Three decades-long Search for Hidden Riches Concludes in France
In 1993, a mystery unfolds in France as a man conceals a Golden Owl sculpture somewhere within the country's borders. A series of eleven cryptic clues are left behind, sparking a treasure hunt that would captivate thousands for years to come. The passage of time transforms the Golden Owl into a rusted relic.
The end seems near, as a member of the hunt's organizing team shares the news of the sculpture's uncovering on an online platform. "We're proud to declare that the replica of the owl has seen the light of day," they announce. The location of the real deal remained a secret, hinted at in a vintage book filled with puzzles.
The ultimate goal was to exchange the replica for a ten-kilogram golden owl adorned with precious gems, boasting a value of approximately 150,000 euros. However, the real owl's journey was far from straightforward.
At one point, it got entangled in bankruptcy proceedings. In 2009, the only person privy to the Golden Owl's whereabouts passed away. Before his demise, he left a secure message with the exact coordinates of the hidden treasure at a local notary's office. A dispute over the message ensued, prolonging the hunt's endeavor.
Eventually, in 2021, the hunt's location was revisited. With the assistance of a bailiff, the older, rusted replica was replaced by a newer creation. The hunt attracted numerous contributors due to the reprinting of the enigmatic book. Now, with the real end within reach, the bronze replica awaits its precious counterpart.
The Golden Owl treasure hunt, lasting an impressive three decades, isn't the only long-winded hunt in history. Byron Preiss's book, "The Secret," released in 1982, initiated a worldwide pursuit of twelve treasure-filled boxes hidden at undisclosed locations in the United States and Canada. So far, three have been unearthed, leaving nine still elusive.
The real Golden Owl, if found, would likely attract international attention, given its value and the mysterious past within the European Union. Despite numerous attempts, the treasure's whereabouts within the EU borders remain unknown, adding to its allure.
In attempts to unravel the mystery, various international organizations, including the European Union, have expressed interest in supporting the search to preserve cultural heritage and solve the enigma.
