The Olt River originates at the top of the Hășmașul Mare Mountains (1993 m), located in the center of the Eastern Carpathians. Covering a distance of 699 km, it crosses picturesque landscapes and makes its way through the mountains, crossing three gorges at Tușnad, Racoș and Turnu Roșu-Cozia, the last one being considered the most impressive. This gorge, with a length of approximately 60 km, constitutes one of the most beautiful and deep transverse valleys of the Southern Carpathians and, at the same time, represented one of the most easily accessible passes in history.
Also, the Mureș River originates from the Hășmașul Mare Mountains, but it directs its course in the opposite direction. The proximity of the springs of Olt and Mureș, together with the opposite directions of flow of these rivers, inspired a beautiful legend.
According to the legend, Mures and Oltul were once two brothers, whose father was an emperor who disappeared without a trace while fighting with enemies. Worried about the fate of their father, the two young people decided to go in search of him, despite the opposition of their mother, who was afraid of losing them. However, with determination, they obtained their mother's blessing and advice to stick together in the face of dangers to come.
However, as soon as they left the courtyard of the house, Oltul, being faster, took it forward, urging Mureș to quicken his pace. While Oltul quickly moved away, Mures stayed behind, searching for him without success and losing sight of him. Thus, the two brothers parted, and Oltul continued his journey until sunset.
Their mother, noticing the departure in opposite directions and wishing to stop them, touched their tracks with an enchanted stick. In an instant, the two brothers turned into two rivers with never-dry springs, fed by their mother's tears. These two rivers have kept their distinctive features: the Olt, more fierce and determined, and the Mures, calmer and quieter.
Source: Tourist itinerary Brașov - Sibiu - Alba Iulia (Ministry of Tourism, 1982)
