On a journey through time and mythology let's explore the meandering waters of the Limia River, which flows from Galicia to Portugal. This river not only witnessed epic battles and historical events, but is also shrouded in legend that endures over time.
The legend of the Limia river
In 137 BC, during the Roman conquest of Gallaecia, the Limia River became the scene of an epic confrontation led by Decimus Junius Brutus. Greek mythology identified the Lethe (that's what they called the Limia River at that time) as the river of oblivion. Crossing its waters meant completely losing your memory. Belief rooted in the region due to an experience of the Turdulos, a pre-Roman people.
Two powerful armies met in the vicinity of the Limia. On the one hand, there were the Celts with approximately 60,000 warriors. They faced the Roman army led by Brutus. Despite the overwhelming Celtic numerical superiority, Roman tactics and discipline prevailed, leaving a deep impression on Brutus by the bravery of his opponents.
The dramatic confrontation resulted in a total victory for the Roman army, although at a high cost in lives. About 50,000 Celts perished, and 6,000 were taken prisoners. The total lack of protection of the Celtic territory was the double blow of destiny.
A legend that frightened the Romans
The resistance of the Romans to crossing the Limia due to the belief in memory loss led to a critical situation. Faced with the risk of mutiny, Brutus made a bold and unconventional decision. He snatched the banner from one of its bearers and crossed the river alone, defying the superstition of the troops.
Upon reaching the other shore unharmed, Brutus demonstrated that he had not lost his memory by calling each soldier by name. Although many were initially reluctant, the Roman general's bravery dispelled fear and allowed the successful conquest of Gallaecia.
The Limia River has its own festival
The story of Decimus Junius Brutus and the crossing of the Limia was not forgotten with time. The Orense town of Ginzo de Limia annually celebrates the “Festa do Esquecemento” or festival of oblivion. It commemorates the brave crossing of Decimus Junius Brutus and his troops across the Lethe River.
A reminder of how history, mythology and bravery intertwined in the waters of the Limia River, marking the beginning of Romanization in that untamed region where the end of the known earth was located.
