The Devil and a Forest Dark: Dante's Inferno with Voice Actor Luke Jones

Hello creators,

You know that feeling when your body is tired but your mind keeps pacing the room? Tonight we try something different: a classic story read with enough calm to let your thoughts loosen their grip. 
For our April Guest Reader we’re joined by voice actor Luke Jones, who brings a steady, intimate performance to the first three cantos of Dante’s Inferno from The Divine Comedy.

Luke starts by sharing what first pulled him towards Dante: the strange magnetism of hell as an idea, the human need to map fear and faith, and the craft of dramatic poetry beyond the usual Shakespeare canon. 

If you love sleep podcasts, bedtime stories, guided relaxation, or simply want a soothing way back into great literature, this one is designed to carry you until you drift off. 
Subscribe for more readings, share it with a fellow sleepless creative, and leave a review telling us what scene stayed with you.

Sweet dreams,

Florence x

Transcript

Welcome To Sleepless Creatives

SPEAKER_00 0:05

Welcome to Sleepless Creatives, a sleep podcast for performers and creators just like you. I'm your host, Florence, and welcome to the April Guest Reader episode. So without further ado, I'm just gonna get right into it and introduce our next very talented guest reader, who is the voice actor Luke Jones. Here he is, introducing himself.

SPEAKER_01 0:31

Hi there. My name is Luke Jones. I'm a voice actor, and today on Sleepers Creatives, I will be reading you the first three cantos or chapters of Dante's Inferno. I loved this book as a kid who went to a Catholic school as a kind of an undercover atheist. I've always been fascinated by humankind's relationship with God and the concept of hell. And, you know, I love church architecture. Anyway, this book was actually my first introduction to dramatic poetry outside of academia and Shakespeare and the more traditional texts.

unknown 1:10

T.

SPEAKER_01 1:10

S. Eliot once said that Dante and Shakespeare divide the world between them. There is no third. But beyond that, the life of Dante surrounding the writing of this book and the following two in the Divine Comedy is just so interesting, and I highly recommend reading them and looking into his life as well, if that's something that interests you. But anyway, that's all from me for now. I hope you enjoy this episode and sleep well.

SPEAKER_00 1:37

If you want to follow Luke on social media and find out a bit more about him, then you can click the links in the episode description. So, take a minute to get cozy and comfortable and drift off.

