Radegundis
The Radegundis (/ˌɹæ dɪˈɡʊn dɪs/; Jarmenic: Raadegunde, Western Kiltic: Radaghuna, Eastern Kiltic: Rádagiúnda) is the longest river in the world, flowing generally westward for 4,939 wmi through southern Heremonia from Lough Lavey, a spring-fed lake in the highlands of Upper Lochtee, to Mündung Sound, the northeastern arm of Págánah Bay.
It is the seventh largest river in Heremonia by discharge volume, with an average annual flow of 27,235 wmi3. Its largest tributary is the Mura, which joins it from the north some 335 wmi upriver from the port city of Pilz. It is an international waterway, with a drainage basin that covers parts of seven countries: Upper Lochtee, Amergin, Hugainey, Kileshandra, Indershotten, Swanlinbar and Jaegellona. Major cities along its course include Pilz, Nebenmünd, Slaralochna and Léimadruda.
Since earliest times, the Radegundis has played a major role in the history, economy and culture of southwestern Heremonia, providing large volumes of fresh water for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, transportation and industry. It has been a historical boundary between nations, and many battles have been fought along its banks. For thousands of years it has been a vital navigable waterway, bringing trade and goods deep into the interior of the continent. Today, 3,713 wmi of its total length are open to navigation.
The Radegundis river basin is home to a large variety of fish species, including caerp, caetfish, salmon, stiurjíon and trout. Several species of brackish water fish, such as saltbass and eel, inhabit the lower portion of the river near its mouth. In addition to fish, several species of turtal, as well as ailigéadar and other aquatic amphibians are also native to the Radegundis basin.
There, the waters of the Radegundis make a hard right turn to the southwest, before abruptly plunging nearly 90 yds as they carve their way over the two distinct drops of Easnagéima Falls before continuing onward in a southwesterly direction, forming part of the border between Upper Lochtee and Amergin.
It is the seventh largest river in Heremonia by discharge volume, with an average annual flow of 27,235 wmi3. Its largest tributary is the Mura, which joins it from the north some 335 wmi upriver from the port city of Pilz. It is an international waterway, with a drainage basin that covers parts of seven countries: Upper Lochtee, Amergin, Hugainey, Kileshandra, Indershotten, Swanlinbar and Jaegellona. Major cities along its course include Pilz, Nebenmünd, Slaralochna and Léimadruda.
Since earliest times, the Radegundis has played a major role in the history, economy and culture of southwestern Heremonia, providing large volumes of fresh water for drinking, irrigation, sanitation, transportation and industry. It has been a historical boundary between nations, and many battles have been fought along its banks. For thousands of years it has been a vital navigable waterway, bringing trade and goods deep into the interior of the continent. Today, 3,713 wmi of its total length are open to navigation.
The Radegundis river basin is home to a large variety of fish species, including caerp, caetfish, salmon, stiurjíon and trout. Several species of brackish water fish, such as saltbass and eel, inhabit the lower portion of the river near its mouth. In addition to fish, several species of turtal, as well as ailigéadar and other aquatic amphibians are also native to the Radegundis basin.
Etymology
The various modern language names for the Radegundis are all derived from the old Jarmenic river god Rëdagünthiz, son of Aeganord, god of the sea. The name appears to have been adapted from Old High Jarmenic “rēdaz” (help, advise, counsel, decision) + “gunthiz” (battle, fight, act of killing), meaning “a decision to fight,” or “one who decides to fight.”Geography
The course of the Radegundis covers 4,939 wmi as it descends a total of 1,345 yds from its source in the highlands of Upper Lochtee to its mouth at Mündung Sound. It is navigable by ocean ships from the sea to Nebenmünd, at the confluence with the Mura, and further on by river ships to Slaralochna. Smaller craft can make their way further upstream to Léimadruda in Amergin, just below the Cataracts of Staighrí. Several sections of the river above the cataracts are also navigable by small craft, contributing to a total navigable length of 3,713 wmi.Source
The Radegundis River originates as a narrow brook flowing from the southwestern end of Lough Lavey, a 4,150 wmi2 spring-fed lake located within the highland province of Caithraige in Upper Lochtee. The ruined remains of an ancient stone gristmill can still be discerned at the outflow site, from which the stream runs due south through a rather steep, well-defined channel, before turning southeasterly to follow a more gradually descending course for about a hundred wmi to the Amergin border.There, the waters of the Radegundis make a hard right turn to the southwest, before abruptly plunging nearly 90 yds as they carve their way over the two distinct drops of Easnagéima Falls before continuing onward in a southwesterly direction, forming part of the border between Upper Lochtee and Amergin.
