Joan of Arc was a peasant girl who claimed to have visions from God instructing her to support Charles VII and drive the English from France during the Hundred Years’ War. At age 17, she led French troops to several crucial victories, boosting French morale. Captured by the English in 1430, she was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. She was later exonerated and canonized as a saint in 1920. Joan of Arc remains a symbol of French unity and nationalism.
Early Life and Divine Calling
Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d’Arc, was born around January 6, 1412, in the small village of Domrémy in northeastern France. Born to Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée, she was raised in a peasant family during a tumultuous period in French history. The Hundred Years’ War between England and France had been raging since 1337, causing widespread instability and suffering.
Joan’s early years were marked by her deep piety and a strong sense of spirituality, which were instilled in her by her devout mother. As a child, Joan was known for her diligent attendance at church and her charitable nature. Despite her modest background, her life took a dramatic turn at the age of 13 when she began experiencing visions and hearing voices that she believed were sent by God.
These visions included saints such as Michael the Archangel, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, and Saint Margaret of Antioch. According to Joan, the voices urged her to support Charles VII, the uncrowned heir to the French throne, and help expel the English from France. This divine calling compelled Joan to leave her home and embark on a mission that would change the course of her life and French history.
The Journey to Charles VII
In 1428, at the age of 16, Joan traveled to Vaucouleurs, a nearby stronghold loyal to Charles VII. She sought an audience with Robert de Baudricourt, the local commander, to convince him of her divine mission. Initially met with skepticism, Joan’s persistence and the sincerity of her claims eventually won over de Baudricourt and his followers. By early 1429, she was granted an escort to Chinon, where Charles VII was residing.
Joan’s journey to Chinon was perilous, traversing enemy territory and risking capture. Upon her arrival, she was subjected to a thorough examination by Charles’ advisors and clergy to verify her claims and ensure she was not a heretic or a witch. Convinced of her authenticity and inspired by her conviction, Charles eventually granted her command of an army to relieve the besieged city of Orléans, a key stronghold held by the English.
The Siege of Orléans
Joan arrived at Orléans in April 1429, dressed in white armor and carrying a banner depicting God, the Virgin Mary, and two angels. Her presence and unwavering faith reinvigorated the demoralized French troops and provided a significant morale boost. Despite having no formal military training, Joan displayed remarkable leadership and tactical acumen.
Over the next few weeks, Joan led several assaults against the English fortifications surrounding Orléans. Her bravery and unyielding spirit inspired the French soldiers to fight with renewed vigor. On May 7, 1429, Joan was wounded by an arrow but returned to the battlefield to encourage her troops. The following day, the French forces achieved a decisive victory, lifting the siege and marking a turning point in the war.
The Road to Reims and the Coronation of Charles VII
Following the liberation of Orléans, Joan urged Charles VII to march towards Reims, the traditional site of French coronations, to legitimize his claim to the throne. Despite initial reluctance from his advisors, Charles eventually agreed, and the army embarked on a campaign to clear the path to Reims.
Joan played a crucial role in several key battles during this campaign, including the capture of Jargeau, Meung-sur-Loire, and Beaugency. Her leadership and the momentum gained from these victories culminated in the Battle of Patay on June 18, 1429, where the French forces decisively defeated the English army.
On July 17, 1429, Charles VII was crowned king at Reims Cathedral, with Joan standing by his side. This moment was the fulfillment of Joan’s divine mission, and she declared that her purpose had been achieved. The coronation not only solidified Charles’ legitimacy but also galvanized French national sentiment and resistance against the English occupation.
Joan’s Captivity and Trial
Despite her successes, Joan’s mission was far from over. She continued to fight for Charles VII, but her fortunes began to change in 1430. During an attempt to liberate Compiègne from the Burgundians, allies of the English, Joan was captured on May 23, 1430. She was taken prisoner and eventually sold to the English by John of Luxembourg, a Burgundian noble.
Joan was transferred to Rouen, where she faced a politically motivated trial orchestrated by the English and their French collaborators. The trial, presided over by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, was aimed at discrediting her and undermining Charles VII’s legitimacy. Joan was charged with a range of offenses, including heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing (for wearing male military attire).
Throughout the trial, Joan demonstrated remarkable courage and intelligence, defending her actions and maintaining her divine inspiration. Despite her eloquence and steadfastness, the trial was heavily biased against her. On May 30, 1431, Joan was found guilty and sentenced to death. She was burned at the stake in the marketplace of Rouen, dying at the age of 19.
Posthumous Rehabilitation and Legacy
Joan’s execution did not silence her legacy. In the years following her death, public sentiment and support for her cause grew. In 1456, a posthumous retrial ordered by Pope Callixtus III declared her innocent of all charges, recognizing the trial as illegitimate and politically motivated.
Joan of Arc’s impact on French history and her enduring legacy as a national heroine cannot be overstated. She became a symbol of French unity and resistance, embodying the spirit of patriotism and divine inspiration. Her story inspired countless works of literature, art, and drama, including notable works by William Shakespeare, Mark Twain, and George Bernard Shaw.
In 1920, Joan was canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church, solidifying her place as a spiritual and national icon. Today, she is celebrated in France and around the world for her extraordinary courage, faith, and dedication to her country. Joan of Arc’s life and legacy continue to inspire people of all backgrounds, serving as a testament to the power of conviction and the enduring human spirit.