Joan of Arc is beatified in Rome.

Joan of Arc, known in French as Jeanne d'Arc (pronounced [ʒan daʁk]), was a remarkable figure whose life, though tragically brief, left an indelible mark on French history and remains a source of enduring fascination. Born around 1412, she famously referred to herself as "Joan the Maiden" ("Jehanne la Pucelle" in 15th-century French) and is now affectionately nicknamed "The Maid of Orléans" (French: La Pucelle d'Orléans). Her extraordinary courage and unwavering faith during the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War earned her the status of a national heroine of France, and she is also revered as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.

Early Life and Divine Calling

Joan's story began in humble circumstances, born to Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée, a peasant family, in the small village of Domrémy, nestled in the Vosges region of northeast France. This was a period of immense turmoil for France, deeply embroiled in the Hundred Years' War against England. At a pivotal point in her young life, around the age of thirteen, Joan began to experience profound divine visions and hear voices, which she identified as coming from the Archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine. These celestial messengers, she testified, delivered clear and urgent instructions: she was to support the Dauphin Charles, the uncrowned heir to the French throne, and lead the charge to recover France from the pervasive English domination. This was a monumental and seemingly impossible task for an illiterate peasant girl, yet Joan's conviction was unshakeable.

A Journey to the King and the Relief of Orléans

Driven by her divine mandate, Joan, at approximately seventeen years old in 1428, embarked on a determined journey to Vaucouleurs, seeking an armed escort to bring her to Charles VII. Her initial requests were met with skepticism and rejection, as the garrison commander, Robert de Baudricourt, twice dismissed her extraordinary claims. However, Joan's persistence and the compelling nature of her conviction eventually swayed him. He relented, providing her with the necessary escort to meet Charles at Chinon, a journey fraught with danger through enemy territory. The Dauphin Charles himself was in a precarious position, often mockingly referred to as the "King of Bourges" as his claim to the throne was contested and his kingdom largely occupied by English and Burgundian forces, leaving French morale at an all-time low. After a private interview, during which Joan reportedly revealed details only known to Charles, she convinced him of her divine mission. Charles, desperate for a turning point, sent Joan to the strategically vital city of Orléans, which had been under a brutal English siege for months. Her arrival on April 29, 1429, marked a dramatic shift in the conflict. Displaying remarkable leadership and courage, Joan quickly inspired the French troops. In an astonishing feat, the siege of Orléans, which had seemed insurmountable, was lifted just nine days after her arrival, igniting a powerful resurgence of French hope and confidence.

The Road to Reims and Charles VII's Coronation

The triumph at Orléans was merely the beginning of Joan's meteoric rise. During the following June, she played a key role in the subsequent Loire Campaign, a series of decisive victories that secured the Loire Valley for the French. This campaign culminated in the Battle of Patay, where the English forces suffered a crushing defeat, a significant blow to their military supremacy. With this newfound momentum, the French army, with Joan at its side, advanced eastward towards Reims. Reims Cathedral held immense historical and symbolic importance, traditionally being the site for the coronation of French monarchs. On July 16, the French army entered the city, and the very next day, Charles was consecrated as the legitimate King of France in a solemn ceremony within Reims Cathedral, with Joan standing proudly beside him. These string of remarkable victories not only dramatically boosted French morale but also fundamentally legitimized Charles VII's rule, paving the way for the eventual and decisive French victory in the Hundred Years' War at Castillon in 1453, more than two decades later.

Setbacks, Capture, and Trial

Following Charles's coronation, Joan advocated for a swift march on Paris. However, the royal court, ever cautious, hesitated. In September, Joan and John II, Duke of Alençon's army, besieged Paris. An assault on the city was launched on September 8, but it ultimately failed, and Joan herself was wounded by an arrow. The French forces subsequently withdrew, and Charles, for various reasons including depleted resources, disbanded the army. By October, Joan had recovered and continued her military efforts, participating in an attack on the territory of Perrinet Gressart, a mercenary loyal to the English and Burgundian faction—a powerful group of French nobles allied with the English crown. After some initial successes, this campaign concluded with an unsuccessful attempt to capture Gressart's stronghold at La-Charité-sur-Loire. By December, Joan was back at the French court, where she received the distinguished news that she and her family had been ennobled by King Charles VII in recognition of her extraordinary service. However, her active military career would soon come to a tragic end. In May 1430, while leading a company of volunteers to relieve Compiègne, which was under siege by the Burgundians, Joan was captured by Burgundian troops on May 23. This was a significant strategic victory for the English and their allies. She was subsequently exchanged to the English, who saw an opportunity to discredit Charles VII by discrediting his divine champion. Joan was then subjected to a politically motivated trial for heresy, presided over by the pro-English Bishop Pierre Cauchon. The trial was a sham, marked by deceit, lack of due process, and a clear agenda to find her guilty. Despite her courageous defense, she was declared guilty of heresy and, on May 30, 1431, at the tender age of approximately 19, Joan of Arc was tragically burned at the stake in the marketplace of Rouen.