Virgil Appears As Guide

Doubt Before The Descent

Beatrice’s Message And Mercy

The Gate That Ends Hope

The Neutrals And Endless Noise

Charon And The River Crossing

Earthquake And Sudden Sleep

SPEAKER_01 2:24

The right road lost and vanished in the maze. How hard to make it understood. How rough that wood was, wild and terrible. By the mere thought, my terror is renewed. More bitter scarce were death. But ere I tell that large of good, which there by me was found, I will relate what other things befell. Scarce know I how I entered on that ground. So deeply at the moment when I passed from the right way, was I in slumber drowned. But when beneath the hill arrived at last, which for the boundary of the valley stood, that with such terror had my heart harassed, I upwards looked and saw its shoulders glowed, radiant already with that planet's light, which guideth surely upon every road. A little then was quieted by the sight, the fear which deep within my heart had lain through all my sore experience of the night. And as the man who, breathing short in pain, hath escaped the sea and struggled to the shore, turns back to gaze upon the perilous main, even so my soul which fear still forward bore, turned to review the past whence I egressed, and which none living ever left before. My wearied frame refreshed with scanty rest, I to ascend the lonely hill assayed, the lower foot still that on which I pressed, and lo, ere I had well beginning made, a nimble leopard, light upon her feet, and in a skin all spotted over arrayed, nor ceased she ere me full in the face to meet, and to me in my path such hindrance threw, that many a time I wheeled me to retreat. It was the hour of dawn, with retinue of stars that were with him when love divine in the beginning into motion drew those beauteous things. The sun began to shine, and I took heart to be of better cheer, touching the creature with the gaudy skin, seeing 'twas morn and springtide of the year. Yet not so much that when into sight a lion came, I was disturbed with fear. Towards me he seemed advancing in his might, rabid with hunger and with head high thrown, the very air was tremulous with fright, a she-wolf too, beheld I further on. All kinds of lust seemed in her leanness pent. Through her, ere now, much folk have misery known, by her repressed and altogether spent, by the terror breathing from her aspect fell, I lost all hope of making the ascent. And as the man who joys while thriving well, when comes the time to lose what he is won, in all his thoughts weeps inconsolable, so mourned I, through the brute which rest knows none. She barred my way again, and yet again, and thrust me back where silent is the sun, and as I downward rushed to reach the plain, before mine eyes appeared there one aghast, before mine eyes appeared there one aghast, and dumb like those that silence long maintain, when I beheld him in the desert vast, but e'er thou art, or ghost or man, I cried, I pray thee show such pity as thou hast. No man, though once I was, on either side Lombard my parents were, and both of them for native place had mantua, he replied. Though late sub Julio to the world I came, and lived at Rome in good Augustus' day, while yet false gods and lying were supreme, poet I was, renowning in my lay, and Chise's righteous son, who fled from Troy, what time proud Ilian was to flames a prey? But thou, why going back to such annoy? The hill delectable, why fear to mount? The origin and ground of every joy, and thou in sooth art Virgil, and the fount whence in a stream so full doth language flow. Abashed I answered him with humble front. Of other poets light and honour thou, let the long study and great zeal I've shown in searching well thy book avail me now. My master thou, and author, thou alone. From thee alone I, borrowing, could attain the style, consummate, which has made me known. Behold the beast which makes me turn again. Deliver me from her, illustrious sage, because of her I tremble, pulse in vain. Thou must attempt another pilgrimage. Observing that I wept, he made reply, If from this waste thyself thou'd disengage, because the beast thou art afflicted by will suffer none along her way to pass, but, hindering them, harasses till they die. So vile a nature and corrupt she has, her raging lust is still insatiate, and food but makes it fiercer than it was. Many a creature hath she taken for mate, and more she'll wed until the hound comes forth to slay her and afflict with torment great. He will not batten upon Pelfor earth, but he shall feed on valour, love and law, Feltro and Feltro, twin shall be his birth. He will save humbled Italy and restore, for which of old Virgin Camilla died. Turnus, Urialis, Nysus, died of yore, her through all cities chasing far and wide, he at the last to hell will thrust her down. Whence envy first unloosed her, I decide therefore and judge that thou hadst best come on with me for guide, and hence I'll lead thee where a place eternal shall be to thee be shown. There shalt thou hear the howlings of despair, in which the ancient spirits make lament, all of them feign the second death to share. Next shalt thou them behold who are content, because they hope some time, though now in fire, to join the blessed, they will win consent. And if to these thou later wouldst aspire, a soul shall guide thee, worthier far than I, when I depart thee, will I leave with her, because the Emperor, who reigns on high, wills not, since against his laws I did rebel, that to his city I bring any nigh. Over all the world he rules, there reigns as well. There is his city and exalted seat. Over all the world he rules, there reigns as well. There is his city and exalted seat. O happy whom he chooses there to dwell. And I to him, the poet, I thee entreat, even by that God who was to thee unknown, that I may escape this present ill, nor meet with worse, conduct me whither thou hast shown, that I may see Saint Peter's gate, and those whom thou reportest in such misery throne. He moved away, behind him held I close. It was the close of day, the twilight brown, all living things on earth was setting free