The French Excalibur Sword: Joyeuse, the Sword of Charlemagne in the Louvre Museum
Joyeuse, the legendary sword of Charlemagne, which stands as one of the most iconic artifacts of medieval European history, is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. This extraordinary broadsword is deeply rooted in both legend and history, representing the might and authority of Charlemagne, one of history’s most influential rulers. Joyeuse is the French Excalibur sword, much like the legendary Excalibur of King Arthur; it symbolizes the divine right of kings and the mystical power attributed to their rule.
Joyeuse is one of the most famous swords in the world, and most of the time, it ranks on the podium!
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Joyeuse, the legendary sword of Charlemagne, which stands as one of the most iconic artifacts of medieval European history, is now displayed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. This extraordinary broadsword is deeply rooted in both legend and history, representing the might and authority of Charlemagne, one of history’s most influential rulers. Joyeuse is the French Excalibur sword, much like the legendary Excalibur of King Arthur; it symbolizes the divine right of kings and the mystical power attributed to their rule.
Joyeuse is one of the most famous swords in the world, and most of the time, it ranks on the podium!
The Origins and Legend of Joyeuse
Joyeuse, meaning “joyful” in French, is traditionally linked to Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor. According to legend, the sword was forged by Wayland the Smith, a mythical blacksmith renowned for creating weapons with extraordinary powers.
Medieval tales attribute magical properties to Joyeuse, claiming that it could blind Charlemagne’s enemies during battle and change colors up to 30 times daily. While these stories are steeped in myth, they highlight the sword’s role as a powerful symbol of Charlemagne’s divine right to rule.
The Emperor Charlemagne with Joyeuse Sword painted in 1511-1513 by Albrecht Dürer.
Parallels with Excalibur
Joyeuse’s legendary status invites comparisons with Excalibur, King Arthur‘s mythical sword, and can be called the French Excalibur.
Both broadswords are deeply rooted in legend, symbolizing the divine legitimacy of their owners. While Excalibur is tied to the sovereignty of Britain and its mystical origins, Joyeuse represents the divine favor and unassailable authority of Charlemagne, whose reign laid the foundations for modern Europe. Through their respective myths, these swords have become enduring symbols of kingship, justice, and the power of legend in shaping historical narratives.
Parallels with Durandal
Along with Joyeuse, Durandal is the other French sword strongly linked to Charlemagne. Indeed, it is the sword of Roland, an officer of Charlemagne who is also a legendary paladin in French epic literature, La Chanson de Roland (The Song of Roland).
Etymologically, the name Durandal arguably begins with the French “dur”, meaning “hard.” Durandal may mean something like “enduring,” whatever; the sword is famous for its hardness and sharpness.
According to the epic, Roland is leading the rear guard of Charlemagne’s army during the crossing of Pyrenean at the Battle of Roncevaux. When everything is lost for him, just before dying, Roland throws the sword from him to prevent its being seized by the Saracens, and it comes magically to rest in Rocamadour hundreds of kilometers away.
Rocamadour is a famous village in southwestern France, and it is a member of Les Plus Beaux Villages de France (The Most Beautiful Villages of France) Association.
Charlemagne finds Roland dead. 14th-century miniature (FAL).
Joyeuse also apears in La Chanson de Roland (The Song of Roland):
“Si ad vestut sun blanc osberc sasfret,
Laciet sun elme, ki est a or gemmet,
Ceinte Joiuse, unches ne fut sa per,
Ki cascun jur muet.XXX. clartez.”
“[Charlemagne] was wearing his fine white coat of mail and his helmet with gold-studded stones; by his side hung Joyeuse, and never was there a sword to match it; its color changed thirty times a day.“.
Some legends say Joyeuse may have been smithed from the same materials as Roland’s Durendal. But If both Durandal and Joyeuse have a legendary substance, only Joyeuse has a substantial historical existence, as we will now see.
Historical Significance of Joyeuse
Beyond its mythical attributes, Joyeuse holds substantial historical importance. Charlemagne, who reigned from 768 to 814 AD, is believed to have wielded Joyeuse as a symbol of his divine right to rule. The sword was more than a weapon; it was a potent emblem of his authority, deeply intertwined with the Christian faith underpinning his empire.
For centuries, Joyeuse played a key role in the coronation ceremonies of French kings, serving as the coronation sword, surely since the 13th century and probably since the 12 century. This practice reinforced the continuity of royal power from Charlemagne to his successors, establishing Joyeuse as a timeless symbol of royal authority and divine sanction.
Joyeuse was even used for the coronation of Emperor Napoleon I in Notre-Dame Cathedral in 1804.
The Coronation of Napoleon by Jacques Louis David. Napoleon’s Imperial crown is also shown in the Louvre, in the same gallery as Joyeuse’s famous sword. Both artifacts were used during Napoleon’s coronation.
Napoleon’s Imperial Crone is in the Louvre (room 504), just a few meters from Joyeuse’s legendary sword (room 502). If you are fond of Napoleon I, we offer a Napoleon I Louvre Tour. Do not miss Yves’s Webpage; he is the broaden-horizons private tour guide in Paris, and his page is full of advice and tour selections.
Joyeuse in the Louvre Museum
Joyeuse was kept with other regalia in the Saint-Denis treasury (Saint-Denis Basilica, north of Paris) until the French Revolution and became 1793 part of the national collections.
Today, Joyeuse is proudly displayed in the Louvre Museum, at the first level of Richelieu Wing, in a gallery of five rooms (501 to 505) more specifically dedicated to the regalia and treasures of the Middle Ages and the early Middle Ages. This room is part of the Louvre’s extensive collection of medieval and Renaissance artifacts, providing visitors with a window into the grandeur and power of past empires.
