Secondary School of Monserrate

Viana do Castelo-Portugal

LETHES Legend

Comenius Project

Welcome

Lethes in greek mythology • Prays the legend that there would be a river capable of erasing

the memories of those who drank its waters. For this reason

became known as "river of oblivion."

Contradiction

• Would it be on "Elysian fields"?

• Or in Averno (Italy) where the Romans thought the entrance to

hell was?

Lethes Legend• In the year 136 BC Junius Brutus (commander of the Roman

legions)arrived with his troops to the left side of the river Lima,

this river of clear water that flows into our city, Viana do

Castelo.

• The Roman soldiers dazzled by the beauty of the landscape

and the purity of its waters, thought right away it was lethes, the

river of oblivion that they heard of.

• To proceed the march, Junius Brutus ordered his soldiers to

crossing the river. They refuse to do so because they feared

losing memory completely, forgetting the homeland and family.

• So the captain takes the standard and crosses the river alone.

In the other side he calls one by one his soldiers names,

proving that it had not lost the memory and also proving that the

legend of the river was not true.

Tapestry evoking the legend

Author: Almada Negreiros.

Foun at St. Luzia’s Inn, Viana do Castelo.

• Ceramic panel. Ponte de Lima.

Action

• The legend will be recreated on the banks of the river Lima,

with all schools participating in the project.

• The actors will wear clothes of the Roman soldiers. Location:

Ponte de Lima (20 km from Viana do Castelo)

Foto:Manuel Varela

• Technique Plug

• Coordinator: Joaquim Alberto (teacher)

• Adviser: Armando Paula (teacher)

• Students: Carolina, Rita, Rafael, Catarina, Claudio, Sara, Filipa,

Diana, Portela, João, Bruno, Pedro.