Image of a panther in "The divine comedy" of Dante as a metaphor of poetic inspiration
This article is devoted to symbolics of an image of a panther in «The divine comedy» of Dante. The author considers values and the metaphors inherent in this image in the Middle Ages. The image of a panther appearing at the very beginning of work in the mystical wood symbolizes not only voluptuousness, but also poetry. The mystical panther, according to medieval symbolics, exhales bewitching aroma which is compared to poetic skill and refinement of style which for many poets were so attractive, as well as are hard-hitting. The author emphasizes the special importance of perception with sense organs, such as sense of smell, sight, at creation of system of poetic images of the Middle Ages.