Joan of Arc

French heroine who led the resistance against English invasion during the Hundred Years' War and was canonized as a Catholic saint.

Joan of Arc, known as the Maid of Orléans, remains an enduring symbol of courage, conviction, and divine insight during the tumultuous era of the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Her extraordinary life, marked by her leadership and martyrdom, has left an indelible mark on both French history and the broader cultural consciousness.

Born around 1412 in the small village of Domrémy in northeast France, Joan's life took an extraordinary turn at the age of thirteen when she began experiencing divine visions. These spiritual encounters, with figures identifying themselves as Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, exhorted her to support Charles VII in reclaiming his rightful throne and freeing France from English domination.

Despite her humble origins and the skepticism she faced, Joan's unyielding faith and charisma enabled her to secure an audience with Charles VII. Her plea for military support was heeded, and she was appointed a symbolic leader of French forces, eventually inspiring a renewed sense of nationalistic fervor among the beleaguered troops.

Joan's decisive leadership was instrumental during the Siege of Orléans in 1429, a turning point that fortified French resolve and hastened the course of the war in favor of France. Her presence galvanized the troops and emboldened their efforts, leading to consequential victories that catalyzed the eventual coronation of Charles VII at Reims Cathedral.

However, Joan's ascendancy and influence were viewed with suspicion, leading to her eventual capture by Burgundian forces in 1430. Subsequently, she was handed over to the English, who placed her on trial for charges of heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing. Despite her valiant defense, Joan was found guilty and executed by burning at the stake on May 30, 1431, in Rouen.

Joan of Arc was posthumously exonerated in 1456, revered as a martyr, and eventually canonized as a saint by the Roman Catholic Church in 1920. Her legacy endures as a testament to unwavering faith and defiant resistance in the face of overwhelming adversity.