Where there is a river there is symbolism. At least, in stories. Here is the collection of the stories from different European cultural heritage with rivers as symbol of the great flow of Life itself. 

In literature as in life, cities and towns often spring up on riverbanks, seemingly brought to life by the river’s movement. The source of the river, typically small mountain streams, depicts the beginnings of life and its meeting with the ocean symbolizes the end of life. The river begins at Source, and returns to Source, unerringly. This happens every single time, without exception. We are no different.