Joan of Arc, 1412-1431

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Photo credit - Library of Congress

A Christian martyr who was a female teenage warrior in the Hundred Years' War between France and England.



Born to a family of peasants in 15th-century Domrémy, France, Joan listened to the voices of saints guiding her to drive the English out of French territories. She followed the calling, an unusual act to her age and gender at these old times, and with determination, she made her way into the French army.

At only 17 years old, Joan of Arc led the forces towards victory in the battle for Orleans, followed by more victories. Sadly, after several months on the battlefields, she got captured. She was found guilty of heresy in her trial, and burnt alive in front of thousands of people at the marketplace of Rouen. She was only 19 years old.

In 16th century France, she was announced as innocent and became a national heroine. About 500 years later, she was declared and canonized a Roman Catholic Saint by the Pope. Joan d’Arc became a symbol of persistence, determination, fearlessness, and leadership, and due to her gender, she is also a contradiction to the notion of inequality.

Joan of Arc Explained in 15 Minutes

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You can get the paperback version of Joan of Arc here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Arc-Captivating-Heroine-Lancastrian/dp/1798516128

And the ebook version of Joan of Arc here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Arc-Captivating-Heroine-Lancastrian-ebook/dp/B07P6CR9G8

Joan's story almost feels like a novel instead of a part of history. She was a shining savior on a warhorse, waving her white banner and calling her soldiers forth to victory; but she was also painfully and intensely human, a young girl who wept and bled just the same as the rest of us. In the same breath, it is as easy to relate to Joan as it is to be awed by her incredible character.

She may have been beatified as a saint, but Joan of Arc was in many ways a very ordinary human being, a person who felt pain and fear, a person who made mistakes and who had moments of weakness. This book follows her through her extraordinary journey. Feel her terror as she first experienced her visions. See her determination as she convinced a cynical captain to grant her passage to the Dauphin. Experience her exhilaration and faith as she led the French army to victory after victory. Weep alongside her as the King of France betrayed her. Suffer with her during her long imprisonment in the hands of her enemies. And cry with the witnesses who saw her burn for a crime she did not commit.

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“There will be no help if not from me.”

“There will be no help if not from me.”

Fun Facts

  • She called herself “Joan the Maid”, and is now known as "The Maid of Orléans".
  • Most of the court documents refer to her as “this woman” and not by her name.
  • At home, she was developing skills as a seamstress.
  • Her name is used in both forms: Joan of Arc in English, Jeanne d'Arc in French.
  • Her story, based on documentation of the trial, inspired many books, films, theater plays, songs, operas, and conspiracies.
  • Her character, braveness, and remarkable life story became a worldwide inspiration, which is honored and commemorated by many statues and memorials all around.
  • Joan of Arc festival is celebrated annually in France on the second Sunday of May.
  • Her feast day is May 30.
  • The Krewe de Jeanne d'Arc organizes an annual parade in her honor in New Orleans, celebrating her birthday every January 6th.
  • She is the only person in history who was both condemned and canonized by the Catholic Church.
  • She is the patroness of soldiers and of France.

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Joan of Arc Explained in 15 Minutes

Join the Captivating History Book Club: https://bit.ly/3Dkh91w

Get a FREE mythology bundle ebook covering Greek, Norse, and Egyptian mythology here:
http://www.captivatinghistory.com/ebook

You can get the audiobook version of Joan of Arc here:
https://www.audible.com/pd/B07Q8BWSNV/?source_code=AUDFPWS0223189MWT-BK-ACX0-148094&ref=acx_bty_BK_ACX0_148094_rh_us

You can get the paperback version of Joan of Arc here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Arc-Captivating-Heroine-Lancastrian/dp/1798516128

And the ebook version of Joan of Arc here:
https://www.amazon.com/Joan-Arc-Captivating-Heroine-Lancastrian-ebook/dp/B07P6CR9G8

Joan's story almost feels like a novel instead of a part of history. She was a shining savior on a warhorse, waving her white banner and calling her soldiers forth to victory; but she was also painfully and intensely human, a young girl who wept and bled just the same as the rest of us. In the same breath, it is as easy to relate to Joan as it is to be awed by her incredible character.

She may have been beatified as a saint, but Joan of Arc was in many ways a very ordinary human being, a person who felt pain and fear, a person who made mistakes and who had moments of weakness. This book follows her through her extraordinary journey. Feel her terror as she first experienced her visions. See her determination as she convinced a cynical captain to grant her passage to the Dauphin. Experience her exhilaration and faith as she led the French army to victory after victory. Weep alongside her as the King of France betrayed her. Suffer with her during her long imprisonment in the hands of her enemies. And cry with the witnesses who saw her burn for a crime she did not commit.

See all captivating history books here:
https://www.amazon.com/author/captivatinghistory

Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/captivatinghistory

Follow us on Twitter: @CaptivHistory
Share:

This post is also available in: Español

Category: Army & Security Forces, Politics & Leaders, and Religion & Ethnic Culture
Tags: Saint, Spiritual Leader, and Warrior

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