The Legend of King Arthur
The legend of King Arthur, the iconic British knight who rose up to defend his nation against invaders, has not only captivated the minds of people in Britain but also inspired stories, books, and even movies all around the world.
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The legend of King Arthur is intertwined with the tale of his sword, Excalibur. According to the tales, as long as Arthur carried this sword enhanced by magic, he was invincible in battle.
The French Version of Excalibur
Despite the various references to Arthur throughout medieval Welsh literature, including the 9th-century Historia Brittonum, no evidence of his great sword has ever been found. Legends suggest it lies in one of three lakes in Snowdonia National Park in Wales.
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In France, a sword associated with their own version of the Welsh tale recently went missing. It belonged to a French knight, and unlike Arthur’s, it sat on display for centuries for anyone to see.
The Durandal Sword
According to records, Roland, a French knight and officer of the Frankish King, Charlemagne, wielded the sword named Durandal.
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French epic literature details how the sword made Roland the great knight of the era. The weapon itself was said to be indestructible.
Roland Plunges the Sword Into a Rock
According to legends, over 1,300 years ago, just before his death, Roland plunged the sword into a rock.
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It lay embedded in the rock in the small town of Rocamadour in southern France for well over a millennium until it was recently stolen.
The Disappearance of the Sword
Despite being wedged into a rock on a cliff 32 feet from the ground and chained to the wall, the sword was somehow pulled from its resting place and stolen.
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The sword’s disappearance has sent shockwaves through the small community of Rocamadour, leaving its residents in disbelief and deeply saddened by the loss of the iconic relic.
Town’s Mayor Speaks on the Theft of the Sword
Speaking with La Dépêche, the town’s mayor, Dominique Lenfant, expressed his profound disappointment and concern over the crime that has shaken the community.
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“Rocamadour feels it’s been robbed of a part of itself, but even if it’s a legend, the destinies of our village and this sword are entwined,” he said.
The Town Will Miss the Sword
Lefant explained that the sword was more than just a historical artifact. It was a significant tourist attraction that brought crowds to the region. The mayor went on to suggest that its absence could deeply affect the town’s tourism industry.
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“We’re going to miss Durandal. It’s been part of Rocamadour for centuries, and there’s not a guide who doesn’t point it out when he visits,” he said.
Ongoing Investigation
An investigation is currently ongoing as officials from the town attempt to do all they can to find the thief who took the iconic sword for themselves.
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Despite the efforts of law enforcement, there are currently no leads as to its whereabouts. Some theorize it may have been stolen to be sold on the black market.
First Mention of the Sword
Durandal was first mentioned nearly 1,000 years ago in the poem, The Song of Roland.
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The epic makes reference to the sword’s magical powers and suggests it contained a tooth taken from St. Peter’s, alongside the hair of St. Denis and the blood of St. Basil, per The Independent.
An Angel Gifts Durandal to Charlemagne
Just before his death at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, Roland attempted to break the magical sword on a rock in an attempt to stop it from getting into the hands of his enemies.
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Durandal is said to have been given to Roland by Charlemagne, who himself received it from an angel.
Magical Sword Travels Hundreds of Kilometers to Rocamadour
Unable to break the sword off the rocks in the moments before his death, Roland is said to have thrown it into the air.
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Following this, the magical sword traveled hundreds of kilometers before eventually embedding itself in the cliff at Rocamadour. Locals hope it will be returned to its iconic spot in the future.