The document summarizes the legend of the Lethe River from Greek mythology. It tells how in 136 BC, Roman soldiers led by Junius Brutus arrived in Viana do Castelo, Portugal and mistook the local River Lima for the River Lethe, which was said to make those who drank from it forget their memories. Despite their captain drinking from the river without ill effect, the soldiers refused to cross it out of fear of forgetting their homes and families. The legend will be reenacted by students on the banks of the River Lima while dressed as Roman soldiers.

1. Secondary School of Monserrate
Viana do Castelo-Portugal
LETHES Legend
Comenius Project
Welcome

3. 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."

4. Contradiction
• Would it be on "Elysian fields"?
• Or in Averno (Italy) where the Romans thought the entrance to
hell was?

5. 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.

6. • 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.

7. • 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.

8. • 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.

9. Tapestry evoking the legend
Author: Almada Negreiros.
Foun at St. Luzia’s Inn, Viana do Castelo.

10. • Ceramic panel. Ponte de Lima.

11. 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

12. • Technique Plug
• Coordinator: Joaquim Alberto (teacher)
• Adviser: Armando Paula (teacher)
• Students: Carolina, Rita, Rafael, Catarina, Claudio, Sara, Filipa,
Diana, Portela, João, Bruno, Pedro.