Product description
The Sword of Joyeuse, now housed in the Louvre Museum, is one of history's most legendary weapons. It is traditionally linked to Charlemagne, the renowned King of the Franks. If this sword truly belonged to Charlemagne, who ruled over 1,200 years ago, it would have been used in numerous coronation ceremonies and is steeped in myth and legend, with tales attributing it with magical abilities.
The tale begins in 802 AD, when it is said that the sword, named "Joyeuse" (meaning "joyful" in French), was forged by the famous blacksmith Galas. The sword supposedly took three years to complete and was believed to possess extraordinary powers. Its brilliance was said to be so intense that it could outshine the sun and blind the enemies of its wielder. Additionally, any person wielding Joyeuse was thought to be immune to poison. Legend holds that Charlemagne, returning from Spain, came across the sword and claimed it as his own.
The Eleventh Century Song of Roland describes Charlemagne riding into battle clad in magnificent armor with Joyeuse by his side, proclaiming, “Never was there a sword to match it; its colour changed thirty times a day.” Among the sword’s reputed magical properties was its ability to blind enemies in battle with its radiant glow and to protect its owner from all poisons.
One story recounts how Charlemagne once lost Joyeuse and vowed to reward anyone who could return it. A knight found the sword and returned it to the king. Charlemagne then stuck the sword in the ground and declared the surrounding land to belong to the knight from that day forward. This is said to be the origin of the French town of Joyeuse, founded in honor of the legendary sword.
Charlemagne, also known as Carolus Magnus or Charles the Great, was born in 742 and became one of history's greatest leaders. He was the ruler of the Franks and later crowned Emperor of Western Europe, playing a pivotal role in the history of the Holy Roman Empire. His empire was built upon the military strength of the Franks, a confederation of tribes from the Rhineland in Germany. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the Franks filled the power vacuum in Europe. Driven by ambition, and often motivated by the goal of spreading Christianity, they expanded their influence across France, Germany, Italy, and beyond.
As a fierce conqueror, astute politician, and skilled general, Charlemagne shaped an empire whose legacy continues to echo through history, influencing the development of Europe well into the 20th century.
Details:
Overall length approx. 97cm
Blade length approx. 80cm
Length of the guard approx. 20cm
Blade width at the guard approx. 43mm
Blade thickness approx. 5mm
Thickness of the blade edge approx. 1mm
Weight approx. 1790 g
Bronze plated hilt, cast from Zamac (zinc alloy).
Blade: AISI 440 Tempered Stainless Steel, etched
Edge: semi-sharp (1 mm) (decorative use only)
Based on a historical original
Shipment weight (g): 2000 *
We do not sell this product to customers under the age of 18. Click here for more information on the European arms acts.
This item is produced in limited quantities only. This means that every piece is unique. Sizes & finish may vary lightly from piece to piece.
Prevent rust and corrosion by oiling your weapons regularly. Remove rust easily with black sandpaper. Remove burrs with a whetstone. Make sure you have removed all burrs before using a battle-ready weapon, as they can cause wounds.
Tip: How to adjust the finish of your armour and weaponry
Luxurious (polished)- polish the steel with metal polish or toothpaste. You can even give the item a mirror-like polish. Test on a small surface first!
Handmade (matte)- soak the steel in cola for 40 minutes to 20 hours. Check regularly and treat with black sandpaper.
Antique (patinated) leave the steel to rust for some time in a damp environment, preferably outside. Remove the red layer of rust, to reveal the corroded top layer.
Please note. After finishing the product yourself, the warranty and return right expire. Celtic WebMerchant is not responsible for the obtained result."
When packaging this item, we exclusively use 100% recycled plastic and recycled paper/cardboard from FSC certified forests. We reuse a large part of the material directly without the intervention of a recycling process.
Recycle the material by separating your waste:
1. Cardboard: separate or reuse your paper.
2. Plastic cushions, clothing bags and plastic tape: separate or reuse your plastic. If possible, pierce the cushions with a volume reduction needle.
3. Paper packaging for jewelry and small items: these have a plastic inner layer. Remove these, then separate your paper and plastic.
Read here about how we are committed to sustainability.