Rehabilitation and Enduring Legacy

The injustice of Joan's trial and execution did not go unaddressed. In 1456, a quarter-century after her death, an inquisitorial court, authorized by Pope Callixtus III, launched a thorough investigation into the original proceedings. This "rehabilitation trial" meticulously examined the evidence and testimony, ultimately concluding that Joan's original trial had been conducted by deceit, fraud, and incorrect legal procedures. Consequently, the verdict of her initial trial was nullified, and the stain on Joan's name was officially declared to be erased. From the moment of her death, Joan had been popularly revered as a martyr. Over time, her image grew into a powerful national symbol of France, particularly after the French Revolution when the nation sought unifying figures. Her journey towards official sainthood began with her beatification in 1909, followed by her canonization as a saint in the Roman Catholic Church in 1920. In 1922, she was further declared a secondary patron saint of France, solidifying her place in the nation's spiritual and historical identity. Joan of Arc has, ever since her death, remained an immensely popular and inspirational figure, deeply embedded in literature, painting, sculpture, and countless other cultural works. Her story of courage, faith, and unwavering conviction against overwhelming odds continues to inspire renowned writers, playwrights, filmmakers, artists, and composers, who consistently create and recreate captivating cultural depictions of "The Maid."

Frequently Asked Questions About Joan of Arc

Who was Joan of Arc?
Joan of Arc, or Jeanne d'Arc, was a peasant girl from 15th-century France who, believing she was guided by divine voices, became a military leader during the Hundred Years' War and helped secure the coronation of King Charles VII. She is considered a national heroine of France and a saint in the Roman Catholic Church.
What was her role in the Hundred Years' War?
Joan of Arc played a crucial role in the Lancastrian phase of the Hundred Years' War. She lifted the critical Siege of Orléans, led French forces to several victories in the Loire Campaign, and significantly boosted French morale, which directly led to the coronation of Charles VII at Reims, thereby legitimizing his claim to the throne and ultimately contributing to France's final victory in the war.
What visions did Joan of Arc claim to have?
Joan claimed to have received divine visions and voices from Saint Michael the Archangel, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine of Alexandria. These visions, she testified, instructed her to support Charles VII and to liberate France from English domination.
How did Joan of Arc convince Charles VII?
Despite her humble background and the initial skepticism of court officials, Joan's unwavering conviction and perhaps a private revelation she made to Charles about his secret prayers or innermost thoughts convinced the Dauphin of her divine mission. He was desperate for a sign and a leader, and Joan provided both.
What was the significance of the Siege of Orléans?
The Siege of Orléans was a pivotal moment in the Hundred Years' War. Orléans was a strategically vital city on the Loire River, and its fall to the English would have opened the way for them to conquer the rest of France. Joan's arrival and the swift lifting of the siege within nine days were seen as miraculous and dramatically turned the tide of the war in France's favor.
Why was she put on trial for heresy?
Joan was put on trial for heresy by a pro-English ecclesiastical court, led by Bishop Pierre Cauchon. The trial was largely politically motivated, orchestrated by the English and their Burgundian allies, who sought to discredit Joan and, by extension, undermine Charles VII's legitimacy by proving that his coronation was due to a heretic or witch.
How did Joan of Arc die?
After being found guilty of heresy by the English-controlled court, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, in the marketplace of Rouen, at the approximate age of 19.
Was Joan of Arc recognized as a saint?
Yes, Joan of Arc was beatified by the Roman Catholic Church in 1909 and canonized as a saint in 1920. In 1922, she was declared a secondary patron saint of France, cementing her spiritual recognition.
What is Joan of Arc's lasting legacy in France?
Joan of Arc remains one of France's most cherished national symbols. Her legacy is one of courage, patriotism, and unwavering faith. She embodies national unity and resistance against foreign invasion, and her story continues to inspire countless works of art, literature, and film, serving as a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on history.