Projecting a Charismatic Image: Henry the Young King and the Sword of Roland

Recently we have all been shaken by the news of Durendal disappearance from Rocamadour, where it has been plunged in the rock from time immemorial. One of the village's trademarks, Roland's legendary sword was to be miraculously transported to Rocamadour from Roscenvalles after Roland had fallen. There was not a guide who did not mention it while giving a tour. But did they remember to mention the sword was carried off before? I'm pretty sure they did not. And little wonder. Not everyone remembers that it is not the first time in history that Durendal has gone missing from Rocamadour. It was carried off in 1183, too, by Henry the Young King. 

To raise funds for his campaign, Henry pillaged and stripped the shrines of some of the holiest sanctuaries of Aquitaine, the shrine of St Amadour at Rocamadour being one of them. together with the booty, he carried off a sword which was said to be Durendal. There were precious relics in its hilt: the tooth of St Peter, the blood of St Basil, hair of St Denis, and a piece of the robe of the Blessed Virgin. If the Young King accepted that his booty was indeed the Durendal of Roland, then he would believe himself to be under the protection of these powerful relics, perceiving himself as a hero-figure. This certainly could have helped his cause and boost the morale of his soldiers. 

I have written about it in my latest article for Medievalists.net. You will find it here:

Roland's Sword Goes Missing From Rocamadour. Not the First Time in History

Written by Katarzyna Ogrodnik-Fujcik