French 31-Year Golden Owl Treasure Hunt Concludes, Captivating Nation
A three-decade-long treasure hunt in France, based on a 1993 riddle book, has reportedly ended. The search for a golden owl token drew thousands, creating a dedicated community of "owlers".
In a remarkable conclusion to one of the world's longest-running treasure hunts, France has witnessed the apparent end of the 31-year search for the "Golden Owl." This captivating quest, which began in 1993, has finally reached its climax, leaving a community of dedicated seekers with mixed emotions.
The hunt, officially titled "On the Trail of the Golden Owl," was inspired by a book of riddles published over three decades ago. Participants, known affectionately as "owlers," were tasked with deciphering 11 puzzles within the book, along with a hidden 12th enigma, to pinpoint the location of a buried token.
The treasure hunting community in France has deep roots, with the search for the lost treasure of Rennes-le-Château being another notable example. However, the Golden Owl hunt captured the nation's imagination on an unprecedented scale, drawing in over 200,000 participants from France and beyond.
The prize at stake was a magnificent owl sculpture, crafted from 3 kilograms of gold and 7 kilograms of silver, adorned with diamond chips. This exquisite creation, valued at approximately 150,000 euros, was kept secure while a replica was buried for hunters to find.
"I oversaw and financed the creation of the prize, an owl made of 3 kilograms of gold and 7 kilograms of silver with diamond chips on its face."
The hunt's intellectual architect, Régis Hauser, initially wrote under the pseudonym Max Valentin to maintain anonymity. Sadly, Hauser passed away in 2009, fifteen years before the hunt's conclusion.
The announcement of the hunt's end came through official social media channels, sparking a flurry of reactions. One participant shared on France Inter radio, "I'm disappointed because I thought I was close but at the same time relieved that it's stopping."
This French treasure hunt joins the ranks of other famous quests, such as the search for the Beale Ciphers, which began in 1885 and remains unsolved. The concept of treasure hunts has evolved over time, with geocaching emerging in 2000 as a modern, digital iteration of the pastime.
The Golden Owl hunt's longevity is impressive, though it falls short of the ongoing search for Oak Island's treasure in Nova Scotia, which has continued since 1795. The French quest's popularity reflects a global fascination with puzzles and treasures, evidenced by events like the 2015 community treasure hunt in China that involved over a million participants.
As the verification process for the claimed solution unfolds, the "owling" community reflects on their shared experiences. The hunt fostered a sense of camaraderie, with events organized across France for enthusiasts to meet and exchange ideas.
It's worth noting that the Golden Owl hunt was not without its challenges. Michel Becker, co-creator of the hunt, had to remind participants to respect public and private property, echoing concerns faced by other treasure hunts throughout history.
The conclusion of this French national pastime marks the end of an era in puzzle-solving and treasure hunting. As the community awaits final confirmation, the legacy of the Golden Owl hunt will undoubtedly inspire future generations of puzzle enthusiasts and treasure seekers in France and beyond.
