Swords of Charlemagne: Joyeuse, Durandarte and the Forging of a Legend

What is behind the myth of Charlemagne’s swords and why do they continue to inspire blacksmiths and collectors? From the forge to the court, the weapons associated with the great emperor cross the boundary between history and epic.

In this article, you will explore the origin of the swords linked to Charlemagne, their symbolism, how their legend was built in medieval literature, and what technical and formal differences distinguish Joyeuse and Durandarte. You will also find a detailed chronology that sets out the key milestones, technical comparative tables, maintenance suggestions for replicas, and a frequently asked questions section that clears up the most common doubts.

Weapons and legend: chronology of the swords of Charlemagne (Joyeuse) and Roland (Durandarte)

The following chronology combines historical facts, epic traditions, and the material evolution of the swords that have been associated with the Carolingian figure. Reading it helps to understand how forging, politics, and narration intertwine.

Era / Date	Event
Background and formation of the Carolingian myth
723 A.D.	Charles Martel, Charlemagne’s grandfather, captures a sword from the Cordoban emir Abderramán Al-Gafeki in the Battle of Poitiers. According to family tradition, this weapon would later be linked to Joyeuse in subsequent narratives.
742 A.D.	Birth of Charlemagne (Carolus Magnus), central figure of the Carolingian Empire.
768 A.D.	Charlemagne ascends to the throne as King of the Franks.
774 A.D.	Charlemagne becomes King of the Lombards, expanding his dominion in Western Europe.
Conflicts, legend, and imperial coronation
778 A.D.	Battle of Roncesvalles: Carolingian defeat against the Basques; death of Roland, Charlemagne’s nephew and paladin. Many of the legends about Roland and his sword Durandarte arise from this historical event.
c. 800 A.D.	Charlemagne is crowned Emperor of the Romans by Pope Leo III — a symbolic mark of his role as protector of the Church and the birth of the Carolingian Empire.
c. 802 A.D. (legend)	According to legendary tradition, Joyeuse would have been carved or remodeled by legendary hands and associated with campaigns in Hispania; the motif blends with the epic imagery surrounding the king.
814 A.D.	Death of Charlemagne, a point that initiates the transformation of his memory into myth and political ceremony.
Medieval Epic: The Song of Roland and mythification (8th–11th Centuries)
8th–9th Centuries (ancient legends)	Narratives and songs begin to attribute extraordinary properties to Joyeuse: supernatural glow, ability to intimidate the enemy, and relic-like character in the hilt.
11th Century	In the epic poem The Song of Roland, Joyeuse is described as a singular weapon that changes color and contains relics; Durandarte appears as Roland’s inherited and blessed sword, with emblematic episodes such as its throw and its symbolic invulnerability.
Material history and transformations of associated pieces
10th–14th Centuries	The pieces identified today with Joyeuse and Durandarte show additions and remodelings at different times, revealing complex sets with elements from various medieval manufactures.
13th–18th Centuries	Joyeuse, in particular, acquires a ceremonial role in coronations and legitimation rituals, consolidating its position as a symbol of monarchical continuity.
9th–19th Centuries	The superposition of war, liturgical, and ceremonial uses turns these weapons into objects charged with symbolism, beyond their purely combat utility.

Between myth and blade: what makes a sword associated with Charlemagne unique?

A legendary sword is not defined solely by its length or weight, but by the narrative that surrounds it. Joyeuse and Durandarte are paradigms of a sword that functions as a sign of legitimacy, faith, and military authority.

From a technical point of view, both are straight, double-edged swords that preserve the tradition of the Roman spatha, adapted to cavalry and the tactics of the Early Middle Ages. Their presence in literature reinforces their symbolic role.

Formal and symbolic elements

• Hilt and reliquary: the presence of relics or religious inscriptions turns the sword into a bridge between the military and the sacred.
• Decoration: the use of gold, stones, and filigree not only beautifies, but also communicates status and dynastic proclamation.
• Blade: robust design for cavalry, with a balance between cutting and thrusting.

Replicas and swords inspired by Charlemagne

For historical recreation enthusiasts and collectors, replicas aim to capture the aesthetics and symbolism of legendary pieces while maintaining safety and visual authenticity criteria.

What to look for in a faithful replica?

• Proportions: overall length and blade/hilt ratio consistent with medieval typologies.
• Materials: steel for the blade, decorative brass or other metal fittings, sheath reproducing historical motifs.
• Finish: controlled aging, inlays, and guards that respect the spirit of the original piece.

Technical comparison: Joyeuse vs Durandarte

Although history and legend overlap, it is useful to evaluate these swords from various angles: dimensions, symbolic function, and decorative elements.

Aspect	Joyeuse	Durandarte
Approximate length	~100 cm total; blade ~82–90 cm	Variable in traditions, typically 90–100 cm total
Weight	~1,100–1,200 g	Similar, oriented to cavalry use
Function	Ceremonial and symbolic; attributed to Charlemagne	Paladin’s weapon; symbol of loyalty and heroism
Decoration	Ornamental richness: gold, stones, inscriptions	Relics and adornments that highlight sacred character

Joyeuse

• Key features: Ceremonial proportion, luxurious decoration, symbolic use in coronations.
• Recommended use: Replicas for display and historical recreation.

Durandarte

• Key features: Association with Roland’s epic and the defense of Christendom.
• Recommended use: Replicas for light combat reenactments and display.

Forging techniques and typologies: how the Carolingian medieval sword was constructed

Early Middle Ages swords arose from a tradition that combined technical knowledge inherited from the Roman world and Nordic and local contributions.

