The story of King Arthur and his trusty sword Excalibur has been a British legend for centuries, but other countries in Europe similarly have their own versions of ancient swords used by brave warriors of the past. France's version of Excalibur, however, just disappeared without a trace.
The French town of Rocamadour has been home to Durandal, an iron sword that has been lodged in a high rock wall for what legend says is about 1,300 years. According to La Dépêche , the sword is believed to have belonged to Roland, a famed knight and military leader who served under Charlemagne in the eighth century. It's been a part of Rocamadour history ever since.
The story goes that Roland was badly wounded at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass and didn't want his trusty blade to be taken by the Basques that Charlemagne's forces were fighting against. To ensure they wouldn't get it, he purportedly traveled hundreds of miles away to Rocamadour and drove Durandal into the rock there.
An investigation into what happened is ongoing. Dominique Lenfant, the mayor of the village, expressed her disappointment regarding the theft.
"We will miss Durandal. It has been part of Rocamadour for centuries," she lamented. "Rocamadour feels robbed of a part of itself. Even if it is a legend, the destinies of our village and this sword are entwined."
Lenfant went on to explain some details surrounding the object and its intended use hundreds of years ago.
"Durandal is a public property that belongs to the state," she said. "This sword was embedded in the rock face at a shallow depth, very close to the [Sanctuaire Notre-Dame de Rocamadour chapel]."
"It measures 80 centimeters, so it is a small medieval sword that was forged to stun people or horses, not to kill them," she added.
For now, this small French village is mourning the loss of its crown jewel.
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