ninth circle crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
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Solutions for "ninth circle crossword clue" by Letter Count
7 Letters
COCYTUS: The name of the frozen lake that constitutes the Ninth and final Circle of Hell in Dante Alighieri's epic poem, "Inferno." It is the deepest part of Hell, reserved for the gravest of sins: treachery.
8 Letters
TRAITORS: The category of sinners who reside in the Ninth Circle of Hell. This circle is specifically designed to punish those who committed acts of betrayal against family, country, guests, or benefactors, reflecting a deep perversion of love and trust.
More About "ninth circle crossword clue"
The "ninth circle" immediately evokes imagery from Dante Alighieri's renowned 14th-century epic poem, "The Divine Comedy," specifically its first part, "Inferno." In Dante's allegorical journey through Hell, the Ninth Circle stands as the lowest and most heinous region, designated for the punishment of traitors. Unlike the fiery torments of upper Hell, the Ninth Circle is a vast, frozen lake known as Cocytus, symbolizing the cold, rigid hearts of those who committed betrayal.
This final circle is divided into four concentric rings, each punishing a specific type of treachery: Caina (traitors to kin), Antenora (traitors to country or party), Ptolomaea (traitors to guests), and Judecca (traitors to benefactors). At the very center, stuck in the ice and eternally consumed by the three mouths of Lucifer, are the ultimate traitors: Judas Iscariot (who betrayed Christ), Brutus, and Cassius (who betrayed Julius Caesar). The chilling setting of Cocytus perfectly reflects the heinousness of betrayal, a sin that severs the bonds of love and trust, leaving behind a desolate, frozen landscape.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is Key: For clues like "ninth circle," knowing the literary or historical context (Dante's Inferno) is crucial. Always consider if the clue points to a specific piece of art, literature, or history.
- Consider Synonyms and Themes: Even if you don't know the direct answer like COCYTUS, thinking about the theme (treachery, betrayal) might lead you to words like TRAITORS or related concepts.
- Letter Count is Your Best Friend: Use the given letter count to narrow down possibilities. If you have "7 Letters," you know "TRAITORS" (8 letters) can't be the answer, even if it fits the theme.
- Utilize Intersecting Words: Don't just focus on one clue. The letters from intersecting words can often give you the crucial characters needed to unlock a challenging answer.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Ninth Circle of Hell?
The Ninth Circle of Hell is the lowest and final circle in Dante Alighieri's Inferno, depicted as a frozen lake called Cocytus. It is reserved for those who committed various forms of treachery.
Who are the primary inhabitants of the Ninth Circle?
The Ninth Circle is home to different types of traitors, categorized into four concentric rings: Caina (traitors to kin), Antenora (traitors to homeland/party), Ptolomaea (traitors to guests), and Judecca (traitors to benefactors). The worst sinners, including Judas Iscariot, Brutus, and Cassius, are eternally consumed by Lucifer himself at the very center.
How does the punishment in the Ninth Circle fit the sin?
The frozen, immobile state of the sinners in Cocytus symbolizes the cold, hardened hearts of those who committed betrayal. This sin, often seen as an absence of love and warmth, is fittingly punished by being encased in ice, reflecting their isolated and lifeless spiritual condition. Their inability to move or speak freely further underscores the profound damage their treachery caused.