An infamous French treasure hunt that spanned over three decades has finally come to a close. The search began with a picture book titled “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” by author Régis Hauser and artist Michel Becker in 1993. The book contained 11 clues that, when solved, would lead to a golden owl statue buried somewhere in France.
The riddles presented in the book were a combination of linguistic puzzles, cartographical ciphers, historical references, and mathematical challenges. Thousands of treasure hunters, known as “owlers,” dedicated years to deciphering these clues in hopes of finding the valuable statue.
The golden owl sculpture, made from over 6 pounds of gold and 15 pounds of silver, adorned with diamond chips, is estimated to be worth €150,000. Hauser buried a replica of the owl underground, with the first person to solve all the clues and uncover the copy earning the real prize.
On October 3, a post on the hunt’s official Discord forum hinted that someone may have cracked the puzzle. Subsequent updates confirmed that the replica was unearthed, signaling the end of the treasure hunt. Becker, who took over the hunt after Hauser’s passing in 2009, confirmed the conclusion of the search.
While some members of the owler community expressed mixed emotions, with relief and disappointment intertwined, many are eager to learn the solutions to the clues. Participants hope that organizers will release all the answers, including the mystery location of the owl replica.
The hunt, which captivated treasure hunters for decades, has now concluded, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, perseverance, and the thrill of the hunt. The quest for the golden owl may be over, but the memories and experiences shared by participants will endure for years to come.
