Dante and the Nine Worthies: Glory or Fame?

Authors

Thomas L. Cooksey, Armstrong State University

Publication Date

2025

Keywords

Dante, Nine Worthies, chivalry

Abstract

In Paradiso 18, Dante is introduced by Cacciaguida, to eight martial heroes: Joshua, Judas Maccabaeus, Roland, Charlemagne, William of Orange, Renouard, Godfrey of Bouillon, and Robert Guiscard. Joined by Cacciaguida they form a group of nine, suggesting that Dante is playing with the topos of the Nine Worthies, popular in chivalric literature. While there are various prototypes, the canonical version of the Nine was codified by Jacques de Longuyon in his romance Voeux du paon (The Vow of the Peacock), appearing around 1312, a date tantalizingly close to the composition of the Paradiso. A comparison is instructive both with regard to differing logics of inclusion, and to the symbolic function of the Worthies. While Longuyon looks at fame and glory as temporal, an ubi sunt motif,' Dante looks at them against the domain of eternity, distinguishing glory and fame, the chivalric heroes, and by implication the poet, acting for something greater than personal fame. Crucial is the transitional role played by Dantes teacher, Brunetto Latini in his Tesoretto.

Recommended Citation

Cooksey, Thomas L. (2025) "Dante and the Nine Worthies: Glory or Fame?," Quidditas: Vol. 46, Article 5.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/rmmra/vol46/iss1/5