The uncertain symbolism of the three beasts--a leopard, a lion, and a she-wolf contributes to the shadowy atmosphere of the opening scene. Armed with information from later episodes, commentators often view the creatures as symbols, respectively, of the three major divisions of Dante's hell which is concupiscence, violence, and fraud. Many associate them with envy, pride, and avarice. Maybe they carry some political meaning as well his conception, Dante likely took in inspiration for the beasts from the bible prophesying the destruction of those who refuse to repent for their iniquities.
