Joan of Arc remains one of the most iconic and enigmatic figures in medieval European history. A peasant girl from rural France, she played a decisive role in the Hundred Years’ War, claimed divine guidance, and was later executed for heresy. Her story blends documented history, political upheaval, religious fervour, and lasting myth.
Early Life
Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, a small village in the Duchy of Bar, which was then part of the Kingdom of France. Her parents, Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée, were farmers of modest means. From a young age, Joan was noted for her piety. She later claimed that from the age of 13, she began receiving visions and voices from saints, including Michael the Archangel, Catherine of Alexandria, and Margaret of Antioch. These visions, she said, instructed her to support Charles VII and help liberate France from English occupation.
Historical Context
At the time of Joan’s birth, France was in a state of disarray. The Hundred Years’ War between France and England had already lasted several decades. The Treaty of Troyes (1420) had disinherited the Dauphin Charles (later Charles VII) in favour of the English King Henry V and his heirs. Following Henry’s death in 1422, his infant son Henry VI was proclaimed King of both England and France, although this was not universally recognised. Much of northern France, including Paris, was under English or Burgundian control. The legitimacy of Charles VII’s claim was in question, and his coronation had not taken place.
Rise to Prominence
In 1429, at the age of around 17, Joan travelled to Vaucouleurs and convinced local commander Robert de Baudricourt to grant her an audience with Charles. After passing a church-led examination of her character and orthodoxy at Poitiers, she was allowed to accompany an army to lift the siege of Orléans. Her presence, clad in armour and carrying a banner, inspired French troops and coincided with a major reversal of fortunes for the French.
Joan’s influence helped secure victory at Orléans in May 1429, a turning point in the war. Shortly after, Charles VII was crowned in Reims Cathedral with Joan at his side, fulfilling one of her divine instructions.
Capture and Trial
In 1430, while defending Compiègne against Burgundian forces, Joan was captured. She was sold to the English and transferred to Rouen. There she stood trial for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing, charges driven more by politics than theology. The court was dominated by pro-English clergy and heavily biased.
Despite her intelligence and resolve, she was found guilty. On 30 May 1431, at the age of 19, she was burned at the stake in Rouen’s marketplace. Her ashes were cast into the Seine to prevent any relics.
Retrial and Rehabilitation
A posthumous retrial was ordered by Pope Callixtus III in 1455 at the request of Joan’s mother and Charles VII. The trial overturned the original verdict and declared her innocent in 1456, describing her condemnation as the result of political vendetta and corrupt procedure. She was pronounced a martyr.
Canonisation and Legacy
Joan of Arc was canonised by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. Today she is recognised as a patron saint of France, a symbol of national identity, and an enduring figure in Western consciousness.
Her legacy has evolved through centuries:
- In France, she represents patriotism and divine mission.
- During the 19th century, she became a rallying symbol in both royalist and republican narratives.
- In literature and film, her story has been retold and reinterpreted across many genres and eras.
Appearance and Arms
While no confirmed images of Joan survive, contemporary descriptions suggest she wore short-cropped hair and full plate armour suited for a commander. She carried a banner more often than a sword, although she reportedly had a sword recovered from the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, believed by her to be divinely revealed. She likely wore a white surcoat and a blackened steel helmet with a mail coif underneath.
Key Battles
| Battle | Date | Outcome | Joan’s Role |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siege of Orléans | Apr–May 1429 | French Victory | Boosted morale, led several charges |
| Battle of Patay | 18 June 1429 | French Victory | Decisive blow to English field army |
| March to Reims | June–July 1429 | Symbolic Triumph | Enabled Charles VII’s coronation |
| Siege of Paris | Sep 1429 | French Failure | Joan wounded, attack withdrawn |
| Siege of Compiègne | May 1430 | French Failure | Joan captured by Burgundians |
Contemporary Quotes
“She was so wise in her words and deeds that many regarded her as divinely inspired.”
Chronicle of the Siege of Orléans
“We are lost. We have burned a saint.”
Attributed to an English soldier present at her execution
Where to See Artefacts
Several sites in France are associated with Joan:
- Rouen: Site of her execution, with a modern church and memorial.
- Orléans: Hosts an annual festival and a museum dedicated to her role.
- Domrémy: Birthplace preserved as a national monument.
- Chinon: Location of her first meeting with Charles VII.
Manuscripts from her trial are preserved in the National Archives in Paris. Her sword and banner are lost, though replicas and stylised interpretations are exhibited in various museums.
Seven Swords takeaway:
Joan of Arc’s story remains a rare blend of military achievement, spiritual conviction, and personal sacrifice. Her brief career altered the trajectory of the Hundred Years’ War and reshaped perceptions of female authority in a rigidly patriarchal society. She was condemned, then vindicated, and ultimately canonised. Her life continues to stir debate, reverence, and reinterpretation.
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