While that may seem like more than enough to pay homage to Alighieri's classic, the parallels to the nine circles of Hell are much deeper than that.
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Thanks to Greg's aid, they free the dog from its possession of the Beast and enter into the true depths of the Unknown. Wirt and Greg soon encounter one version of the Beast, in the form of a wolf, much like Dante's encounter with a she-wolf within the Inferno. As they begin their trek home, they encounter a Woodsman, who cautions them that a Beast within the woods is the death of hope, a likely reference to the infamous inscription above the gates of Hell that read “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” An appropriate warning, given their perilous journey ahead, with each episode mimicking a particular level of the Inferno. Wirt and Greg find themselves lost and uncertain of how they arrived there (much like Dante). The Beast's need to keep the lantern burning with the Edelwood trees (made from the souls of lost travelers) is similar to Lucifer's hunger to devour souls as well.ĭante's apprehension is echoed time and time again through parallels in the series.
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Lucifer is able to take on a shadow-like presence throughout all levels of the Inferno, and in addition to the Beast's shrouded visage, he too is present throughout the series in the form of the small, dark turtles. From his deceptive nature to those he encounters, to his appearance of being a creature with numerous horns and faces, their similarities are unmistakable. Within the depths of the Unknown lies the Beast, an evident allusion to Lucifer. RELATED: Classic Fan Theory Says Gravity Falls & Over the Garden Wall Share a Universe While the show's interpretation of Beatrice guides them through the Unknown, citing her purpose for being honor-bound to Greg for saving her, the winged chaperone's intention is discreetly nefarious at first. Beatrice's origin is canonically inspired by the Inferno character, who originally is Dante's lost lover and a guide through Paradisio. Even Beatrice, the adorable but feisty avian companion, has numerous shared aspects with her literary counterpart.
Greg exhibits Virgil-esque bravery toward the Unknown, despite his unawareness of what lies ahead (as opposed to Virgil having a great deal of knowledge), leading his brother further into its depths, as Virgil did with Dante. Greg's place as Virgil, a bard-like companion for his brother, is clear. Wirt's appreciation for poetry and focus on his thoughts rather than action is nearly identical to Dante's quirks, in addition to their shared fondness of a girl. The characterization in Over the Garden Wall often offers key parallels to those featured in Inferno. Their goal to survive the forest, and the forces that lie within it, have a tremendous amount of similarities to a famous literary work: Dante Alighieri's 14th-century narrative, The Divine Comedy, the epic poem documenting Dante's infamous journey to Hell and back in Inferno. Created by Patrick McHale, the series chronicles Wirt (Elijah Wood) and his younger half-brother, Greg (Collin Dean), as they journey through treacherous woods called the Unknown, in an effort to find their way back home. Since its debut in 2014, Over the Garden Wallhas grown a strong following, mostly because of its witty yet macabre stylings and position as an autumnal viewing staple.