In Canto XVII, the monster Geryon symbolizes Fraud, the sin of the souls in Circle VIII. Furthermore, like Fraud, his innocent face fools the onlooker long enough to be stung by his scorpion-like tail.

What does Geryon symbolize in the inferno?

Geryon's triune nature symbolizes Fraud. He is, however, a living symbol, and Dante responds physically to his presence: he is fascinated by this monster just as a rabbit is fascinated by the charm of the snake.

What was Geryon known for?

Geryon was often described as a monster with either three bodies and three heads, or three heads and one body, or three bodies and one head. He is commonly accepted as being mostly humanoid, with some distinguishing features (such as wings, or multiple bodies etc.) and in mythology, famed for his cattle.