The legendary sword Durandal, which was an integral part of the rock in the town of Rocamadour in southwestern France for 1 300 years, has mysteriously disappeared. This artifact, considered one of the main attractions of the city, was located at a height of 9.7 meters from the ground and was chained to a rock, MIR 24 reports, citing The Telegraph.

Law enforcement agencies have begun an investigation, but it is not yet clear how the attackers managed to steal such an unusually located object.

The Durandal sword, glorified in the medieval poem “The Song of Roland,” was famous for its magical powers. According to legend, it could not be broken, and its blade was so sharp that it could cut through stones.

Tradition says that the sword was given by an angel to Charlemagne, and then passed on to his nephew, the knight Roland. It was believed that holy relics were kept in the hilt of the sword, giving it miraculous power.

According to legend, the dying Roland unsuccessfully tried to destroy the sword so that it would not fall into the hands of his enemies. As a result, he threw away the weapon, which flew several kilometers and stuck into the rock of Rocamadour.

The city's mayor expressed deep regret at the loss of the relic, which had been part of Rocamadour’s history for centuries.