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Polish Literature for Children & Young Adults Inspired by Classical AntiquityCiembroniewicz, Józef, Herkules:walki olimpijskich bogów. Opowieśćdla młodzieży [Hercules:Fights Between the OlympianGods. A Story for Young People].Warszawa: Wydawnictwo M.Arcta, 1919. 61 pp.Genre: Adaptation of myth.Summary: An adaptation of the Hercules’myth covering the most importantrelated stories. Among them, thetale of Hera’s dislike of Hercules andthe story explaining the reason behindthe Twelve Labours imposed on the hero. In the first tale, Zeus in the shape ofa wayfarer seeking shelter, visits Amphitrion’s house. Amphitrion hosts him;the god, as a reward for hospitality, reveals himself and gives his blessing byanointing Amphitrion’s new–born son, Hercules. Hera jealous of Zeus visiting amortal’s house and blessing his son instead of spending time with her, becomesan enemy of Hercules. The second story explains the Twelve Labours notas penance for killing his own wife and children in a fit of madness but asan attempt to seek Hera’s favour. The text includes many dialogues, Ciembroniewiczsometimes uses colloquial phrases and avoids themes considered byhim inappropriate for young readers (e.g. descriptions of violence; Hercules’madness and death of Megara and her children; Hercules is not Zeus’ bastardson). Author mentions (for educational purposes) the scope of power of eachgod appearing in the text and uses Polish diminutive of the word “god” (bożek)meaning “pagan god,” possibly sensitive to his readers’ religious monotheisticbeliefs.47