Commentary Inf IX 93-99

The angel makes clear, in his address to his fallen brethren, that resistance to the will of God is utterly useless. His reference to the chaining of Cerberus by Hercules reflects Aeneid VI.392-396. Dante has now been associated with two classical heroes, Theseus ([Inf IX 54]) and Hercules. His powers, however, reside not in himself but in his heaven-ordained mission.