from toil, while I preparing was alone, to face the battle which awaited me, as well of Ruth as of the perilous quest, now to be limbed by faultless memory. Help, lofty genius, muses, manifest good will to me. Recording what befell, to thou, O mind, now show thee at thy best. I thus began, poet and guide as well, ere trusting me on this adventure wide, judge if my strength of it be capable. Thou sayest that Sylvius's father, ere he died, still mortal to the wild immortal went, there in the body some time to abide. Yet that the foe of evil was content, that he should come, seeing what high effect, and who on what should from him claim descent. No room for doubt can thoughtful man detect, for he of noble Rome, and of her sway imperial, in high heaven grew sire elect, and both of these, the very truth to say, were founded by the holy seat, whereon the greater Peter's follower sits today. Upon his journey, praised by thee, were known and heard things by him, to which he owed his triumph. Whence derives the papal gown, that path the chosen vessel later trod, so of the faith assurance to receive, which is beginning of salvation's road. But why should I go? Who will sanction give? For I am no Aeneas and no Paul, me worthy of it no one can believe, nor I myself. Hence venturing at thy call, I dread the journey may prove rash. But vain for me to reason, wise thou knowest it all. Like one no more for what he wished for fain, whose purpose shares mutation with his thought, till from that thing begun he turns again. On that dim slope, so grew I all distraught, because, by brooding on it, the design I shrank from, which before I warmly sought. If well I understand these words of thine, the shade of him magnanimous made reply. Thy soul neath cowardice hath sunk supine, which a man often is so burdened by, it makes him falter from a noble aim, as beasts at objects ill distinguished shy. To loose thee from this terror, why I came, and what the speech I heard, I will relate. When first of all I pitied thee, a dame hailed me where I, amongst those in dubious state, had my abode. So blessed was she and fair, her to command me I petitioned straight. Her eyes were shining brighter than the star, and she began to say in accents sweet and tunable as angels' voices are, O Manchuan shade, in courtesy complete, whose fame survives on earth, nor less shall grow through all the ages, while the world hath seat. A friend of mine, with fortune for his foe, has met with hindrance on his desert way, and terror smitten can no further go. A friend of mine with fortune for his foe has met with hindrance on his desert way, and terror smitten can no further go, but turns, and that he is too far astray, and that I rose too late for help I dread, from what in heaven concerning him they say, Go with thy speech persuasive him bestead, and with all needful help his guardian prove, that touching him I may be comforted. No, it is Beatrice, seeks thee thus to move. Thence come I where I to return am fain. My coming and my plea are ruled by love. When I shall stand before my Lord again, often to him I will renew thy praise, and here she ceased, nor did I dumb remain. O virtuous lady, thou alone the race of man exaltest above all else that dwell beneath the heaven, which wheels in narrowest space. To do thy bidding pleases me so well. Though 'twere already done, 'twere all too slow, thy wish at greater length no need to tell. But say, what tempted thee to come thus low, even to this centre from the region vast, whither again thou art on fire to go? This much to learn, since a desire thou hast, she answered. Briefly thee I'll satisfy, how coming here I through no terrors passed. We are, of right, such things alarmed by, as have the power to hurt us, all beside are harmless and not fearful. Wherefore I, thus formed by God, his bounty is so wide, am left untouched by all your miseries, and through this burning unmolested guide. A noble lady is in heaven, who sighs over the obstruction, or I'd have thee go, and breaks the rigid edict of the skies. Calling on Lucia, thus she made her know what she desired. Thy vassal now hath need of help. Calling on Lucia, thus she made her know what she desired. Thy vassal now hath need of help from thee. To thou then helpful show. Lucia, who hates all cruelty, in speed rose, and approaching where I sat at rest, to venerable Rachel giving heed. Lucia, who hates all cruelty, in speed rose, and approaching where I sat at rest to venerable Rachel giving heed me. Beatrice, true praise of God, addressed, why not help him, who had such love for thee, and from the vulgar throng to win thee pressed? Dost thou not hear him weeping pitiably, nor mark the death now threatening him upon a flood, then which less awful is the sea. Never on earth did any ever run, allured by prophet, or impelled by fear, swifter than I, when speaking she had done, from sitting among the blessed descended here, my trust upon thy comely rhetoric cast, which honors thee and those who lend it ear. When of these words she spoke and had the last, she turned aside bright eyes which tears did fill, and I by this was urged to greater haste. And so it was, I joined thee by her will, and from that raging beast delivered thee, which barred the near way up the beauteous hill. What ails thee then? Why thus a laggard be? Why cherish in thy heart a craven fear? Where is thy franchise? Where thy bravery? When three such blessed ladies have a care for thee in heaven's court, and these words of mine thee for such wealth of blessedness prepare. As flowers by chills nocturnal made to pine and shut themselves, when touched by morning bright, upon their stems arise, full blown and fine, so of my faltering courage changed the plight, and such good cheer ran through my heart, it spurred me to declare, like free-born generous white, O pitiful, who for my succour stirred, and thou how full of courtesy to run, alert in service, hearkening her true word. Thou with thine eloquence my heart has won, to keen desire to go, and the intent which first I held, I now no longer shun. Therefore proceed, my will with thine is