Joyeuse: The Legendary 13th-Century Sword of Charlemagne

Joyeuse: The Legendary Sword of Charlemagne

Intro

In the realm of legendary weapons, few have captured the imagination and fascination of historians, scholars, and enthusiasts quite like Joyeuse, the fabled sword of Charlemagne, King of the Franks and founder of the Holy Roman Empire. Steeped in myth and history, this iconic weapon has become a symbol of power, prestige, and chivalry.

Joyeuse holds a prominent place in history as the sword of one of the most influential rulers of the Middle Ages, Charlemagne. As the Emperor of the Franks, Charlemagne was a central figure in European politics and warfare, and his sword became a symbol of his authority and leadership. It was said that the mere possession of Joyeuse granted Charlemagne divine right, and the sword became an important relic, often accompanying him on military campaigns and acting as a talisman of victory.

Legendary Origins

The origins of Joyeuse are shrouded in mystery and legend. According to some accounts, the sword was made in the 8th century and was said to have been crafted by the renowned swordsmith Galas, who used the mythical blade Durandal, wielded by Roland, the hero of the epic poem “The Song of Roland.“

The exact timing of when Joyeuse was bestowed upon Charlemagne, whether before or after his coronation as emperor, is not known. However, some legends claim that the sword was given to him after a journey to Hispania, during which he defeated the infidels in the Spanish March (Marca Hispánica).

Upon his return, he established a camp in the same area where Galas resided. The emperor needed a lethal, sharp, and glorious weapon to fight in all the battles his army was engaged in. Charlemagne had a reputation for being brutal and ruthless, so he needed a sword that would live up to that reputation.

Thus, Charlemagne’s heroic struggle made him worthy of wielding such an honourable weapon. When held by the king’s hand, the sword would shine and change colour during the day. It was even said that the sword itself could point towards anyone plotting against the king or Christianity.

According to legend, Charlemagne’s sword, named Joyeuse (which means “joyful” in French), was forged by the blacksmith Galas, inspired by divinity, over the course of three years. It was made from iron pieces that had once belonged to the spear of Longinus. It was said to possess magical powers, capable of eclipsing the sun with its brightness, blinding enemies, and protecting its owner from being poisoned.

The king always kept Joyeuse close to him, believing that if the sword were to break or be stolen, his power would vanish along with his empire. During a battle, Charlemagne lost Joyeuse and promised a reward to whoever found it.

One of his soldiers discovered the sword while fighting in the Ardèche region and handed it over to him. True to his word, the emperor drove the sword into the ground and declared the soldier the lord and master of those lands, naming them Joyeuse in honour of his sword. “Here, a place will be chosen where you will be Lord and Master, and your descendants will take the name of my marvellous sword: Joyeuse.”

According to the chronicles, this was the origin of the founding of the French city of Joyeuse in Ardèche, built on that very spot, carrying the name of Charlemagne’s sword in its honour.

A Legendary Sword

The pommel of Joyeuse allegedly contained a relic from a small fragment of the spear of Longinus. At first, Joyeuse was adorned with dragons, and later in the 13th century, it featured a fleur-de-lis, but this was removed for Napoleon’s coronation in 1804. The sides of the pommel are ornamented with bird motifs, imitating Scandinavian decoration from the 10th and 11th centuries.

It is a sword with a flat blade and two sharp edges, designed to be wielded with a shield in the other hand. The blade is wide, smooth, and tapered in the Oakeshott Type XII style, dating back to the 10th and 11th centuries.

The dimensions of the sword are, Height: 100.5cm; Width: 22.6cm; Weight: 1150 g (sword); Weight: 850 g (scabbard). The blade is 82 cm long and 4.5 cm wide at its base.

Legendary Attributes

The sword, as a symbol of power and the property of kings, was the subject of numerous myths surrounding Charlemagne and his weapons. It was richly adorned with precious gemstones and featured an inlay on the pommel of a small fragment from the lance that pierced the side of Christ.

