Durandal, the legendary French sword likened to King Arthur’s Excalibur, has mysteriously disappeared from the rock it has been stuck in for nearly 1,300 years.
This sudden vanishing of the famed sword has caused locals in the French town of Rocamadour to lament the disappearance of the sword that has been in their region for centuries.
The Popular Durandal Sword
The Durandal sword has long been a tourist attraction in Rocamadour, France. Interestingly, the sword was stuck in a rock wall about 32 feet off of the ground.
This high presence of the sword makes its disappearance even more strange. Nobody in town yet knows what happened to Durandal, though an investigation has been launched.
The Theft of Durandal
Local police have come out to reveal that it appears Durandal has been stolen, even though they haven’t yet figured out how someone could have gotten high enough to truly remove this sword.
There’s simply no easy way to access the sword and then steal it — without being caught. However, police are now conducting an investigation into this theft, hoping to bring Durandal back to its home.
The Legendary Tale of Durandal
Durandal remains the most legendary ancient sword in all of France, thanks to the myth and tale that is attributed to this sword’s existence.
Roland, a notable knight and officer of Charlemagne who is often talked about in old epic French literature, was the original wielder of Durandal.
An Epic Poem
The many interesting qualities attached to Durandal are all told in The Song of Roland, an 11th-century epic poem that is the oldest surviving major work of French literature to this day.
This very old tale is beloved by the French and literature enthusiasts worldwide. The only existing manuscript of this epic poem, which was written in Old French, can be found in Oxford at the Bodleian Library.
The Sharpest Sword in the World
According to the original French legend, Durandal is the sharpest sword in the entire world and in all of existence. It’s also indestructible. Therefore, the old stories warn that, in the wrong hands, the sword could be dangerous and deadly.
Legend also has it that this sword can cut through just about anything. It can even successfully split giant boulders with just one strike.
Local Myths and Legends
While the epic poem The Song of Roland tells many stories about Durandal and its magical qualities, local myths and legends in Rocamadour itself have also been told.
According to locals, the sword hanging above the town in a cliff wall is Durandal. This site is also above the River Dordogne, which has a sanctuary that has attracted many pilgrims over the centuries.
Old Rocamadour Myths
These old myths and stories explain that Charlemagne first received this epic sword from an angel. Charlemagne then gave this magical and powerful sword to his trusty knight, Roland.
However, Roland eventually would face death at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. This led to the knight’s great worries over who would get this powerful sword upon his passing.
Roland’s Attempt to Destroy the Sword
Before his death at this battle, Roland tried everything in his might to destroy Durandal. He didn’t want his enemies to obtain the sword and then bring about great destruction with it.
Though Roland tried to desperately break the sword upon rocks, he wasn’t successful. Finally, he decided to throw it up into the air before he died — and it traveled all the way to Rocamadour, where it got stuck high up in a rock wall.
Centuries in a Rock
Durandal has reportedly been stuck in this rock for nearly 1,300 years. It has since become a hotspot for locals and tourists alike.
Residents of Rocamadour have always been incredibly protective of the sword. Therefore, the theft of Durandal has hit many of them hard.
A Devastated Town
Dominique Lenfant, the local mayor, has explained that the town is now devastated by the sudden disappearance of Durandal.
“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,” Lenfant stated.
Durandal and Rocamadour
So much of the myth of Durandal and the town of Rocamadour has been intertwined for centuries, according to Lenfant.
He said, “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.”
