Commentary Inf XII 56-57

Patrolling the river of blood (identified only later [[Inf XIV 116]] as 'Phlegethon') from its bank are the Centaurs. Some early commentators saw in them a portrait of the bands of mercenary cavalrymen who were such an important feature of the horrendous wars of Dante's divided Italy. As Dante presents them they are seen as replicating their cruel habits as hunters in the world above. For their role as hunters, see Tartaro (Tart.1992.1, p. 173), citing John of Salisbury, Policraticus I.iv.393d. The original centaurs, in Greek myths that came to Dante through various Latin poets, were the 'sons' of Ixion and a cloud made to resemble Juno, whom Ixion desired to ravish when Jupiter allowed him entrance to Olympus. His sperm, falling to earth, created 100 centaurs (their name reflects their number, 'centum,' and their airy beginning, 'aura,' or so believed some early commentators, e.g., Guido da Pisa [DDP Guido.Inf.XII.55-56]; Pietro di Dante [DDP Pietro1.Inf.XII.55-57], and John of Serravalle [DDP Serravalle.Inf.XII.52-57]). Their career on earth involved attempted rape at the wedding feast of Pirithous and Hippodamia, where it was necessary for Hercules to intercede in order to disperse them. The centaurs represent the particular sin of violence to others, turned to God's use in punishing those mortals who also sinned in this way.