Joyeuse possessed several legendary attributes that added to its mythical allure. It was said to be indestructible, capable of cutting through iron and stone with ease. Legends also spoke of the sword glowing with a radiant light, imbuing Charlemagne and his army with courage and invincibility. These tales not only highlighted the prowess of the weapon but also elevated Charlemagne’s status as a legendary warrior-king.

The Song of Roland describes a fragment of the Battle of Roncesvalles in which the sword appears: “[Charlemagne] keeps his gleaming white mail, and wears his helmet of gold encrusted with precious stones, and at his side, he wields his sword Joyeuse, unmatched by any other: it changes colour thirty times a day.” Indeed, Joyeuse was believed to possess various powers, such as shining brighter than the sun and blinding the armies before it.

Historical Accounts

While the legends surrounding Joyeuse are undoubtedly captivating, historical accounts provide a more grounded perspective. Charlemagne’s biographer, Einhard, wrote of a sword gifted to him by Caliph Harun al-Rashid, among many other wonderful objects, during a diplomatic mission to the Abbasid Caliphate. Although there is no definitive evidence that this sword was Joyeuse, it is widely believed to be the same weapon.

What happened to Joyeuse after the death of Charlemagne in 814 is a mystery. We know that the sword became a national treasure and was used in the coronations of several kings of France. It was used in the coronation ceremony of Philip II of Burgundy, held at the Cathedral of Reims in 1270, and also during the coronation of the famous Louis XIV.

Throughout history, the sword has not only been used as a weapon of war but its symbolism has solidified it as a representative element of justice and power in the Middle Ages. It has been employed as a royal emblem in rituals for knighting knights or solemnly crowning kings and emperors. It commemorated a sacredness whose origin traces back to the primitive steppe peoples (Mongolian and Iranian) and was transmitted to the “Germanic barbarians” through the Caucasus.

During that time, Joyeuse was kept in Saint-Denis, guarded by monks in a monastery. As it ceased to be used as a weapon, the sword underwent numerous aesthetic changes over the years. The pommel, hilt, crossguard, and scabbard were altered, and various ornaments were added to give it a more eminent appearance.

In 1793, after the French Revolution, the sword was transferred to the Louvre Museum in Paris, where it remains today. Charles X was the last king of France to use the sword in a coronation ceremony, in 1824. Some say that the sword currently in the Louvre is a replica, but there is no document to prove it.

The sword is made up of pieces from different centuries, making it difficult to identify with certainty as the Sword Joyeuse. It remains a mystery to this day.

Today, the sword is on display at the Louvre, and scientific examinations have revealed that its components originate from different periods: the pommel likely hails from the 10th or 11th century, the crossguard from the 12th century, and the grip from the 13th century. However, the blade itself can be traced back to either the 9th or 10th century, suggesting that it may indeed be the very same blade wielded by the Carolingian emperor.

Conclusion

Joyeuse’s legacy extended far beyond the life of Charlemagne. The legendary sword stands as a captivating symbol of power, authority, and heroism. Its mythical attributes and storied past have inspired countless tales and fuelled the imaginations of people throughout history.

It continued to be venerated throughout the centuries as a relic of power, eventually becoming a part of the French Crown Jewels. Joyeuse remains one of the most significant swords of the French Empire, as it is the only one that was used in coronation ceremonies for centuries. It continues to be a symbol of power and glory, but also of prestige and elegance: its appearance to this day remains impressive.

Today, replicas of Joyeuse can be found in museums and private collections, serving as a testament to its enduring allure and the enduring impact of Charlemagne’s reign. Su legado es indiscutible, pues Joyosa es una de las armas históricas con más réplicas del mundo. Its legacy is indisputable, as Joyeuse is one of the most replicated historical weapons in the world.

If You Enjoyed This Content, Feel Free To Leave A Tip Or Visit One Of The Sponsor Adverts