A Coruña, Cidade Herculina: Hercules as Founder of Cities

The foundation myth of A Coruña, attributing its origins to Hercules' defeat of the giant Geryon and subsequent city founding, persists as a significant cultural narrative in contemporary Galician history. This myth, popularized in medieval texts like the Estoria de España, blends Roman and Celtic traditions, symbolizing the triumph over tyranny and the arrival of civilization. While the Tower of Hercules stands as the iconic monument embodying this legend, recent cultural initiatives, such as a sculptural garden on the site, also incorporate alternative foundational accounts, including the Celtic legend of Breogan. The study explores how these enduring myths shape A Coruña's identity and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their continued relevance in local history and tourism.

Seijo-Richart, M. (2020). A Coruña, Cidade Herculina: Hercules as Founder of Cities. The Modern Hercules, 277–298. https://doi.org/10.1163/9789004440067_015