A Reminder of When a French Sword Ruled the World
The beloved sword of Charlemagne (known as Charles the Great) is called the Joyeuse Sword or the Sword of Charlemagne. The sword got its name from the French word for “joyful.” After the death of its master, the sword was used for coronation purposes, including Philippe Auguste in 1179. The Joyeuse Sword is a fantastic work of art, along with an amazing history. Today, the sword is used as a statement of power, wealth and a reminder of when the French people ruled the world.
The Joyeuse Sword is a beautiful sword lasting hundreds of years and many battles. According to Hill, “The blade is characteristic of the Oakeshott Style XII, which features a broad, flat, evenly tapering blade” (32.6in in length and 1.77in in width).
The sword is very detailed to show the wealth and power of what was the French Empire. Adding cosmetic changes to the sword was a common practice, and the Joyeuse Sword had many different styles over the centuries during the time it was used as a coronation sword, in order to keep it looking regal and in fashion. The sword was used as a statement of power and wealth, because the monarchs spent a great deal of money on it. It shows other countries that France is wealthy and powerful. The spacing of the artwork is used very well but still retains its original style of the sword. The sword is well-adorned without being overly gaudy or displeasing. Even though blacksmithing techniques were borrowed from multiple countries, it still seems cohesive. The texture of the sword is smooth around the sheath, pommel, and crossguards in order to protect the sword or the user of the sword. However, the blade is sharp, thin, and broad to make it easier to attack or kill an opponent. The sheath, pommel, and crossguards are decorated with brightly colored jewels. The sheath has a deep red color with a white lily pattern, while the cross guards feature two grey dragons with blue jewels. The blade and the jewels are highly reflective due its polishing.
Over the years, the Sword of Charlemagne has had many improvements. The scabbard has filigree bezels with gemstones attached from the thirteenth century. It also has a buckle and buckle plate from the same time frame. For the coronation of Charles the tenth in 1825, the velvet sheath is knitted with a white lily pattern known as fleur-de-lis (Muriel).
The pommel, the cross guard, and the grip of the sword have added accessories. The pommel of the sword, the nubby bit at the top, are decorated with a repoussé motif of blacksmithing to minick birds. The motif was also used on Scandinavian accessories dating from the tenth and eleventh centuries (Muriel). In the twelfth century, two winged-dragon cross guards with lapis lazuli eyes were added, 8.9 inches in width (Muriel). Along with the dragons, the cross guards are stamped “Deux marcs et demi et dix esterlins”, which translates to “two marks and a half and ten sterlings”, denoting the weight of the gold used (Beyond Science).
The only part from the original sword is the blade. However, some believe the blade was altered in the 19th century. Additionally, there are many other myths and legends surrounding the sword. According to Hill, the blade is so bright it could outshine the sun, blinding its enemies during battle. Another myth is that it makes the owner impervious to poison. According to legend, the sword was made partly out of the lance that was driven into Jesus’ side at his crucifixion, thus giving the blade its power (Beyond Science).
The Sword of Charlemagne has a long and detailed history lasting from the year 802 to today. The blacksmith Galas forged the sword which took three years to make (Hill). The owner of the sword, Charlegmagne, brought the world into the Carolingian Renaissance and became Emperor in the year 800 (Biography Editors). He reunited all of Western Europe including France, Germany, Italy, Austria, and the Low Countries. He forced the people in his empire to make Christianity the dominant religion. Charlemagne also waged war against the Moors and was responsible for the death of 2,500 Frankish and Saxon village chiefs (Hill).
The sword of Charlemagne was included into many myths and legends along with Charlegmagne. A notable story was that he named a French town, Joyeuse, in Ardèche after the sword. Another legend recounts a time when he was on the way back from Spain, and he lost the sword. It was found by his enemy the King of the Franks who then returned his sword. Another time Charlegmagne lost his sword was during the great Battle of Roncevaux with the Franks, and was returned to him by one of his soldiers (Beyond Science).
After the death of its master, the Joyeuse Sword was never specifically mentioned until 1271 at the coronation of Philippe III the Bold. However, it is speculated the Joyeuse Sword was used for the coronation of Philippe Augeste in 1179 (Muriel). After the coronation of new kings, the sword was relocated in Saint-Denis Monastery until 1505. The last time the sword was used for coronation purposes was for Charles X in 1824 (Hill). The sword was mentioned on December 5, 1793, where the sword was moved to the Louvre due to the French Revolution, due to the French people destroying the royal artifacts (Muriel).
The Joyeuse Sword is a physical representation of power and wealth of the French monarchy, serving as a reminder of the great power of Charlemagne. It not only acts as a symbol of wealth from a current day monetary standard, but also represents the wealth of influence the great monarchs once held. The Joyeuse Sword is a beautiful piece of functional art, which physically changed the course of world history via the actions of its master; the artwork and craftsmanship illustrate the power and wealth of the once great French kings.
