Born 1533 in Madrid; died 1594. Spanish poet.
Ercilla y Zúñiga took part in the suppression of the revolt of the Araucanian tribe in Chile. His epic poem La Araucana (parts 1–3, 1569–89), which dealt with the revolt, accurately portrays the heroic struggle of the rebellious Indian tribes against the Spaniards. The work, highly important for the development of Chilean literature, is remarkable for its expressive character portrayals, passionate speeches, and battle scenes. It was highly regarded by Cervantes and Voltaire, and in the period of romanticism it attracted the attention of Chateaubriand.