According to the French epic literature, the ancient sword was the sword of Roland, a legendary knight and officer of a former Roman emperor called Charlemagne. Legend says King Charlemagne gifted ...

Durandal was the sword of Roland, a legendary paladin (knight) and officer of Charlemagne in French epic literature.

stationed here by the French for the protection of the settlement, was assassinated by three Japanese armed with swords. He was entirely alone and unarmed, and probably made no defence whatever.