Easnagéima Falls
The Easnagéima Falls are a pair of scenic waterfalls on the Radegundis River, located where it meets the Amergin border about 150 wmi from its source at Lough Lavey. The name Easnagéima means "Falls which Bellow" or "Bellowing Falls."
The Easnagéima achieves a total vertical drop of 88.6 yds in two distinct falls, separated by a short channel that cuts between them. The Upper Fall is the larger of the two, with a drop of 46.9 yds, while the Lower Fall drops an additional 41.7 yds.
In antiquity, these falls were known as the Throne of Rëdagünthiz, the Jarmenic river god, and the area was considered a holy and spiritual place. In addition to its importance in Jarmenic mythology, it was also recognized as a place of healing by the Druids of the old religion in Amergin.
That healing tradition continues even to this day, as the waters of Easnagéima Falls are still considered by many to promote good health and spiritual well-being.
The Easnagéima achieves a total vertical drop of 88.6 yds in two distinct falls, separated by a short channel that cuts between them. The Upper Fall is the larger of the two, with a drop of 46.9 yds, while the Lower Fall drops an additional 41.7 yds.
In antiquity, these falls were known as the Throne of Rëdagünthiz, the Jarmenic river god, and the area was considered a holy and spiritual place. In addition to its importance in Jarmenic mythology, it was also recognized as a place of healing by the Druids of the old religion in Amergin.
That healing tradition continues even to this day, as the waters of Easnagéima Falls are still considered by many to promote good health and spiritual well-being.
Easnagéima Falls - "Throne of Rëdagünthiz"
Upper Radegundis
Below the falls begins the section of the river commonly known as the "Upper Radegundis" (the river above the falls is sometimes called the "High Radegundis"). Extending nearly 1000 wmi from Easnagéima Falls to the city of Léimadruda, the Upper Radegundis is characterized by its swift current, wild nature and scenic beauty. For most of this distance, it defines the international border between Upper Lochtee and Amergin, flowing first southwesterly, then northerly, before gently curving to the northwest. Just before crossing into Amergin at Léimadruda, the river runs through a series of cataracts, the most spectacular of which are the last, the Cataracts of Staighrí.Cataracts of Staighrí
The Cataracts of Staighrí are a series of rapids and waterfalls on the Upper Radegundis River 45 wmi southeast of Léimadruda on the border between Upper Lochtee and Amergin. The river narrows considerably as it passes over the series of stair-like falls which give the cataracts their name, resulting in treacherous whitewater conditions that have attracted adventuresome outdoorsmen since early in the last century. The Cataracts of Staighrí mark the lower limit of the Upper Radegundis and the upper limit of regular navigation on the river.
Cataracts of Staighrí, upriver from Léimadruda
Middle Radegundis
The section of the river from its navigable limit to the confluence of the Mura is customarily known as the "Middle Radegundis." It is by far the longest section of the river, stretching over 3000 wmi as it defines the borders of Hugainey, Kileshandra, Indershotten and Swanlinbar. It is the most spectacular and romantic portion of the river, as its deep gorge winds through the Varjometsä Forest between the steep slopes of the Kohlenhügel Mountains to the north and the Südenrück Mountains to the south.As it gradually descends toward the sea, this section of the Radegundis is characterized by a high volume of river ship traffic from Nebenmünd to Slaralochna, along with smaller vessels all the way up to Léimadruda. Its banks are lined by many towns and villages, and ferrymen carry passengers at numerous crossings. Between villages, small farms and vineyards take advantage of the fertile soils in the narrow valley along its banks and the life-giving water it brings.
