Golden Owl Treasure Hunt Ends After 31 Years

For over three decades, the treasure hunt “On the Trail of the Golden Owl” captivated thousands of puzzle enthusiasts across France and beyond. Based on a book of riddles published in 1993, the hunt culminated in the search for a token that would unlock a magnificent golden owl prize, estimated to be worth €150,000 (about $165,000), reports CNN. On Thursday, after 31 years of relentless searching, the hunt’s official social media accounts confirmed that the token had been found.

A National Obsession

The hunt began with the release of Sur la Trace de la Chouette d’Or (On the Trail of the Golden Owl) by author Régis Hauser, under the pseudonym Max Valentin, and artist Michel Becker. This unique treasure hunt blended cryptic riddles with real-world exploration, inspiring a dedicated community of more than 200,000 players known as “owlers.”

Participants were tasked with solving 11 puzzles contained in the book, as well as a hidden 12th puzzle, which together would reveal the exact location of the token—a replica of the owl buried somewhere in France.

The prize for solving this elaborate puzzle was an original owl sculpture made of 3 kilograms (6 lbs, 10 oz) of gold, 7 kilograms (15 lbs, 7 oz) of silver, and diamond accents. Becker oversaw the creation of this exquisite piece, which has remained locked away for safekeeping while its replica was buried for participants to find.

The book Sur la Trace de la Chouette d’Or (On the Trail of the Golden Owl). (Amazon)

A Treasure Hunt That Spanned Generations

Since its inception, On the Trail of the Golden Owl became a cultural phenomenon in France, with treasure hunters dedicating countless hours and weekends to solving the puzzles. Entire communities of “owlers” would gather online, sharing tips, theories, and progress. In-person events were organized across France to foster camaraderie among participants. However, while many believed they were close to uncovering the replica owl, the treasure remained elusive for over 30 years.

The author, Régis Hauser, who passed away in 2009, kept the puzzle’s final solution a closely guarded secret. He and Becker intentionally buried a replica of the owl to serve as a token, with the original precious sculpture remaining secure in a private location. To officially claim the treasure, a participant would need to recover the buried replica and present it along with the correct solutions to the book’s riddles.

The hunt’s longevity drew inevitable comparisons to Kit Williams’ Masquerade, a 1979 treasure hunt book where participants were similarly challenged to solve riddles in pursuit of a golden hare.

The Token Found: End of an Era

On October 3, 2024, a message on the hunt’s official Discord channel—where tens of thousands of members had gathered over the years—announced that the replica owl had finally been unearthed. “Don’t go digging!” the message urged, confirming that the token was discovered. The announcement led to an outpouring of emotions from the community, with many expressing both sadness and relief. “It’s the end of an era,” one participant remarked, while another wrote, “Time to get the tissues out.”

Although the token has been found, the solution provided by the discoverers is still being vetted to confirm its accuracy. In the world of treasure hunts, verification is crucial, as the final puzzle answers are needed to authenticate the claim. This process ensures that the hunt is concluded in accordance with the rules set forth by its creators.

French media marked the event as the end of one of the world’s longest unsolved treasure hunts. For many, this marks not only the conclusion of a thrilling pursuit but also a bittersweet farewell to a hobby that had shaped weekends and conversations for years.

An Enduring Cultural Phenomenon

Despite the end of this 31-year journey, the Golden Owl treasure hunt will undoubtedly be remembered as a unique chapter in the world of puzzles and treasure hunting. It exemplified the power of mystery to unite people from all walks of life, each eager to unravel the secrets hidden within Valentin’s and Becker’s cryptic clues.

The involvement of the community, especially through online platforms like Discord, kept the spirit of the hunt alive, even as participants continued searching for over three decades. The hunt’s influence extended beyond France, captivating treasure seekers from all over the world.

Now, as this storied quest comes to a close, the community that formed around the hunt may find new ways to connect and share their experiences. The Golden Owl, even after being found, remains a testament to the enduring appeal of adventure and discovery.

Top image: The Golden Owl, the prize for the Golden Owl treasure hunt.            Source: Michel Becker/BBC

By Gary Manners