According to BBC News, the fabled French treasure search for the Golden Owl has finally come to an end after 31 years. One of the world’s longest-running scavenger hunts came to an end on October 3, 2024, when it was revealed that the buried replica of the golden owl sculpture had been found.
Overview Of The Golden Owl Hunt
“Masquerade,” a 1979 British novel by Kit Williams, ignited a national hunt for a jeweled golden hare12, which in turn led to the creation of the Golden Owl Hunt. In 1993, Régis Hauser and artist Michel Becker31 collaborated to establish the French treasure hunt, which Hauser would later name Max Valentin. The hunt revolved around a book with 11 mysterious puzzles and a secret 12th riddle that would reveal the location of a bronze owl replica that was hidden24. Important facets of the search include:
a group of more than 200,000 people who call themselves “chouetteurs” or “owlers”.
A gold and silver owl figurine with diamond chips, estimated to be worth 150,000 euros, was the winner.
Following Hauser’s 2009 passing, there were legal battles, including attempts to sell the golden owl.
After overcoming legal concerns, Becker will officially become the organizer in 2021.
It is one of the longest-running treasure hunts in the world because of its longevity and complexity, which have drawn treasure seekers for more than thirty years12.
Priceless Golden Owl Award
The final reward for cracking the Golden Owl riddle is a priceless Michel Becker figurine. This magnificent jewel has a face covered with diamond chips and is made of 3 kg of gold and 7 kg of silver12. With considerable growth over time, the estimated value of this priceless relic is currently at 150,000 euros (around $165,000)34. In order to be eligible for this highly sought-after reward, the discoverer of the buried bronze duplicate must not only locate it but also prove that they have solved every puzzle—including the elusive 12th—correctly, as opposed to discovering it by accident or by using forbidden techniques like metal detectors54.
Announcement Of Discovery
Following Max Valentin’s death in 2009, Michel Becker, who drew the original book and took up the hunt, declared the discovery of the Golden Owl replica early on October 3, 202412. Official social media platforms were used to spread the word, including a Discord forum with tens of thousands of members34. The sender wrote, “We confirm that the Golden Owl countermark was unearthed last night, simultaneously with a solution upload[ed] to the online verification system” 1.
The precise location of the discovery and the finder’s identity were not immediately made public.
Becker said it was “useless to go digging on the location you assume to be the cache” and discouraged digging any farther.
Verification of the suggested remedy is presently being conducted to make sure it complies with the hunt’s regulations4.
Community Responses
The treasure-hunting world was divided on the announcement of the Golden Owl’s finding. Many were relieved and happy that the arduous search was finally over; one person even exclaimed, “Finally – liberated!”1. Others, on the other hand, felt lost and disappointed after devoting a lot of time and energy to the hunt. A few reporters even claimed to have cried upon hearing the news2. Participants also expressed skepticism, questioning whether the finding had utilized a metal detector rather than completing the necessary puzzles3. The range of responses demonstrates the profound emotional commitment and hard work of the thousands of people who over the course of the previous 31 years took part in this extraordinary and demanding experience.