A walker has discovered a mysterious sword embedded in a tree near a 13th-century priory.
Alan Finnigan made the unusual find while walking between Durham bus station and Finchale Priory.
"It was on the other side of the river, up the steps towards the car park," he said.
The mystery blade was found lodged up to its hilt in the tree.
Finnigan shared photographs of his find on social media - but said he had "discovered nothing concrete about the weapon's past".
Both English Heritage, which preserves the medieval priory, and Durham County Council, which owns the land where the sword was discovered, have confirmed they have no knowledge of how the weapon came to be there.
GETTY
|Finchale Priory, where the mysterious sword was discovered
The council acknowledged the sword was on its property and confirmed that police had been notified of the find.
Authorities, however, determined no action was necessary as the sword was firmly embedded in the tree and posed no immediate concern.
Through his social media appeals, Finnigan learnt from respondents that the sword may be a relatively recent addition.
"I've heard that it wasn't there for long," he said.
Volunteers at Finchale Priory have developed their own theories about the sword's origins - though the most popular remains rather more down to earth.
Many locals believe the sword was thrust into the tree by a Harry Potter enthusiast.
One volunteer revealed they had walked past the tree numerous times without noticing the sword until a visitor enquired about it.
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WARNER BROS
|Many locals believe the sword was thrust into the tree by a Harry Potter enthusiast in tribute to the 'sword of Godric Gryffindor' (pictured)
"Following that, I was asked by some of the younger visitors where 'Godric's sword' was," the volunteer said.
In the Harry Potter series, Godric's sword belonged to Gryffindor's founder, Godric Gryffindor, and would present itself to worthy candidates.
But the volunteer said: "It's definitely not that sword, however, as it is described as having a handle that is encrusted with jewels."
Despite the theories, Finchale Priory has a real link to a real Godric: Godric of Finchale, a medieval saint.
Born some 950 years ago, he lived as a hermit at nearby Wolsingham before persuading the Bishop of Durham to live at Finchale, where he built a wooden oratory dedicated to the Virgin Mary before founding a stone chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist.
St Godric - though never formally canonised - was at first buried in Durham upon his death aged 100 - but his remains were eventually transferred to Finchale.
WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
|St Godric's remains were eventually transferred to Finchale
"My theory is that a Harry Potter fan made the sword and hammered it into the tree and then posted a pic on his or her social media asking 'is this Godric's sword?'," they added.
Finchale Priory was established in 1196 and served as an outpost of Durham Cathedral, operating as a retreat for monks until its dissolution in 1538.
Even if the sword is a hoax, Finnigan believes the mystery has left a positive lasting impression.
"It's a brilliant conversation starter," he said. "It makes people wonder about the history of the sword and where it has come from."