Descent into Hell!!! Rarrr!...Well, sort of...

[Feanor of the Peredhil]

I had an epiphany of sorts in class the other day, hit Search just now, and found this lovely thread that I decided died too early.

I'm reading Dante's Inferno. I'm seeing parallels. I thought I'd share them.

Y'all make mention of where hell is on Middle Earth. The Paths of the Dead. Inferno. Let me compare:

Outside the entrance:

Originally Posted by The Muster of Rohan

On the threshold sat an old man, aged beyond guess of years; tall and kingly he had been, but now he was withered as an old stone [...] The way is shut. The way is shut, his voice said again. It was made by those who are Dead, and the Dead keep it, until the time comes. The way is shut.

Originally Posted by Canto III

Then, at the river-- an old man in a boat: white-haired, as he drew closer shouting at us [...] And you there-- leave this place, you living soul, stand clear of these who are dead!

An old man on the borders of the lands of the Dead warning the living that they are not suffered to pass.

Originally Posted by The Passing of the Grey Company

'It is not madness, lady,' he answered; 'for I go on a path appointed.'

Originally Posted by Canto III

Thus it is willed where everything may be simply if it is willed. Therefore, oblige, and ask no more.

When questioned of the journey inside, those entering the lands of the Dead explain that they are following an order from Higher Up. Aragorn's path has been foreseen and Dante's was willed by those whose will is not up for debate.

Originally Posted by The Passing of the Grey Company

Then Aragorn led the way, and such was the strength of his will in that hour that all the Dunedain and their horses followed him.

Originally Posted by The Passing of the Grey Company

The horses would not pass the threatening stone, until the riders dismounted and led them about.

Originally Posted by Canto III

Then, with good cheer in his expression to encourage me, he placed his hand on mine: so, trusting to my guide, I followed him among things undisclosed.

The companions were terrified to enter, but based on confidence of the leader, entered the most fearful place imaginable willingly.

Originally Posted by The Passing of the Grey Company

"But the oath that they broke was to fight against Sauron, and they must fight therefore, if they are to fulfil it."

Originally Posted by The Passing of the Grey Company

'And when all this land is clean of the servents of Sauron, I will hold the oath fulfilled, and ye shall have peace and depart forever. For I am Elessar, Isildur's heir of Gondor.'

Originally Posted by Canto III

This is the sorrowful state of souls unsure, whose lives earned neither honor nor bad fame. And they are mingled with angels of that base sort who, neither rebellious to God nor faithful to Him, chose neither side, but kept themselves apart-- now Heaven expels them, not to mar its splendor, and Hell rejects them, lest the wicked of heart take glory over them.

Once inside, they found the tormented spirits of those who refused to pick a side/fight. The fence-sitters, so to speak.

The Paths of the Dead reflect Dante's first circle of Hell.

Or I'm insane. Take your pick and discuss, if you will. You never know, I might use some of your thoughts in a paper I'm planning to write.