The first canto functions as an introduction to the journey of the Paradiso. Dante begins by evoking God, whose glory “pervades the universe” in all its various parts. It is difficult for someone who has seen the glory of heaven to remember or tell what he has seen, but Dante will recount “as much of the holy kingdom” (1:10) as he has retained in his mind. Dante invokes the aid of Apollo, the god of poetry, for assistance in his task.

Dante is now in Eden (the earthly paradise) with Beatrice. It is evening where they are, and he notices that Beatrice is staring at the sun in the distance; Dante does the same. It proves too wondrously bright, and soon Dante looks at Beatrice instead.

She explains to Dante that, contrary to what he thinks, he is not still on earth. All created things fulfill their purpose according to God’s plan, with all of them attracted upward towards God as their source. However, human creatures sometimes swerve from their true course through sin (“false pleasure”). Beatrice and Dante, too, are being impelled upward to God, and that is the reason for the increasing brightness.