Who serves as Dante's guide through Hell?

Dante's guide through Hell is Virgil, the renowned Roman poet and author of the "Aeneid." Virgil represents human reason and wisdom, which are crucial for navigating the complexities of the afterlife depicted in "Inferno." He is sent to assist Dante on his journey as a sign of the importance of reason and knowledge, especially as Dante starts his exploration of sin and redemption.

His presence not only provides Dante with guidance but also serves to highlight the themes of wisdom and the limitations of human understanding in navigating the moral landscape of sin. Virgil’s insights help Dante to comprehend the nature of the sins being punished and the implications of divine justice, making him an essential figure throughout this part of the journey.

The other options represent figures with different roles or significances within the context of the larger narrative, but Virgil's status as Dante's primary guide is firmly established, as he directly leads Dante through the circles of Hell, explaining the significance of each encounter they face.