Book 9 Summary

The poet warns the reader that the story is now to become a tragedy. While sleeping, he has been inspired by the goddess. His skills are not great, but she gives him the abilities that he needs.

Satan has been traveling around the world, as he flees from the angels. On the eighth day, he finds a way to sneak back into Eden, hiding in the rising mist of the Tigris. Having considered every creature, Satan chooses the serpent as best suited to his purpose.

Satan is envious of man, and thinks that Eden is much like Heaven, if not better. Unfortunately, pleasures only cause Satan more torment, and he has not come to live in Eden. He plans to destroy in one day what took the Almighty six nights and days to create. This will be his revenge against God for replacing...