ENRICO of Meissen. – Nicknamed *Frau-enlob* for the preference he gave, in a poetic competition with the poet Regenbogen, to the term *Frau* in antithesis to the term *Weib*, to designate woman.
A wandering minstrel of Carinthia, born c. 1256, died at Mainz in 1318, where he founded a school of song, he was one of the first and most important mastersingers, and among the most famous authors of *Sprüche* (death-songs) in Germany. In his *lais*, songs, and *Sprüche*, correctness of form and depth of thought are evident, though spontaneity of inspiration, of feeling, and (owing to too many quotations) clarity are lacking. Among his love poems, a large place is given to songs of praise of the Virgin and of woman in general; typical of his artificial and learnedly bombastic style are the long *Leich* dedicated to the Mother of the Lord (with references to the Song of Songs, which he applies to Mary) and that on the Holy Cross and the Holy Trinity.
ENRICO of Melk. – The earliest historical poet of spectacle (second half of the 12th century).
Drawn to worldly life, he entered as a lay brother the monastery of Melk, where he composed *Von des Todes Erinnerung* (1160), a poem whose opening passage also bears the title: *Vom gemeinen Leben*. There is also, perhaps, another (incomplete) work: *Pfaffenleben*. Both reflect the rigid moral temperament of the author, who, though less intransigent than the moralist Hartmann von Aue, a fellow member of the convent, does not spare the failings or defects of either religious or laity, providing a vivid picture of the culture of the time. Through asceticism, he fostered respect and appreciation for women in Germany.
ENRICO the Navigator, Infante of Portugal. – Born at Oporto on 24 March 1394, died at Sagres on 13 November 1460.
Grand Master of the Military Order of Christ, he was among the principal promoters of 15th-century geographical explorations, in which commercial and political motives were joined to the ethical-religious aim of Christianization. He established, among other things, a nautical school. Under his impetus, in 1435 the African coast was explored as far as Rio de Oro; in 1441 Cape Blanco was reached; in 1445 Cape Verde. He also desired the conquest of Tangier.