What does Geryon symbolize in Dante's Inferno?

Geryon symbolizes fraud in Dante's Inferno, particularly representing the deceitful nature of fraud through his appearance and actions. Described as a creature with the body of a serpent, the face of a man, and the colors of a peacock, Geryon's image embodies the façade that fraud often presents—something that seems beautiful or enthralling on the outside but is dangerous and treacherous on the inside. As Dante and Virgil encounter Geryon, his ability to transport them across the borders of Malebolge, the eighth circle of Hell that is dedicated to the punishment of fraudulent souls, underscores his role as a representation of the treachery inherent in fraud. This is fitting, as fraud is characterized by deception and manipulation—qualities that Geryon displays both in his deceptive appearance and in his role as a guide through this perilous landscape, illustrating how something may seem beneficial or harmless while concealing a much darker purpose.