Joan of Arc: The Maid of Orléans

Biographics・2 minutes read

Joan of Arc, a young French warrior inspired by divine visions, led troops against the English, lifting the siege of Orléans and aiding in the coronation of Charles VII before being captured, tried, and executed but later exonerated, becoming a martyr and saint. Her unwavering faith, command of loyalty, and successful military efforts are noted by historians for potentially altering the course of the Hundred Years' War and shaping subsequent events.

Insights

  • Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl, had divine visions urging her to lead French troops against the English during the Hundred Years’ War, ultimately lifting the siege of Orléans and aiding in the coronation of Charles VII.
  • Despite facing rejection, Joan's unwavering faith and ability to inspire loyalty among her troops allowed her to successfully fulfill her divine mission, showcasing her remarkable leadership skills and determination in the face of adversity.

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Recent questions

  • Who was Joan of Arc?

    A young French warrior inspired by divine visions.

  • What was the Hundred Years' War?

    A prolonged conflict between England and France.

  • How did Joan of Arc die?

    Burned alive after being captured by the English.

  • What was Joan of Arc's impact on history?

    Potentially altering the course of the Hundred Years' War.

  • How was Joan of Arc's divine mission received?

    Initially faced rejection but eventually gained support.

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Summary

00:00

Joan of Arc: Young Warrior, Divine Visionary

  • Joan of Arc, a young warrior, led French troops against the English inspired by divine visions, changing the course of the Hundred Years’ War.
  • Born in 1412 in a poor village in France, Joan's early life involved sewing, farm work, and religious teachings from her devout Catholic mother.
  • The Hundred Years’ War, lasting 116 years, saw England and France in conflict, with Joan born into this tumultuous period.
  • At 13, Joan began having visions of saints urging her to become a warrior and help Charles of Valois become king.
  • Joan's persistence led her to demand an audience with Charles, facing initial rejection but eventually gaining support to see him.
  • In 1429, Joan set out to lift the siege of Orléans, dressing as a man for safety and respect among her escort.
  • Joan's arrival at Chinon impressed Charles, leading to her convincing Church authorities of her divine mission to lift the siege.
  • Joan's legend grew as thousands volunteered to join her at Orléans, where they found the city on the brink of collapse.
  • Despite initial resistance from the Bastard of Orléans, Joan and her army aimed to save the city, with her banner held high.
  • Joan's unwavering faith in her divine mission and her ability to command loyalty led to her successful efforts in lifting the siege of Orléans.

12:34

Joan of Arc: French heroine and martyr

  • Joan was excluded from meetings and given no role, but the new troops from Chinon and the rank and file of Orléans were loyal to her.
  • On May 4, Joan had a vision instructing her to attack the English, leading to her rallying the French and successfully breaking the siege of Orléans.
  • Despite being wounded by an arrow, Joan returned to battle and helped the French rout the English, ending the siege.
  • Joan then focused on getting Charles to Reims, liberating towns along the way and eventually leading to Charles being crowned Charles VII of France on July 17, 1429.
  • After the coronation, Joan decided to go to Paris, attempting to attack the city independently but failing due to the strong defenses.
  • Charles distanced himself from Joan, leading to her capture by Burgundian forces during a siege on Compiègne in May 1430.
  • Joan was sold to the English, put on trial in Rouen, and eventually burned alive on May 30, 1431, after signing a confession forbidding her from dressing as a man.
  • Nineteen years after her execution, an inquiry led to the annulment of all charges against Joan by Pope Calixtus III, elevating her to martyrdom.
  • Joan's legacy lives on as she was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920, with her impact on history highlighted by historians who credit her with potentially altering the course of the Hundred Years' War and subsequent events.
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