bent. Thou art my guide, Lord, Master, thou alone. Thus I and with him, as we forward went, the steep and rugged road I entered on. Through me to the city dolorous lies the way. Who pass through me shall pain's eternal prove. Through me are reached the people lost for I. Twas justice did my glorious maker move. I was created by the power divine, the highest wisdom and the primal love. No thing's creation earlier was than mine, if not eternal, I for eye endure. Ye who make entrance every hope resign. These words beheld I writ in hue obscure on summit of the gateway, wherefore I hard is their meaning, master. Like one sure beforehand of my thought, he made reply, Here it behoves to leave all fears behind. All cowardice behoveth here to die, for now the place I told thee if we find, where thou the miserable folk should see who the true good of reason have resigned. Then, with a glance of glad serenity, he took my hand in his, which made me bold, and brought me in where secret things there be, their sighs and plaints and wailings uncontrolled, the dim and starless air resounded through, nor at the first could I from tears withhold. The various languages and words of woe, the uncouth accents mixed with angry cries, and smiting palms and voices loud and low, composed a tumult which doth circling rise, for ever in that air, obscured for I, as when the sand upon the whirlwind flies, and horror stricken I began to say, Master, what sound can this be that I hear, and who the folk thus whelmed in the misery? And he replied, In this condition drear are held the souls of that inglorious crew, who lived unhonored, but from guilt kept clear. Mingled they are with Catif angels who, though from avowed rebellion they refrained, disloyal to God, did selfish ends pursue. Heaven held them forth, lest they her beauty stained. Received they are not by the nether hell, and Else triumph thence were by the guilty gained. And I, what bear they, master, to compel their lamentations in such grievous tone? He answered, In few words I will tell thee, no hope of death is to the wretches known. So dim the life, and abject where they sigh, they count all sufferings easier than their own. Of them the world endures no memory. Mercy and justice them alike disdain. Speak we not of them, glance and pass them by. I saw a banner when I looked again, which always swirling round advanced in haste, and as if despising steadfast to remain. And after it so many people chased in long procession, I should not have said that death had ever wrought such countless waste. Some first I recognized, and then the shade I saw and knew of him, and searched close, whose dusted soul the great refusal made. Straightway I knew and was assured that those were of the tribe of Catiffs, even the race despised of God and hated of his foes. The wretches, who when living showed no trace of life when naked, and were fiercely stung by wasps and hornets swarming in their place. Blood drawn by these out of their faces sprung, and, mingled with their tears, was at their feet, sucked up by loathsome worms it fell among, casting mine eyes beyond, of these replete, people I saw beside an ample stream, whereon I said, O Master, I entreat, tell who these are, and by what law they seem impatient till across the river gone, as I distinguish by this feeble gleam, and he, these things shall unto thee be known. What time our footsteps shall at rest be found upon the woeful shores of Acheron? Then with ashamed eyes cast on the ground, fearing my words were irksome in his ear, until we reached the stream, I made no sound. And toward us, lo, within a bark drew near a veteran, who with ancient hair was white, shouting, Ye souls depraved, be filled with fear, hope nevermore of heaven to win the sight. I come to take you to the other strand, to frost and fire and everlasting night. And thou, O living soul, who there dost stand from among the dead withdraw thee. Then aware that not at all I stand at his command. By other ways from other ports thou'd fare, I they will lead thee to another shore, and 'tis a skiff more buoyant thee must bear. And then my leader, Caron, be not sore, for thus it has been willed where power never came short of the will. Thou therefore ask no more, and hereupon his shaggy cheeks grew tame, who is the pilot of the living pool? For thus it has been willed where power never came short of the will. Thou therefore ask no more, and hereupon his shaggy cheeks grew tame. Who is the pilot of the livid pool? And round about whose eyes glowed wheels of flame, but all the shades, naked and spent with duel, stood chattering with their teeth, and changing hue soon as they heard the words unmerciful. God they blasphemed, and families whence they grew. Mankind, the time, place, seed in which began their lives, and seed whence they were born. Then drew they crowding all together as they ran, bitterly weeping to the accursed shore, predestined for every godless man. The demon Caron, with eyes evermore aglow, makes signals, gathering them all, and whoso lingers smiteth with his oar. And as the faded leaves of autumn fall, one after the other, till at last the bough sees on the ground, spread all its coronal. With Adam's evil steed, so habs it now. Its signs each falls in turn from off the coast, as fowls into the ambush flattering go. The gloomy waters, thus by them are crossed, and ere upon the further side they land. On this anew is gathering a host. Son, said the courteous master, understand, all such is in the wrath of God expire. From every country muster on this strand, to cross the river they are all on fire, their wills by heavenly justice goaded on, until their terror merges in desire. This way no righteous soul has ever gone. Wherefore of thee, if Karen should complain? Now art thou sure what by his words is shown. When he had uttered this, the dismal plane trembled so violently. My terror passed recalling now, I'm bathed in sweat again. Out of the tearful ground there moaned a blast, whence lightning flashed forth red and terrible, which vanquished all my senses, and as cast in sudden slumber, to the ground I fell.