Teutisches Eck
The city of Nebenmünd, which marks the western end of the Middle Radegundis, grew up around the confluence of the Radegundis and the Mura Rivers at a headland known as the Teutisches Eck, or "Teutic Corner." Here the borders of Indershotten, Jaegellona and Swanlinbar converge mid-channel. Across the Radigundis on the south bank is the Swanlin town of Dáchoirnéal, while the Jaegellonan side is dominated by the imposing walls of the Middle Age fortress known as Festung Herzenstein.
Confluence of the Mura (bottom) & the Radegundis (center) at Nebenmünd, viewed from Festung Herzenstein
Lower Radegundis
At Nebenmünd, the Radegundis valley opens to a broad plain and the river widens as it approaches its mouth. This part of the river is sometimes called the Tideway due to the relatively long tidal reach of Mündung Sound. Here the banks of the Radegundis are densely populated and characterized by heavy industrial and commercial activity, centered around the Jargellonan capital of Pilz, which is also the third-largest seaport in Heremonia.
Port of Pilz with Mündung Sound beyond
History
The Radegudis River has been integrally connected with the history of southern Heremonia for centuries, both as an artery for cultural and political unification, and as a cultural and political boundary between peoples. Archeological evidence suggests that in pre-historic times similar culture groups existed on both banks of the Radegundis. Yet since ancient times the river has been recognized as a boundary separating the Kiltic, Gog, and Agno-Jarmenic peoples to the north from the Födic and Geulic peoples to the south.
The Radegundis was not known to Dorosofios, and is not mentioned in his fifth century BCS work Istoría Kósmou ("History of the World"). It first enters the historical record in later Mílesian geography as the southern boundary of the "civilized" tribes of central Heremonia. In his celebrated work Tíreolaíocht (“Geography” c. 8 BCS), Lachtna Trashúil describes the Radegundis as "a river of the lands of the Vatsanali, that divides the Forest of Varjomasia north and south." Under the Mílesians, the Radegundis was a heavily fortified water route for the transport of troops and supplies to settlements along nearly its entire route. They maintained a substantial river fleet, and established dozens of military outposts along its banks.
During the Savage Age, commerce along the Radegundis declined dramatically, and what commercial activity did survive consisted primarily of smuggling and piracy. The river became a dangerous place, with dozens of petty chieftains vying for control over coveted sections, in order to extract tolls or pilfer cargoes. Many well-remembered battles were fought along the banks of the Radegundis in that Age, chief among which were the Battle of Slaughter Corner and the three-day Battle of Bolles Bridge.
The end of the Savage Age in the eighth century resulted in the gradual re-emergence of travel and trade along the Radegundis, especially along its lower reaches. Over time, commercial traffic on the Radegundis has steadily increased, and with the introduction of motorized transportation in the modern age the importance of commerce along the river has risen dramatically. In 1815, the Treaty of the Radegundis was signed by all nations bordering on the river. The Treaty established the Radegundis River Navigation Authority to promote safe and efficient travel along the Radegundis, which was declared an international waterway, allowing for unimpeded commercial navigation along its entire length by all vessels legally registered with the Authority.
The Radegundis was not known to Dorosofios, and is not mentioned in his fifth century BCS work Istoría Kósmou ("History of the World"). It first enters the historical record in later Mílesian geography as the southern boundary of the "civilized" tribes of central Heremonia. In his celebrated work Tíreolaíocht (“Geography” c. 8 BCS), Lachtna Trashúil describes the Radegundis as "a river of the lands of the Vatsanali, that divides the Forest of Varjomasia north and south." Under the Mílesians, the Radegundis was a heavily fortified water route for the transport of troops and supplies to settlements along nearly its entire route. They maintained a substantial river fleet, and established dozens of military outposts along its banks.
During the Savage Age, commerce along the Radegundis declined dramatically, and what commercial activity did survive consisted primarily of smuggling and piracy. The river became a dangerous place, with dozens of petty chieftains vying for control over coveted sections, in order to extract tolls or pilfer cargoes. Many well-remembered battles were fought along the banks of the Radegundis in that Age, chief among which were the Battle of Slaughter Corner and the three-day Battle of Bolles Bridge.
