French 'Excalibur' Vanishes, Leaving Locals Heartbroken

An ancient sword, renowned for its ties to Emperor Charlemagne and the knight Roland, has vanished from its cliffside resting place in Rocamadour, France, leaving residents and historians dismayed. Known as Durandal, this legendary weapon, which is said to contain relics such as a tooth of Saint Peter and a piece of Saint Mary's robe, has been part of local lore for centuries. The theft occurred on June 22, and despite its known removal for exhibition in Paris in 2011, its disappearance from Rocamadour has deeply saddened the community. Local authorities are investigating how the thieves managed to extract the sword, which was perched and chained nearly 10 meters above ground.

The Durandal sword is significant in French folklore due to its association with the knight Roland, a paladin under Charlemagne, and its inclusion in the epic poem "La Chanson de Roland." It was believed to have relics that made it incredibly powerful. According to legend, Roland embedded the sword in a stone cliff to prevent it from being captured as he lay dying. This tale, much like that of King Arthur's Excalibur, has cemented Durandal's place in cultural history.

Durandal has captivated enthusiasts and found its way into various popular video game series such as "Fire Emblem," "Final Fantasy," and "Assassin's Creed Valhalla." Specifically, in "Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Siege of Paris" DLC, players can encounter references to this legendary blade, underscoring its lasting influence in gaming culture.