Does the Spear of Destiny Actually Exist?

The Spear of Destiny (also known as the Holy Lance, Holy Spear, Lance of Longinus, Spear of Longinus or Spear of Christ) is the name given to the spear that pierced Jesus' side as he hung on the cross in John's account of the Crucifixion. Does the Spear of Destiny actually exist? Keith Veronese discusses the history of the legend.

A spear with a mystical background gives the one wielding it powers to bend the destiny of the world to his or her will. It sounds like a Dungeons and Dragons campaign, but truth is far more bizarre in this case, as the legend of the Spear of Destiny contains a poison pill clause — once the spear leaves the possession of a ruler, the individual dies within a matter of days.

Kings and dictators sought out a legendary spear that pierced the heart of Jesus of Nazareth, deemed the Spear of Destiny, with several different artifacts laying claim to the name over the centuries. Are any of the relics real? Is there any hope that the authentic Spear of Destiny is floating around somewhere? Read more