The end of the Savage Age in the eighth century resulted in the gradual re-emergence of travel and trade along the Radegundis, especially along its lower reaches. Over time, commercial traffic on the Radegundis has steadily increased, and with the introduction of motorized transportation in the modern age the importance of commerce along the river has risen dramatically. In 1815, the Treaty of the Radegundis was signed by all nations bordering on the river. The Treaty established the Radegundis River Navigation Authority to promote safe and efficient travel along the Radegundis, which was declared an international waterway, allowing for unimpeded commercial navigation along its entire length by all vessels legally registered with the Authority.
Radegundis
The Radegundis near Slaralochna, Kileshandra
Course of the Radegundis (marked in red)
Anradaghadha (Amergese)
Raadegunde (Jarmenic)
Radaghuna (Western Kiltic)
Rádagiúnda (Eastern Kiltic)
Radigand (Huganic)
Radigin (Tungomål)
Raadegunde (Jarmenic)
Radaghuna (Western Kiltic)
Rádagiúnda (Eastern Kiltic)
Radigand (Huganic)
Radigin (Tungomål)
Location
Countries:
Jaegellona - Swanlinbar - Indershotten - Kileshandra - Hugainey - Amergin - Upper Lochtee
Major Cities:
Pilz, Jaegellona
Nebenmünd, Indershotten
Slaralochna, Kileshandra
Léimadruda, Amergin
Nebenmünd, Indershotten
Slaralochna, Kileshandra
Léimadruda, Amergin
Physical Characteristics
Source:
Lough Lavey
- Location:
Upper Lochtee
- Elevation:
1,345 yds.
Mouth:
Mündung Sound
- Location:
Pilz, Jaegellona
- Elevation:
Sea Level
Length:
4,939 wmi
Basin Size:
670,300 wmi2
Discharge:
27,235 wmi3 annually (avg.)
Life on the River:
The Canúmen
Since ancient times, the treacherous waters of the Upper Radegundis have been an impediment to travel and commerce for the people living along that stretch of the river. Yet despite the many challenges presented by the churning wild Radegundis, there arose long ago a close-knit fraternity of highly skilled rivermen who learned to navigate its dangerous currents, and who have passed on their knowledge through the many generations to modern times.
Known as Canúmen, they were renowned for their skill as shipbuilders and river mariners, and have plied their trade for centuries from Easnagéima Falls to the cataracts and back again. As their name implies, their ship of choice was the canú, uniquely suited for navigation upon the menacing currents of the Upper Radegundis.
Up to 12 yds long with a 2 yd beam, and manned by a crew of between two and six Canúmen, a well built canú could carry a payload of up to 6,000 pds, plus crew and gear, when fully loaded. The canú was designed to be flexible, with a durable skin of berch bark sealed with péin pitch, and a flat bottom for shallow draft, allowing it to glide over rocks and other obstacles that would destroy other vessels.
The golden age of the Canúmen was between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, when they provided a vital transportation service in support of trade and commerce along nearly a thousand miles of the river. Today, although its numbers have dwindled, the fraternity of Canúmen still thrives along the Upper Radegundis, providing river expeditions for tourists and other adventure seekers.
Known as Canúmen, they were renowned for their skill as shipbuilders and river mariners, and have plied their trade for centuries from Easnagéima Falls to the cataracts and back again. As their name implies, their ship of choice was the canú, uniquely suited for navigation upon the menacing currents of the Upper Radegundis.
Up to 12 yds long with a 2 yd beam, and manned by a crew of between two and six Canúmen, a well built canú could carry a payload of up to 6,000 pds, plus crew and gear, when fully loaded. The canú was designed to be flexible, with a durable skin of berch bark sealed with péin pitch, and a flat bottom for shallow draft, allowing it to glide over rocks and other obstacles that would destroy other vessels.
The golden age of the Canúmen was between the seventeenth and nineteenth centuries, when they provided a vital transportation service in support of trade and commerce along nearly a thousand miles of the river. Today, although its numbers have dwindled, the fraternity of Canúmen still thrives along the Upper Radegundis, providing river expeditions for tourists and other adventure seekers.
Sounds like a gorgeous river that I would like to visit at some point. Visiting 7 countries along the way would be a nice tourist journey.
Too low they build who build beneath the stars - Edward Young