At the midpoint of life, the narrator finds himself wandering in a dark and terrifying wilderness after straying from the true path. Overcome by sleep and disorientation, he reaches the base of a hill bathed in morning light, which offers a brief sense of safety. Attempting to climb it, his way is blocked by three fierce beasts in quick succession: a nimble leopard, a proud and ravenous lion, and a lean, insatiable she-wolf that drives him back into the dark valley where the sun is silent.
As despair sets in, a shadowy figure appears before him. The figure reveals himself to be the shade of Virgil, the ancient Roman poet who was born under Julius Caesar and lived during the reign of Augustus. Overjoyed and humbled, the narrator recognizes his master and savior, pleading for help against the terrifying beast that makes his veins tremble.
Virgil explains that the traveler must take a different path to escape the wild place, noting that the destructive she-wolf destroys everyone in her way and will eventually be driven back to hell by a mysterious hound of wisdom, love, and virtue. Offering to guide him, Virgil proposes a journey through eternal places where the narrator will hear desperate cries and witness ancient spirits suffering, as well as those content in the fire. He promises to lead him as far as the gates of heaven, where another, worthier soul will take over since Virgil cannot enter the divine city. Accepting the guidance, the narrator immediately follows his new master behind.