Earlier this month the British Library called upon its website readers to help them solve a mystery about a 13th century sword. Their Medieval Manuscripts blog detailed how this blade, which is on display as part of its Magna Carta: Law, Liberty, Legacy exhibition, was powerful enough that "it could easily have sliced a man’s head in two."
They add:
An intriguing feature of this sword is an as yet indecipherable inscription, found along one of its edges and inlaid in gold wire. It has been speculated that this is a religious invocation, since the language is unknown. Here's what the inscription seems to read:
+NDXOXCHWDRGHDXORVI+
Since posting a call for comments from readers, the mystery sword story has been picked up major media outlets in Britain, and gone viral on social media.
They received hundreds of replies, and their is grounds to believe the inscription is possibly a religious message. The ND is likely a reference to either Nostrum Dominus (our Lord) or Nomine Domini (name of the Lord) , while XOX may refer to the Holy Trinity.
Meanwhile, Julian Harrison, the curator of the Magna Carta exhibit, has announced that 100,000 visitors have so far come to the British Library to see the exhibition that celebrates the 800th anniversary of the signing of Magna Carta. The exhibition runs until September 1st.
What does +NDXOXCHWDRGHDXORVI+ mean?
Medieval News
13th century sword currently on display at British Library