The Twelve Works of Hercules

The Twelve Works of Hercules

Don Enrique de Villena (1384–1434), Marquess of Villena, was a Spanish author, poet, and theologian who also was reputed to be a necromancer. Although belonging to the former royal house of Aragon, his political ambitions were denied him, and so he committed himself as an author. He is most famous for his Los Trabajos de Hércules, the first edition of which was printed by Antón de Centenera on January 15th, 1483 in Zamora. Originally written in Catalan in 1417, he later translated it into Castilian. The work is a synthesis of Greek mythology and Christian allegory filled with moralizing messages meant to inspire virtuous behavior. It is divided into 12 chapters, which are then divided into four parts, respectively. The splendid engravings are from a Spanish artist, but only 11 of the 12 have survived, with the Battle of the Centaurs missing. Nonetheless, this is an exemplary Spanish incunabulum, i.e. a book printed before 1501.