Joan of Arc: The Maid of Orléans and French Heroine
A History Briefing for What Could Possibly Go Wrong? by Jodi Taylor
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Joan of Arc, also known as "La Pucelle d'Orléans" (The Maid of Orléans), is one of the most revered figures in French history. Born into a peasant family, she rose to prominence as a military leader and a symbol of French resistance against English domination during the Hundred Years' War. Her extraordinary life, marked by visions, military successes, and eventual martyrdom, has made her a national heroine and a saint of the Catholic Church. This History Briefing explores the life, achievements, and lasting legacy of Joan of Arc.
Joan of Arc was born around January 6, 1412, in the small village of Domrémy, in the Duchy of Bar, which was then part of the Kingdom of France. Her parents, Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée, were modest farmers. From a young age, Joan was known for her piety, attending Mass regularly and showing deep devotion to God.
At the age of 13, Joan began to experience mystical visions and hear voices, which she later identified as those of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. These voices, she believed, were divine messages instructing her to support Charles VII, the Dauphin of France, in his struggle against the English and to help drive them from French soil. Joan was convinced that her mission was divinely ordained, and she vowed to dedicate her life to this cause.
The Hundred Years' War (1337–1453) was a prolonged conflict between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France over control of the French throne. By the time Joan came of age, much of northern France was under English or Burgundian control, and the French were on the brink of collapse. The situation was dire for Charles VII, the uncrowned Dauphin, who faced internal dissent and external threats.
The turning point of the war was the Siege of Orléans in 1428-1429, a critical stronghold that the English sought to capture to secure their dominance over France. The fall of Orléans would have likely sealed the fate of Charles VII and the French cause.
In early 1429, Joan left her home village to present herself to Robert de Baudricourt, the local commander at Vaucouleurs, claiming that God sent her to save France. Initially dismissed, she eventually gained Baudricourt's support after her predictions about a French defeat near Orléans came true. She was then sent to the court of Charles VII at Chinon.
Joan met Charles VII at Chinon and convinced him of her divine mission. Skeptical at first, Charles subjected her to theological examination by church authorities at Poitiers, who found nothing heretical in her claims. In April 1429, Charles finally allowed Joan to accompany a relief force to Orléans, granting her armor and a small contingent of troops.
Joan’s presence at Orléans had an electrifying effect on the French troops and the population. She inspired renewed hope and determination, leading to a series of successful assaults against the English besiegers. Within nine days, the Siege of Orléans was lifted on May 8, 1429, a remarkable victory that earned Joan the title "Maid of Orléans."
Buoyed by this success, Joan led the French army in further victories, including the decisive Battle of Patay. Her efforts culminated in the coronation of Charles VII as King of France at Reims Cathedral on July 17, 1429, a critical symbolic moment that reaffirmed his legitimacy and boosted French morale.
Joan’s fortunes changed in 1430 when Burgundian forces captured her during a skirmish at Compiègne. The Burgundians, allies of the English, handed her over to the English, who viewed her as a significant threat to their claims in France.
Joan was put on trial for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing (for wearing male military attire) in Rouen, a city under English control. The trial, presided over by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, was heavily biased against her, with the outcome seemingly predetermined. Despite her eloquence and steadfastness in her faith, Joan was found guilty and condemned to death.
On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the marketplace of Rouen. She was just 19 years old. Her execution was intended to discredit her and demoralize the French cause, but instead, it solidified her status as a martyr and a symbol of French resistance.
Twenty-five years after her death, Joan's family petitioned for a retrial, which was granted by Pope Callixtus III. In 1456, the retrial concluded that Joan was wrongfully condemned, and her name was cleared. This rehabilitation further entrenched her legacy as a heroic and pious figure.
Over the centuries, Joan of Arc's story continued to inspire, and she became a symbol of national pride, particularly during times of crisis, such as the French Revolution and both World Wars. In 1909, Pope Pius X beatified her, and in 1920, Pope Benedict XV canonized her as a saint.
Today, Joan of Arc is a national heroine of France and a symbol of courage and faith. Her feast day, May 30, is celebrated by the Catholic Church and is a national holiday in France. The city of Orléans, where she achieved her most famous victory, honors her annually with festivals and ceremonies.
Joan of Arc's remarkable life, from her humble beginnings to her extraordinary achievements and tragic death, continues to resonate, reminding us of the power of faith, determination, and the enduring human spirit.
Discover how Max and the team from St Mary’s fared when they witnessed the murder of Joan of Arc in What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
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