The sword on display is a composite piece, with the hilt dating back to the 10th or 11th century and later additions to the pommel and cross-guard. Despite these modifications, Joyeuse remains a powerful symbol of Charlemagne’s legacy.
More information about each part of the sword is given on the official Louvre webpage (in French).
Joyeuse sword, also called the Charlemagne sword, in the Louvre (in room 502).
Another Charlemagne Sword in the Hofburg Palace in Vienna
The Louvre is not the only place where an alleged sword of Charlemagne is displayed; one is also in Vienna (Austria), in the Tresor chamber (Schatzkammer) of the Hofburg Palace. with the rest of the Holy Roman Empire Regalia. However, this is not exactly a sword; indeed, it is called the Saber of Charlemagne.
Other Charlemagne-Related Artifacts in the Gallery
In the same gallery as Joyeuse, visitors can find several other artifacts connected to Charlemagne, further illustrating his lasting influence on European history.
9th Century Equestrian Statuette of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald
One of the most remarkable pieces is the Equestrian Statuette of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald.
This small bronze statuette is exceptional as it is, as we know, the only sculpture in the round from the Carolingian era (9th century) that reached us; it represents either Charlemagne himself or his grandson Charles the Bald.
Reliquary of the arm of Charlemagne
Also in that gallery is the amazing reliquary of the arm of Carolus Magnus (Charlemagne). It was ordered by the emperor Frederick Barbarossa for the canonization of Carolus Magnus in 1165.
The emperor, his wife, and his predecessors are portrayed on the reliquary, which the cathedral of Aachen offered to the French empress Joséphine (The first wife of Napoleon Bonaparte) in 1804.
The Scepter of Charles V
Another notable artifact in the room is the Scepter of Charles V. Topped with a representation of Charlemagne, this Scepter reinforces the connection between the French kings and their Carolingian predecessors.
The inclusion of Charlemagne at the top of the scepter highlights the enduring legacy of his rule and the continued influence of his image in legitimizing subsequent monarchs.
Indeed, it was very important in the context of the Hundred Years for Charles V to have Charlemagne on his scepter to reinforce his legitimacy and that of his family by emphasizing their Carolingian lineage.
The Scepter of Charles V was used in all the coronations of the kings of France from 1380 (Charles VI) to 1775 (Louis XVI), except Charles VII and Henry IV.
Together, these artifacts—Joyeuse, The Arm reliquary, the equestrian statuette, and the Scepter of Charles V—create a cohesive narrative within the Louvre’s collection, showcasing the grandeur of Charlemagne’s reign and the enduring power of his dynasty.
The Craftsmanship of Joyeuse
The craftsmanship of Joyeuse is a testament to the artistry of medieval swordsmiths. The sword features a gold-plated hilt adorned with intricate designs, reflecting the wealth and status of its owner. Despite undergoing several modifications over the centuries, including replacing its pommel and cross-guard, the sword remains an enduring symbol of Charlemagne’s authority.
Though worn by time, the blade still bears traces of its original magnificence, with inscriptions and decorations hinting at its storied past. Displayed in the Louvre, Joyeuse allows visitors to connect with a pivotal era in European history and appreciate the artistry of creating such a legendary weapon.
The Legacy of Charlemagne and Joyeuse
Charlemagne’s reign was a turning point in European history, and Joyeuse is a lasting symbol of his influence. As a ruler who sought to unite Europe under Christian rule, Charlemagne used symbols like Joyeuse to legitimize his authority and inspire loyalty among his subjects.
The sword’s legacy extends beyond Charlemagne’s time, playing a role in the coronation of French kings for centuries. Alongside the Scepter of Charles V and the equestrian statuette of Charlemagne, Joyeuse symbolizes the continuity of royal power in France, linking the medieval past to the present.
Conclusion
Joyeuse is more than just a sword; it is a powerful symbol of Charlemagne’s reign and the broader history of medieval Europe. Now displayed in the Louvre Museum’s Salle des Bijoux, alongside other Charlemagne-related artifacts like the Equestrian Statuette and the Scepter of Charles V, Joyeuse continues to captivate visitors with its storied past and legendary status. Joyeuse remains a timeless reminder of the power and legacy of one of history’s greatest rulers as both a historical relic and a symbol of royal authority.
FAQs
What is Joyeuse?
Joyeuse is the legendary sword of Charlemagne, the King of the Franks and the first Holy Roman Emperor. The sword is steeped in both historical significance and legend, symbolizing Charlemagne’s divine right to rule.
Where is Joyeuse located?
Joyeuse is currently housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris, in Richelieu Wing level One, in room 502, which is dedicated to displaying historical regalia and treasures.
What are the legends associated with Joyeuse?
Legend has it that Joyeuse was forged by Wayland the Smith, a mythical blacksmith, and that the sword possessed magical properties, including the ability to blind enemies and change colors multiple times a day.
How does Joyeuse compare to Excalibur?
Both Joyeuse and Excalibur are legendary swords associated with great kings—Charlemagne and King Arthur, respectively. Both swords symbolize divine kingship and are integral to the legends surrounding their owners.
Are there other Charlemagne-related artifacts in the Louvre?
Yes, alongside Joyeuse, the Louvre Museum houses other significant artifacts related to Charlemagne. These include the Equestrian Statuette of Charlemagne or Charles the Bald and the Scepter of Charles V, which is topped with a representation of Charlemagne.
What is the significance of the Scepter of Charles V?
The Scepter of Charles V is notable for its representation of Charlemagne at the top. It symbolizes the connection between the French kings and their Carolingian predecessors, the continuity of royal power, and Charlemagne’s enduring legacy.
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Unless otherwise noted, images are from The Yorck Project (2002). GFDL