The legendary Excalibur sword from the French version of King Arthur's tales has disappeared from the rock where it was believed to have been placed 1,300 years ago.
Known as the Durandal sword, it was located in Rocamadour, southern France, and was thought to have been stolen despite being secured 32 feet above the ground.
Durandal belonged to Roland, a celebrated paladin and officer of Charlemagne in French epic literature, and was famed for being indestructible.
Dominique Lenfant, the local mayor, expressed the town's sorrow over the loss of Durandal, highlighting its historical significance and the impact on local tourism, as guides often showcased the sword during visits.
Durandal is referenced in the 11th-century poem "The Song of Roland," which details its magical properties, including the claim that it contained a tooth of St. Peter, blood of St. Basil, and hair of St. Denis.
According to legend, Roland attempted to destroy the sword on a rock to prevent it from being captured by the Saracen army during the Battle of Roncevaux Pass. Unable to break it, he threw it into the air, and it miraculously traveled hundreds of kilometers before embedding itself in the Rocamadour rock face.
The sword was so valued by the town that when the Cluny Museum requested it for an exhibition in 2011, it was escorted back by a town councillor and a security guard. Rocamadour, voted France’s favorite village in 2016, is also known for its distinctive goat cheese.
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