Joan of Arc: Saint or Eccentric? Her Story & Face Revealed | Royalty Now

Royalty Now Studios2 minutes read

Joan of Arc, a brave and pious French woman, played a crucial role in the Hundred Years War by leading French forces to victory against the English, despite facing setbacks and ultimately being executed as a heretic at a young age of 19. Her actions had a lasting impact, inspiring unity in France and leading to the eventual expulsion of the English in 1453, making her a symbol of courage and inspiration for women worldwide.

Insights

  • Joan of Arc, a young French woman in the 15th century, received visions from Saint Michael at 13, instructing her to lead France to victory as an armed virgin, ultimately inspiring French forces to numerous triumphs against the English.
  • Despite being captured, tried for heresy, and executed at a young age, Joan of Arc's unwavering determination and courage significantly impacted France's history, leading to the expulsion of the English after her death and her subsequent recognition as a symbol of unity and inspiration for women worldwide.

Get key ideas from YouTube videos. It’s free

Recent questions

  • Who was Joan of Arc?

    A young French heroine in the 15th century.

  • What was the Hundred Years War?

    A prolonged conflict between England and France.

  • How did Joan of Arc die?

    Executed as a heretic at a young age.

  • What impact did Joan of Arc have on France?

    Inspired victories and unity against English forces.

  • What was Joan of Arc's appearance?

    Short, muscular, with dark hair and eyes.

Related videos

Summary

00:00

Joan of Arc: France's Brave Savior and Martyr

  • Joan of Arc, born around 1412 in Don Juan me France, was raised by her mother Isabel Gomez and father Jack Dark, who instilled bravery and piety in her.
  • France in the early 15th century was in turmoil due to the Hundred Years War, with England invading and devastating the country, compounded by the Black Death pandemic.
  • In 1415, the Battle of Agincourt led to a catastrophic defeat for the French, prompting King Charles VI to sign the Treaty of trois with the English in 1420.
  • Joan's life changed when, at 13, she saw Saint Michael in a vision, who tasked her with defending France as an armed virgin, fulfilling a prophecy.
  • In 1428, Joan received explicit instructions in her visions to leave her village and find the rightful heir to France, the delfon.
  • Joan's determination and belief in her mission led her to convince the French soldiers to take her to the Armagnac Court in shinon, where she pledged allegiance to Charles VII.
  • Charles VII commissioned a plate of armor for Joan, who arrived in Orlean in April 1429, leading the French forces to victory against the English, culminating in the siege of Orleans being abandoned.
  • Joan's confidence and aggressive attitude inspired France's forces to further victories, leading to Charles VII's coronation in July 1429.
  • Despite her successes, Joan faced setbacks in Paris, where she was shot in the leg during battle, and her influence was seen as a liability by some in Charles' court.
  • Captured by the Burgundians in May 1430, Joan was sold to the English, who interrogated her for heresy and witchcraft, leading to her abjuration and imprisonment.

18:28

Joan of Arc: Courage, Impact, Mystery

  • Joan of Arc, after renouncing her visions, regained her courage and withdrew her confession on May 30th, 1431, facing a heretic's execution where she was publicly condemned and given a small wooden crucifix by an English soldier before her death at the age of 19.
  • Despite her young age, Joan of Arc significantly impacted France's fate in the Hundred Years War, leading to the expulsion of the English in 1453 after her death, with her guilty verdict overturned in a restoration trial nearly 20 years later, solidifying her as a symbol of unity and inspiring millions of women.
  • Joan's physical appearance remains a mystery, with limited historical depictions available, but descriptions suggest she was short, muscular, with dark hair, large dark eyes, tan skin, and a small red birthmark behind one ear, providing a basis for artistic reconstructions.
Channel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatarChannel avatar

Try it yourself — It’s free.