Basic manufacturing process

• Steel selection: good carbon bars or forged and laminated plates.
• Forging: shaping in the forge, reducing, and profiling until the desired section is obtained.
• Heat treatment: hardening and tempering for a balance between hardness and toughness.
• Assembly: guards, pommel, and sheath are incorporated according to the typology.

Relevant typologies

• Cavalry sword (spatha type): longer and more balanced blade for cuts from horseback.
• Infantry sword: shorter and more robust design, with a reinforced tip for thrusting.

Maintenance and conservation of replicas

Even if you work with a modern replica, proper maintenance preserves the blade and fittings. Here are practical recommendations and a comparative table of protective products.

Oil type	Main characteristics	Recommended use
Mineral oil	High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt	Regular protection and maintenance
Camellia oil	Natural, acid-free, non-volatile	Antioxidant protection, lubrication
Lithium grease	Dense, durable, does not evaporate	Long-term storage, protection

Mineral oil

• Main characteristics: High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt
• Recommended use: Regular protection and maintenance

Camellia oil

• Main characteristics: Natural, acid-free, non-volatile
• Recommended use: Antioxidant protection, lubrication

Lithium grease

• Main characteristics: Dense, durable, does not evaporate
• Recommended use: Long-term storage, protection

Iconography and memory: the sword as an emblem of power

The swords linked to Charlemagne function as symbols that integrate political legitimacy, religious devotion, and chivalric values. In literature, the sword is an extension of the hero; in practice, it is an emblem that communicates status.

This status explains why medieval narratives endow Joyeuse and Durandarte with extraordinary properties: glow, relics in the hilt, and the ability to legitimize a monarch or paladin.

Clearing up unknowns about Charlemagne’s legendary swords

What is the story behind the Joyeuse sword?

Joyeuse is the legendary sword attributed to Charlemagne, emperor of the Franks, forged approximately between the 10th and 11th centuries, and which, according to legend, was created in the year 802 by the blacksmith Galas, who took three years to make it. It is attributed with magical powers such as shining intensely and protecting its bearer from poisoning.

Historically, Joyeuse was part of the Treasury of the Basilica of Saint-Denis from 1505 and was used in the coronation ceremony of many kings of France, including Louis XIV. After the French Revolution, it became part of the collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris.

In medieval tales and poems, such as the Song of Roland, it is highlighted that the sword changed color thirty times a day and was unique in its class. In addition, it is said that Charlemagne lost the sword in battle and rewarded the soldier who returned it to him with lands he named Joyeuse.

What does the Durandarte sword symbolize in medieval literature?

The Durandarte sword symbolizes in medieval literature Christian faith and the defense of Christendom, in addition to representing the heroic struggle and chivalric honor. It was a symbol of the power and authority of Charlemagne and his paladins in the expansion of Christianity in Europe. The sword also contained sacred relics, which reinforced its almost sacred character and its spiritual and mythical importance in the chansons de geste, especially in the legend of Roland.

How are Charlemagne’s swords related to collective memory?

Charlemagne’s swords are related to collective memory because they function as powerful symbols of political legitimacy, power, faith, and cultural values in medieval Europe. Beyond being weapons, they embody epic narratives and founding myths that reinforce the identity and shared history of Western Europe, transmitting values such as courage, piety, and loyalty. Furthermore, their presence in coronation ceremonies and rituals reinforces their function as emblems of authority and historical continuity that endure in collective cultural memory. These swords, particularly the legendary Joyeuse, have become icons that link historical past with the construction of cultural and political identity over time.

What dating techniques are used to date Charlemagne’s swords?

Datation techniques used to date swords attributed to Charlemagne combine interdisciplinary analyses, which include thermoluminescence dating (when there are associated ceramic elements), metallographic analysis, and the observation of forging techniques and decorative styles. These techniques allow pieces to be situated in approximate periods and help to distinguish between original elements and subsequent restorations or recompositions ranging from the Middle Ages to the Modern Age. Furthermore, the combined study of the object’s history, archaeology, and conservation is essential to trace the chronology of each sword, as many pieces present components from different eras.

What other historical objects are associated with Charlemagne?

In addition to the famous swords Joyeuse and Durandarte that are associated with Charlemagne and symbolize his authority and military power, other historical objects linked to him include Carolingian jewelry and art objects exhibited in Aachen, such as the Dorestad Fibula, an ornament from around the year 800. Important ecclesiastical treasures and works of art from the Carolingian era that reflect the wealth and culture of his court are also preserved, many of them related to Aachen Cathedral. These objects not only demonstrate Charlemagne’s political power but also his role as a patron of culture and the Church.

Table of technical examples (Markdown list to HTML conversion)

Oil type	Main characteristics	Recommended use
Mineral oil	High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt	Regular protection and maintenance
Camellia oil	Natural, acid-free, non-volatile	Antioxidant protection, lubrication
Lithium grease	Dense, durable, does not evaporate	Long-term storage, protection

Mineral oil

• Main characteristics: High penetration, does not degrade or attract dirt
• Recommended use: Regular protection and maintenance

Camellia oil

• Main characteristics: Natural, acid-free, non-volatile
• Recommended use: Antioxidant protection, lubrication

Lithium grease

• Main characteristics: Dense, durable, does not evaporate
• Recommended use: Long-term storage, protection

SWORDS OF CHARLEMAGNE | SEE MORE SPANISH HISTORICAL SWORDS

The history of the swords associated with Charlemagne treads between military events, power rituals, and literary invention. Understanding their technical dimensions and symbolic weight allows us to appreciate why these weapons continue to inspire blacksmiths, reenactors, and collectors.

If you observe a replica, look for fidelity in proportions and respect for historical typology. If the legend attracts you, remember that behind the narrated brilliance appear forging processes, transmission histories, and transformations that accumulate over centuries.