“The animated miniseries Over the Garden Wall was well-received by fans and critics because of its witty yet macabre stylings and position as an autumnal viewing staple. Created by Patrick McHale, the series chronicles Wirt and his younger half-brother Greg as they journey to find their way home through treacherous woods called the Unknown. Their goal to survive the forest has similarities to Dante’s Inferno, the first part of Dante Alighieri’s 14th-century epic poem The Divine Comedy, in which the author is guided by the poet Virgil through Hell.
“The characterization in Over the Garden Wall often offers key parallels to those featured in Inferno. Wirt’s appreciation for poetry and focus on his thoughts rather than action is nearly identical to Dante’s quirks, in addition to their shared fondness of a girl. Greg’s place as Virgil, a bard-like companion for his brother, is clear. Greg exhibits Virgil-esque bravery toward the Unknown, despite his unawareness of what lies ahead (as opposed to Virgil having a great deal of knowledge), leading his brother further into its depths, as Virgil did with Dante. Even Beatrice, the adorable but feisty avian companion, has numerous shared aspects with her literary counterpart. Beatrice’s origin is canonically inspired by the Inferno character, who originally is Dante’s lost lover and a guide through Paradisio (sic). While the show’s interpretation of Beatrice guides them through the Unknown, citing her purpose for being honor-bound to Greg for saving her, the winged chaperone’s intention is discreetly nefarious at first.” —Taryn Westphale, “Over the Garden Wall: All the Parallels to Dante’s Inferno,” CBR, February 22, 2023 (retrieved December 31, 2023)
Read more about each episode here.
