Vietri sul Mare, located on the stunning Amalfi Coast, is famous for its deep-rooted ceramic tradition, pristine waters and a peculiar pair of rocks known as “The Two Brothers.” Skimming the surface of their mythical halo, we will guide you to discover two intriguing legends that envelop these rocks, awakening the vividness of a remote past with the evocative power of storytelling. From the romantic legend of the brother shepherds and the water nymph, Roda, to the dramatic story of struggle and discovery between Count Umfredo of Landolfi and Prince Rajan, we will explore how these stories have shaped the face of these iconic stones and the hearts of the community that has watched them for centuries.
The Legend of the Shepherds and the Nymph Roda: A Story of Courage and Transformation
The first legend recounts the epic of two shepherds, who one day pushing their flocks to the beach of Vietri, stumbled upon a wonderful and mysterious maiden asleep in the middle of the sea. Her beauty was unparalleled, such that it left our shepherds breathless and their eyes literally spellbound.
However, inexplicably, the placid weather changed quickly, and a fierce storm began to rage. Concerned for the maiden’s life in the middle of the sea, the two young men, moved by a sense of courage and protection, jumped into the water trying to save her. Despite their noble attempts, the raging waves were too much for them and, inevitably, they drowned in the tumultuous waters.
Their faithful flock, following the tragic demise of the two young men, decided to follow the fate of their shepherds and also threw themselves into the sea, meeting the same tragic end.
The mysterious maiden, who turned out to be the sea nymph Roda, daughter of the lord of the sea, Poseidon, awoke safe and sound. The sea god, moved by the courage and self-sacrifice of the two young shepherds, decided to turn their remains into the two famous rocks known today as the “Two Brothers.” Similarly, the flock of sheep was transformed into a series of minor rocks that surround and honor the memory of their shepherds in the sea of Vietri.
The Fatal Duel: Count Umfredo of Landolfi and Prince Rajan
The second legend finds its origins in the year 871-872 AD, during the terrible war between the Salernitani, led by Prince Guaiferio of Salerno, and the ferocious Saracen pirates. According to the historical account, a large fleet of Saracen ships appeared in the sea of Salerno, laying siege to the city.
With the struggle lasting over a year, Salerno was on the verge of starvation. The people were suffering deprivation and starvation, which led Prince Guaiferio to a drastic decision. He gathered the Great Council and proposed ending the long and atrocious war through a duel between the strongest warriors on both sides: Count Umfredo dei Landolfi on the side of the Salernitani and Prince Rajan on the side of the Saracen invaders.
The challenge was announced in the streets of Salerno and was greeted with trepidation by its inhabitants, who saw the duel as the ultimate answer to the fate of their battered city.
Come the appointed day, the two champions met, lance against lance. Their clash extended as far as Vietri, with the people of Salerno watching from behind the city walls, finding themselves fascinated and frightened at the same time.
As the sun went down, the two champions were now exhausted and severely wounded. Among the torn robes, the same family crest was revealed on both chests. Rajan, debilitated and bleeding, recognized the crest and told Umfredo that they were brothers separated by the cruel irony of fate.
Aware of the grave mistake he had made, Rajan confessed to Umfredo that he was the lost son so long sought by his father all his life after being kidnapped by pirates. Unable to believe the horror of the situation, they both died with the wish to embrace each other at least once, a wish unfulfilled.
According to legend, the two bodies fell into the sea and became the two rocks now known as “the Two Brothers,” permanent symbols of a cruel and inescapable fate.
Ph. Matteo Zanini
