However, there are a few possible reasons why they are absent:
* Dante's focus on Christian figures and narratives: *Inferno* primarily focuses on the punishments of those who disobeyed God's laws. While Helen and Achilles are significant figures in Greek mythology, their stories are not directly relevant to the Christian framework of the poem.
* Limited space and focus: Dante's *Inferno* is already vast and complex. Including every famous figure from classical antiquity would have been overwhelming and could have distracted from the poem's central themes.
* Allegorical interpretation: Some scholars argue that certain characters in *Inferno* can be interpreted allegorically, representing aspects of human nature or sins. Perhaps Helen and Achilles could be seen as symbolic representations of specific vices, but Dante chooses not to make this connection explicit.
While Helen and Achilles might not be named, there are characters in *Inferno* who share similarities with them. For example, Paolo and Francesca in Canto V are punished for their adulterous love, similar to the story of Helen and Paris.
Ultimately, the absence of Helen and Achilles in *Inferno* is likely due to Dante's careful selection of figures and his focus on Christian themes. While their stories may not be explicitly present, their influence on literature and culture might be seen indirectly within the poem's exploration of love, desire, and the consequences of sin.