Auroraphotography

La Défense.
Paris, France.

Antwerp: Between Green Charm and Old Town Legends

The green-clad city of Antwerp is home to an ancient legend. A giant named Druon Antigoon was said to live on the banks of the River Scheldt.
The giant would stop ships crossing the river and demand a heavy toll. Anyone who failed to pay suffered a terrible punishment: the giant would cut off the victim’s hand and throw it into the river.
One day, a young Roman hero named Silvius Brabo arrived. Brabo challenged the giant, killed him, cut off his hand, and threw it into the river — just as the giant had done to others.

This legend is said to be the origin of the name “Antwerpen”, popularly interpreted from the Dutch expression “hand werpen”, meaning “to throw the hand”.

Even today, the symbol of the hand remains deeply connected to the city’s identity, appearing frequently in sculptures and historical references.

photographer

International Labour Day - 1st of May