Dame Fortune

Throughout Dante's Inferno, the overriding theme of one's ultimate fate and fortune set by God leading them to where they are destined to be in their afterlife is clearly represented in each of the different circles of Hell. In circle 4, Dante and Virgil encounter a peculiar mythological figure named Dame Fortune. Dame Fortune is best described as a woman creature that embodies the uncontrollable phenomenon that is known as one's destiny and fate. Her personality is made up of the same characteristics that are also commonly associated with fate. Both Dame Fortune and one's fate are unmanageable and uncontrollable, and no man can do anything to avoid one's destiny determined by God, while also no man can avoid this creature. Also, both have the power to either improve one's life or completely ruin it. When describing the Dame Fortune, the text says, “The nations rise and fall by her decree…Man's mortal reason cannot encompass her.” Here, Dante is explaining that Dame Fortune, much like God, has the final say in one's life through their predestined fortune, and no man can avoid this fate, especially if they get in the way, which is what this creature and God represent. Although one cannot disregard their fate, Dante has also expressed in the text that ultimately sin is a personal choice of free will, and one does not have to sin if they do not choose to, one has control over and can manipulate their fate, for sin is the prime reason for a poor destiny.

Dante perceives God as an almighty man who has power and control over all creatures, living or dead. This directly correlates with the idea of fate and fortune, for one’s fate is determined by God. Though one's ultimate will is determined by God, their path throughout life is chosen by the person themself, which explains why God does not cause man to sin, but actually the opposite. Dante believes that sin is a choice.