Paradiso
(Dante)

Paradiso starts with Dante in the Earthly Paradise. He and Beatrice ascend from there together, and along the way, Beatrice explains some of the structure of the universe.

They arrive in the First Heaven, the sphere of the Moon. Beatrice asks Dante some questions as a test, and then corrects some of his mistaken views about the moon spots. They meet Piccarda Donati, and she explains that the moon is home to people that have broken their vows.

They ascend to the Second Heaven, the sphere of Mercury, and there they meet Justinian. He explains the history and destiny of Rome.

They continue on to the Third Heaven, the sphere of Venus. There, Dante meets Charles Martel, a French emperor of history. Martel explains why sons may end up different from their fathers.

On to the Fourth Heaven, the sphere of the Sun. Here, Dante meets St Thomas and several other souls. We talk to and about St Francis and St Dominic, and their orders. Solomon shows up and talks about the source of the blessed souls’ light.

Dante and Beatrice move on to the Fifth Heaven, the Sphere of Mars. The souls here form an image of the Cross. Dante talks to Cacciaguida, who talks about the virtue of ancient Florence, the royal families of that old town, and also of Dante’s destiny of exile.

Next, they move on to the Sixth Heaven, the sphere of Jupiter, where the souls form letters of light with their bodies, forming a message about justice. Then they form an eagle, which then starts to talk to Dante. The eagle explains Divine Justice and how amazing God’s Mind is. They also talk about the six spirits that for the eagle’s eye and why two pagan kings are there.

Dante and Beatrice move on to the Seventh Heaven, the sphere of Saturn. Dante sees a golden ladder, leading up to the uppermost parts of Heaven. He meets St Peter Damian. When all the souls cry out together, Dante blacks out from the intensity of it all. After he comes to, he meets St Benedict.

They continue on to the Eighth Heaven, the sphere of the Fixed Stars. Dante looks down on Earth and sees everything below him. They see Christ and Mary also ascending into the Empyrean—the highest heaven. St Peter tests Dante on faith. St James examines Dante’s hope, which ends with Dante going temporarily blind. St John quizzes Dante’s charity. Adam answers some questions for Dante before Peter rants against the corrupt Popes.

Beatrice and Dante continue up to the Ninth Heaven, Primum Mobile. Beatrice gives a prophecy about the salvation of the world. Dante sees an amazing model of light representing the nine Angelic Intelligences orbiting a single brilliant Point. Beatrice explains why the whole physical universe can’t follow the same model. Dante hears Beatrice tell the Creation story and talk about the number of angels.

Finally, they ascend to the Tenth Heaven, the Empyrean. Dante first sees a representation of the Celestial Rose, an image of a river of gold. Then, when his sight is ready, he sees the real Rose. Beatrice goes back to her throne within the Rose, but St Bernard shows up to give Dante the tour. Dante sees all that sit in their ranks within the Rose, including countless innocent children.

Finally, Bernard helps Dante get up to God by praying to Mary. When Mary give her approving smile, Dante ascends to the top of the dome of light and see a representation of God Himself.