Independent Roland's weapon: What is known about the legendary blade (photo)

The legendary Durandal sword, according to legend, belonged to Roland, the hero of medieval stories. It is considered one of the most prominent knights of the Middle Ages, but attention did not miss his weapon. Among the legendary swords, one blade, known as Durandal, left its mark in history along with mythical weapons, such as the Excalabur and Zulffar. Although Durandal may be less known, it plays an important role in the legendary stories, Ancient Origins writes.

In focus, technology appeared its Telegram channel. Subscribe to not miss the most info and interesting news from the world of science! Durandal was the sword of Roland, the hero of medieval European folk stories. He was often portrayed as the nephew of Charles the Great, the famous Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. Roland was considered the most outstanding warrior among the twelve priors, a group of elite knights at the court of Charles the Great.

His legendary status is conditioned by unsurpassed combat skills and unwavering devotion, which made him a favorite figure in medieval European history. One of Roland's most stable stories is his heroic last battle in the battle of Ronsevo, which took place in 778 during the Campaign of Charlemagne on the Iberian Peninsula. Although this battle had historical roots, it has become a fairy tale adorned with elements of Christian valor, heroism and knighthood for centuries.

In some versions, the Basque defenders were joined by Muslim Saracens fighters, turning a conflict into a significant battle between Christians and Muslims. During the Battle of Ronsevo, Roland bravely defended his comrades, refusing to suffer into the horn to cause Karl the Great, until it was too late. Deadly wounded, he fought before the last battle, becoming a symbol of unwavering courage and self -sacrifice in the face of insurmountable circumstances.

The epic poem "The Song of Roland", written in the Old French language, is the oldest known source, which mentions Durandal, the legendary sword, which Roland owned. According to the poem, the Angel of God passed Durandal Karl the Great, instructed to pass it to one of his counts. Expired by the mythical European hero Weiland-Kovalya, Durandal was famous for its strength.

Another story, Orlando Furiosis, offers another origin of Durandal, linking him to the Trojan hero Hector and Maladdi magician, who gave the sword of Roland. In this story, Durandal has become a valuable subject that Gradasso, a pagan king of Serisen, who invaded France to bring him back. Having received Durandal into his possession, Roland made outstanding exploits for Charles the Great, as described in Orlando Furiosis.

He has won numerous regions, including Anzhu, Brittany, Normandy and many others, securing the glory of a formidable knight. During the Battle of Ronsevo, Roland used Durandal to restrain a huge Muslim army, and the sword played a crucial role in his success. He killed many enemies and cut off his hand by the Sarackin King Marsilia and beloved the royal son of Yursaalei. One of Durandal's unique features was that he contained several sacred Christian relics, including St.

Peter's tooth, the blood of St. Basil and part of St. Denise's hair. "Roland Song" depicts the sword as almost indestructible. When Roland in the last act of despair tried to destroy it, hitting a massive rock, the sword remained intact, forming "la brusche de roland", a natural gap in the Pyrenees, which adds to the legend of even greater mysticism.

Unable to destroy Durandal, Roland hid him under his body when he died, or, according to another version, threw him so that he crashed into the rock in Romamadur, a pilgrimage site in France 160 km from the Toulouse. Today, the iron sword above the door of the Nort-Dam chapel in Romamadur is considered to be true Durandal. It is even fixed by a chain to prevent theft.