Show notes
From the first slope through the two levels of Antepurgatory, Dante and Virgil reach the main gate which is guarded by an angel with a sword. The Guardian uses a golden and silver key to open the gate, symbolic of the authority to do so, and the skill and wisdom to asses the souls' sincerity of their regrets. The keys were given to him by Peter.
In canto 3, Dante first marvels at the work he sees in front of him:
"I raised my eyes to marvel at the mount
that grew out of the sea toward Heaven's height."
v. 14-15
At the Main Gate the Guardian appears:
"I slowly raised my eyes: I saw that he
was sitting on the highest step, his face
too splendid for my eyes - I looked away!
And in his hand he held a naked sword;"
v. 79, canto IX.
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