1300-year-old sword with 'magical power' goes missing from the stone it was buried in!

The recent disappearance of the legendary Durandal sword from the clifftop village of Rocamadour in southern France has left the local community in shock. This ancient artifact, often compared to King Arthur’s Excalibur, had been embedded in a rock for approximately 1,300 years. The sword, believed to have belonged to Roland, a paladin of Charlemagne, was a significant cultural and historical symbol for the village.

Durandal’s origins are steeped in legend. According to the epic poem “The Song of Roland,” the sword was given to Roland by Charlemagne, who had received it from an angel. The poem, dating back to the 11th century, describes Durandal as indestructible and possessing magical qualities. It was said to contain a tooth of St. Peter, the blood of St. Basil, and the hair of St. Denis. Roland, facing defeat at the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, attempted to destroy the sword to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Failing to break it, he threw it into the air, and it miraculously traveled hundreds of kilometers to embed itself in the rock at Rocamadour.
The sword’s presence in Rocamadour had made the village a popular pilgrimage site and tourist attraction. The sanctuary of the Blessed Virgin Mary, located in the village, has drawn visitors for centuries, including kings, bishops, and nobles. Rocamadour was even voted France’s favorite village in 2016, partly due to the allure of Durandal.

On July 2, 2024, the local authorities discovered that Durandal was missing. The sword had been chained to the rock 32 feet off the ground, making its theft a perplexing mystery. Mayor Dominique Lenfant expressed the community’s devastation, stating, "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. 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"

The theft has prompted an investigation by local police, who are baffled by how the sword was removed from its seemingly inaccessible position. The sword’s cultural significance was so great that when the Cluny Museum in Paris requested to exhibit it in 2011, a town councillor and a security guard accompanied it on its return journey to ensure its safety.
The loss of Durandal has not only affected the local community but also the broader historical and cultural heritage of France. The sword’s disappearance has sparked a wave of concern among historians, archaeologists, and enthusiasts who recognize its significance. Efforts are now underway to recover the stolen artifact, with local authorities collaborating with national and international agencies to track down the perpetrators and ensure the sword’s safe return.
As the investigation continues, the people of Rocamadour remain hopeful that Durandal will be found and restored to its rightful place. The sword’s absence has left a void in the village, but it has also brought the community closer together in their shared determination to preserve their heritage.