Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

Theft of the Century? 1300-Year-Old French Sword Disappears

Daniel Kim Views  

A legendary French sword, Durandal, has disappeared. It was wedged into a rock for over 1300 years and was famously known as “French Excalibur.” According to the Telegraph, Durandal was wedged into a 10-meter cliff in Rocamadour, a city in the Occitanie region of southwestern France.

Local police are currently investigating the likelihood of theft. Durandal is a legendary sword held by knight Roland, one of the twelve peers in Charlemagne’s epic medieval European literature. In the legend, Durandal was a gift from an angel to the Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and was handed over to Roland.

The sword was described as powerful and indestructible. According to the legend, Roland tried to destroy it, but it was deemed impossible. It is said that the sword wedged in the cliff when Roland threw it right before his death. It has become a tourist attraction for such a legend.

However, the sword wedged in the cliff is not the real Durandal. Local tourism authorities have stated that “this sword is merely a replica of the real Durendal.”

Nevertheless, Dominique Lenfant, the mayor of Rocamadour, said, “We’re going to miss Durandal. It’s been part of Rocamadour for centuries, and no guide doesn’t point it out when he visits.”

Daniel Kim
content@viewusglobal.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LATEST] Latest Stories

  • Do Seoulites really need e-scooters or e-bikes? The city isn't sure either
  • S. Korea's biggest export promotion fair kicks off ahead of APEC summit
  • Top security adviser discusses deepening partnership with deputy NATO chief
  • [Sohn Jie-ae] Yeosu — the ocean at night
  • [James Stavridis] The Gaza peace plan will fail without US troops
  • Arrest warrants issued for 48 suspects brought from Cambodia

Share it on...