description Joyeuse (Charlemagne's Sword) Overview
Joyeuse is the name traditionally given to the sword of the medieval Frankish king and emperor Charlemagne, and it became the coronation sword of the kings of France. A physical sword identified as Joyeuse survives in the Louvre Museum in Paris and was used in French royal coronation ceremonies from at least the late medieval period onward. The surviving blade is difficult to date with certainty, but some components may date to the medieval period.
help Joyeuse (Charlemagne's Sword) FAQ
Who did the sword Joyeuse originally belong to?
Joyeuse is the name traditionally given to the legendary personal sword of the medieval Frankish king and emperor, Charlemagne. The name translates to 'Joyful' in Old French and the weapon is deeply embedded in the medieval legends of the Carolingian Empire.
Where is the physical Joyeuse sword kept today?
A physical sword historically identified as Joyeuse survives and is currently preserved in the Louvre Museum in Paris. While the surviving blade is not old enough to have actually belonged to Charlemagne, its various parts date back to the 10th, 12th, and 13th centuries.
What was Joyeuse used for after the time of Charlemagne?
The surviving relic became the official coronation sword of the kings of France for centuries. It was prominently used in the royal consecration ceremonies of the French monarchy to symbolize royal authority, military power, and the continuity of the throne.
What are the mythological properties of the sword Joyeuse?
According to medieval legends and epic poems like the 'Song of Roland,' Joyeuse was said to magically change color thirty times a day. The myth also claimed that the sword was forged by the legendary smith Galan and contained the spear tip of the Longinus within its golden pommel.
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