After 31 years, the world's longest treasure hunt ends with discovery of Golden Owl worth Rs 1.39 crore

Did you know that for the past three decades, a thrilling treasure hunt has captivated adventurers around the globe? That¡¯s right! After an intense 31 years of relentless clue-solving, this epic quest has finally reached its climax, with an announcement made on October 3rd. And what¡¯s the coveted treasure waiting at the end? A stunning Golden Owl, crafted entirely from gold and silver, adorned with dazzling diamonds on its head. Talk about a breathtaking piece of history!

In an update shared on the official treasure hunt chatline, Michel Becker, who illustrated the original "Chouette d'Or" (Golden Owl) book and sculpted the buried statuette in 1993, declared, "We confirm that the replica of the golden owl was dug up last night, and that simultaneously a solution has been sent on the online verification system. It is therefore now pointless travelling to dig at any place you believe the cache might be situated."

Originally launched with 11 intricate puzzles laid out in the first "Chouette d¡¯Or" book by its creator, Max Valentin, the hunt took on a life of its own.

The first Chouette d'Or was a French treasure hunt book released in 1993, titled 'On The Trail Of The Golden Owl' (Sur la trace de la chouette d'or in French). Authored by communications expert R¨¦gis Hauser under the pen name "Max Valentin," the book features illustrations by artist Michel Becker.

When Valentin passed away in 2009, Becker took over the reins of this enigmatic treasure hunt.

Credit: Facebook/ Lingot d'Art - Mus¨¦e de la Chouette d'Or | Michel Beker

The convoluted clues were designed to lead seekers to a specific spot in France, where a bronze replica of the coveted Golden Owl lay hidden underground. The lucky finder would claim the real golden treasure, which is estimated to be €150,000 (Rs 1.39 crore), as per a documentary by French broadcaster Canal+ earlier this year.

However, the rules were strict: participants had to demonstrate that they had solved the riddles, ensuring that the owl was not merely stumbled upon by chance.

The hunt ignited a massive community of enthusiasts, spawning an entire subculture of literature, websites, and discussions dedicated to unraveling its mysteries.

For years, the quest was tangled in legal disputes following Valentin's death, with some participants challenging Becker's claim to manage the hunt.

Becker himself had no knowledge of the owl's location; the key to solving the puzzle remained locked away in a sealed envelope held by Valentin's family.

After the legal battles were settled, Becker finally accessed the solution, travelled to the site, and confirmed the owl's presence.

In recent years, he has shared additional clues with the owl-hunting community, ultimately leading to the long-awaited discovery of the treasure.

If you're curious about the intricacies of the 11 clues and their widely accepted solutions, check out a Golden Owl Hunt website for more details!

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