The French equivalent of King Arthur’s Excalibur, known as Durandal, has mysteriously vanished from its centuries-old resting place in Rocamadour, a small medieval town. The sword, believed to have been lodged in a rock for 1,300 years, was a major tourist attraction.

According to legend, Durandal once belonged to Roland, a semi-legendary knight who fought for Charlemagne in the 8th century. The sword was said to be indestructible and incredibly sharp, capable of cutting through stone with a single blow.

The sword’s mythical qualities are described in “The Song of Roland,” an 11th-century epic poem considered the oldest major work of French literature. The legend states that Charlemagne received Durandal from an angel before gifting it to Roland, his best soldier.

During the Battle of Roncevaux Pass, Roland attempted to break the sword to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Unable to destroy it, he threw it into the air, where it supposedly traveled hundreds of miles before embedding itself in the cliff at Rocamadour.

The theft of Durandal has shocked locals and authorities alike. The sword was removed from its position in a cliff wall approximately 100 feet above ground. Officials in Rocamadour have launched an investigation into its disappearance.

The loss of this legendary artifact has deeply affected the community, as it was not only a source of local pride but also a significant tourist attraction. The theft raises questions about the security of historical artifacts and the preservation of cultural heritage in small towns.

As the investigation continues, the disappearance of Durandal remains a mystery, leaving both locals and history enthusiasts hoping for its safe return.

Re-reported from the article originally published in NEWYORK POST .