Alichino is one of the devils in the Inferno of Dante Alighieri's Divine Comedy. Alichino is a member of the Malebranche, whose mission is to guard Bolgia Five in the Eighth Circle, the Malebolge. Alichino's name is commonly regarded as a garbled version of the Italian word for harlequin, Arlecchino, perhaps for his flying attempt to catch Ciampolo of Navarre in his escape (see picture). His only significant contribution to the plot is when he persuades the other devils to leave Ciampolo of Navarre alone. Ciampolo is supposed to summon other sinners from the lake of boiling pitch (that don't dare to appear when the devils are near), on request by Dante (who wants to speak with them). But Ciampolo doesn't call at his friends. Instead, he fools the devils and escapes back to the lake, and Alichino tries in vain to catch him. This causes a fight between Alichino and Calcabrina, which causes them to fall into the lake. The other devils put the blame on Virgil and Dante, though and hunt them vexed.
The following strophes depict when Ciampolo fools the devils:
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"If you desire either to see or hear,"
But let the Malebranche cease a little,
For one that I am will make seven come,
Cagnazzo at these words his muzzle lifted,
Whence he, who snares in great abundance had,
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Alichino held not in, but running counter
But I will beat my wings above the pitch;
O thou who readest, thou shalt hear new sport!
The Navarrese selected well his time;
Whereat each one was suddenly stung with shame,
But little it availed, for wings could not
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