What creature represents sin and guards the entrance to the seventh circle?

The Minotaur serves as the guardian of the seventh circle in Dante's Inferno, which is dedicated to the violent—specifically those who have committed violence against others, themselves, and God. In the context of Dante's narrative, the Minotaur symbolizes the chaotic nature of violence and represents the consequences of unchecked rage and brutality that lead individuals to sin. The Minotaur embodies the savage and beastly aspects of humanity, revealing how acts of violence can dehumanize individuals, making them resemble creatures rather than rational beings.

This creature is described as half-human, half-bull, highlighting the bestial qualities that Dante associates with violent sinners. The Minotaur's presence at the entrance acts as a fitting warning to those who approach the deeper depths of hell reserved for those who have committed severe acts of violence. It serves as a powerful representation of the sins associated with the seventh circle, reinforcing the allegorical nature of Dante's work regarding the moral condition of humanity.

Other creatures such as Cerberus, the Harpy, and the Chimera represent different aspects of sin and violence but are not the guardians of the seventh circle specifically. Cerberus guards the third circle, the Harpy is associated with the violent against themselves, and