Not only does Virgil guide Dante, he also appears to protect him from the dangers of the of hell and explain to Dante the workings of hell and to some degree heaven as well. At first, it seemed to me as if Virgil were a figure of authority or dignity in spite of him residing in limbo. Nevertheless it was proved when he failed to enter a gate of hell that he did not have power over its demons. It was revealed or in a way emphasized that the authority given him like all authority comes from God and unlike humans, demons have little choice in submitting to the will of God.