the Annunciation. The second example, introduced by the verse "Al bosco," is Diana, described by the critical note as the virgin goddess of Greek mythology, in keeping with the customary alternation between Christian and pagan figures typical of the poem. Verse 131, "si tenne Diana, ed Elice caccionne," mentions her directly as a model of chastity. The note specifies that she is the goddess of Greek mythology, identified through the episode in which she drove Helice (Callisto) from her retinue, punished for her transgression against chastity.