What mythological allusions are referenced in Dante's Inferno?

Dante's Inferno is rich with mythological allusions that serve to enhance the narrative and provide deeper meaning to the themes of the text. The correct choice, which includes figures like Charon and Cerberus, reflects some of the most significant mythological references in the work.

Charon, the ferryman of the dead from Greek mythology, plays a crucial role as he transports souls across the river Acheron into the afterlife. His inclusion highlights the theme of transition between life and death, a central concern of Dante's journey through Hell. Cerberus, the three-headed dog that guards the entrance to the Underworld, symbolizes the guardianship of the damned and the eternal punishment that awaits sinners. These mythological entities not only provide context but also deepen the reader's understanding of Dante's complex portrayal of sin, justice, and the afterlife.

In contrast, the other options refer to figures who, while significant in their own mythologies, do not play the same direct role in Dante's structure of Hell or the representation of its moral landscape. For example, Hercules and Persephone, Odysseus and Aeneas, and Prometheus and Zeus are important figures in their respective narratives but are less instrumental in the specific alleg