Antigoon is a legendary giant from Flemish folklore, most famously associated with the Schelde River and the founding myth of the city of Antwerp. Known for his brute strength and tyrannical rule, Antigoon demanded tolls from all who sought to cross the river. Those who refused to pay were met with brutal punishment: the loss of their hand, which he would sever and toss into the Schelde. His reign of terror cast a shadow over the region until he was ultimately defeated by the Roman soldier Silvius Brabo, a hero who used cunning and courage to bring the giant down.
The Toll-Taking Tyrant
Antigoon’s dominion over the Schelde River made him a symbol of oppression and fear. As a massive figure with pale, scarred skin and an imposing black beard, his monstrous appearance matched the cruelty of his actions. Merchants and sailors dreaded crossing his path, knowing that failure to meet his demands—gold or a severed hand—would result in brutal consequences. The tolls Antigoon imposed stifled trade and crippled the economy of the region, turning Antwerp into a city of despair.
Antigoon’s reign came to an end when Silvius Brabo, a Roman soldier renowned for his strategic mind and unyielding resolve, arrived in Antwerp. Brabo confronted the giant with a clever ambush, exploiting Antigoon’s arrogance to trap and cripple him. In a final act of defiance, Silvius severed the giant’s hand and hurled it into the Schelde, symbolizing the liberation of the river and the city. This act became a pivotal moment in Antwerp’s history, celebrated as the origin of the city’s name, which is said to derive from the Dutch words “hand werpen” (to throw a hand).
Modern Interpretation
Antigoon’s severed hand became a lasting symbol of Antwerp’s freedom and resilience. The giant himself is often seen as a representation of tyranny and unchecked power, while Silvius Brabo embodies courage and strategic brilliance. The act of throwing Antigoon’s hand into the Schelde has been immortalized in the folklore of the region, with statues and monuments commemorating the story.
The most notable of these is the statue of Silvius Brabo in Antwerp’s Grote Markt, which depicts the Roman soldier triumphantly holding Antigoon’s severed hand. The story also gave rise to the city’s coat of arms, which features a hand as a central motif.
While Antigoon remains a figure of legend, his story continues to inspire discussions about the struggle against tyranny and the power of ingenuity over brute strength. The tale of Antigoon and Silvius Brabo resonates beyond folklore, serving as a reminder of the enduring spirit of liberation and justice. Antwerp’s association with the hand can be seen not only in its heraldry but also in the city’s identity, blending myth and history into a timeless narrative.