Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who, believing she was guided by divine voices, played a pivotal role in the Hundred Years' War. She became a military leader, inspiring French forces to significant victories, most notably at the siege of Orléans, and ensured the coronation of Charles VII of France. Ultimately captured and burned at the stake, she was later canonized and is revered as a national symbol of France.
- Century
- 15th century
- Country Or Region
- France
Key Facts
- ›Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, to a peasant family.
- ›She claimed to receive divine guidance from saints Michael, Margaret, and Catherine, instructing her to support Charles VII and save France.
- ›At seventeen, she was sent to Orléans, where her arrival boosted French morale and led to the lifting of the English siege within nine days.
- ›She led French forces in further victories, including the Battle of Patay, which paved the way for Charles VII's coronation at Reims.
- ›Captured by Burgundian troops in may 1430, she was handed over to the English and tried for heresy, ultimately being burned at the stake on may 30, 1431.
- ›Her trial was later overturned, and she was canonized in 1920, becoming a patron saint of France.
Jeanne d'Arc, Jehanne Darc, Jeanne la Pucelle, Joan the Maiden, la Pucelle, Maid of Orleans
France, OrléAns
About Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc (French: Jeanne d'Arc; c. 1412 – 30 May 1431) is a national heroine of France and a patron saint of the country. She is primarily remembered for her role during the Hundred Years' War, where she emerged as a military leader and a symbol of French resistance against English domination.
Life and Historical Context
Born to a peasant family in Domrémy, northeastern France, Joan's life coincided with a period of intense conflict and political division in France. The Hundred Years' War had ravaged the country, and by the time of her birth, France was fractured. Joan stated that from the age of thirteen, she began experiencing divine guidance through visions of the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine. These voices urged her to support Charles VII and help save France.
In 1429, at about seventeen years old, Joan was sent to Charles VII. After an examination by theologians and verification of her virginity, she was provided with armor and a banner and dispatched to Orléans as part of a relief army. Her arrival in April 1429 marked a turning point; the English siege was lifted within nine days. Joan's presence and perceived divine mission galvanized the demoralized French army.
Following the victory at Orléans, Joan encouraged the French to pursue the English, leading to the decisive Battle of Patay. This victory cleared the path for Charles VII to advance to Reims, where he was crowned King of France with Joan at his side, a pivotal moment that legitimized his claim to the throne and boosted French morale.
Military Campaigns and Capture
Joan participated in further military actions, including the unsuccessful siege of Paris in September 1429 and the failed siege of La Charité in November. These setbacks diminished the court's faith in her. In early 1430, she organized volunteers to relieve Compiègne, which was besieged by Burgundian allies of the English. It was during this engagement that Joan was captured by Burgundian troops on May 23.
Trial and Death
Handed over to the English in November, Joan was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on charges of heresy. The accusations included blasphemy for wearing men's clothes, claiming to act upon demonic visions, and refusing to submit to the church's judgment. She was declared guilty and burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of approximately nineteen.
Legacy and Veneration
In 1456, an inquisitorial court reinvestigated Joan's trial and overturned the verdict, deeming it tainted by deceit and procedural errors. Joan has been described as an obedient member of the Catholic Church, an early feminist, and a symbol of freedom and independence. She is popularly revered as a martyr.
After the French Revolution, she became a national symbol of France. In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized by Pope Benedict XV and declared one of the patron saints of France. Her story continues to inspire and is widely represented in literature, music, paintings, sculptures, theater, and film.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Joan of Arc born and when did she die?
Joan of Arc was born around 1412 and died on May 30, 1431. Her exact birth date is unknown.
What was Joan of Arc's role in the Hundred Years' War?
Joan of Arc became a military leader during the Hundred Years' War, inspiring French forces to key victories, most notably at the siege of Orléans, and ensuring the coronation of Charles VII.
Why was Joan of Arc put on trial?
She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on accusations of heresy, including blaspheming by wearing men's clothes, acting upon demonic visions, and refusing to submit her words and deeds to the judgment of the church.
How is Joan of Arc remembered today?
Joan of Arc is remembered as a patron saint of France and a national symbol. She was canonized in 1920 and is popularly revered as a martyr.
What were Joan of Arc's famous visions?
Joan of Arc stated she acted under divine guidance from visions of the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine, which she began experiencing around the age of thirteen.
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