50 Facts About Joan Of Arc

Early Life and Family

Joan of Arc's story begins in a small village in northeastern France. Her humble beginnings shaped her into the legendary figure we know today.

1. Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domremy, a small village in northeastern France. She was the daughter of Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée, poor tenant farmers.
2. Joan's family was devoutly Catholic, and her mother, Isabelle, played a significant role in her early life, teaching her piety and domestic skills.
3. Joan of Arc was known by several names during her lifetime, including Jehanette, Jehanne d’Arc, Jehanne Tarc, Jehanne Romee, and Jehanne de Vouthon. The name "Joan of Arc" is likely a guess at her father's last name.

The Hundred Years' War

The backdrop of Joan's life was the tumultuous Hundred Years' War between France and England. This conflict set the stage for her rise to prominence.

4. At the time of Joan's birth, France was embroiled in the Hundred Years' War with England. This conflict began over who would be the heir to the French throne and continued for over a century.
5. In 1415, King Henry V of England invaded northern France, delivering a shattering defeat to French forces at the Battle of Agincourt. This victory gave England significant control over northern France.
6. The 1420 Treaty of Troyes granted the French throne to Henry V as regent for the insane King Charles VI. Henry's infant son was to inherit the throne after Charles’s death.

Joan’s Divine Mission

Joan's visions and her belief in a divine mission were central to her actions and decisions. These experiences propelled her into the spotlight.

7. Around 1424, when Joan was 12 years old, she began experiencing visions which she described as verbal communication and visible figures of saints. These visions included messages from the archangel Michael and saints Catherine and Margaret.
8. According to Joan, her visions instructed her to drive the English out of France and to help Charles VII, the dauphin, take up the throne. She resisted these visions until 1428, when she decided to act on them.
9. In 1428, Joan requested to be taken to Charles VII, petitioning Robert de Baudricourt, the captain of Vaucouleurs, for an armed escort. Initially, Baudricourt refused her request.
10. Despite initial rejection, Joan persisted in her requests. She eventually gained the support of two of Baudricourt's soldiers, who convinced him to grant her an escort to Charles VII's court at Chinon.

Military Leadership and Victories

Joan's military prowess and leadership were extraordinary for a young woman of her time. Her victories were pivotal in the Hundred Years' War.

11. In February 1429, Joan met Charles VII at Chinon. She convinced him of her divine mission, and he agreed to support her efforts.
12. Before being given command of an army, Joan was examined by a group of clerics and advisers at Poitiers to ensure her orthodoxy. This examination was part of the process to verify her claims and ensure she was not a heretic.
13. After being examined, Charles VII gave Joan titular command of an army. She was provided with armor and her own banner, which read “Jesus, Mary.”
14. In April 1429, Joan arrived at the siege of Orléans, where the English had laid siege to the city. She brought hope to the demoralized French army with her presence and her banner.
15. Nine days after her arrival, the English abandoned the siege of Orléans. This victory was a significant turning point in the war, as it lifted the siege and boosted French morale.
16. Following the victory at Orléans, Joan encouraged the French to aggressively pursue the English during the Loire Campaign. This led to another decisive victory at Patay, which opened the way for the French army to advance on Reims unopposed.
17. In July 1429, Charles VII was crowned King of France at Reims, with Joan at his side. This coronation was a significant moment in French history, marking a turning point in the war.
18. After the coronation, Joan participated in the unsuccessful siege of Paris in September 1429. Despite her efforts, the siege was unsuccessful, and her role in these defeats reduced the court's faith in her.
19. In November 1429, Joan organized a company of volunteers to relieve Compiègne, which had been besieged by the Burgundians—French allies of the English. However, she was captured by Burgundian troops on May 23, 1430.

Capture and Trial

Joan's capture and trial were tragic events that led to her martyrdom. Her unwavering faith and courage during this period were remarkable.

20. After being captured, Joan was handed over to the English in November 1430. She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, who accused her of heresy, including blaspheming by wearing men's clothes and acting upon visions that were demonic.
21. The trial of Joan of Arc was a complex and contentious process. She was interrogated nearly a dozen times by a tribunal, always maintaining her humility and steadfast claim of innocence. Despite being threatened with rape and torture, Joan protected herself by tying her soldiers’ clothes tightly together with dozens of cords.
22. The main charge against Joan was heresy. The tribunal accused her of dressing like a man, which they saw as blasphemous. They also claimed that her visions were demonic and that she had disobeyed the church by acting on them.
23. On May 29, 1431, the tribunal announced that Joan of Arc was guilty of heresy. This verdict was based on the testimony of her enemies and the lack of support from her former allies.
24. On the morning of May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was taken to the marketplace in Rouen and burned at the stake. An estimated crowd of 10,000 people witnessed her execution.

Legacy and Canonization

Joan's legacy has endured through the centuries. Her canonization and recognition as a national heroine highlight her lasting impact.

25. Despite her tragic end, Joan of Arc's legacy has endured. She was canonized as a Roman Catholic saint on May 16, 1920, and is now honored as the patron saint of France.
26. Joan's role in the Hundred Years' War was pivotal. She helped turn the tide of the war in favor of France and inspired future generations with her bravery and conviction.
27. During her military campaigns, Joan dictated several letters to scribes. These letters provide vivid eyewitness accounts from the people who knew her and offer insights into her strategic thinking and leadership skills.
28. At the camp of Blois, Joan began to reform the troops by expelling prostitutes and forcing her men to go to confession, give up foul language, and swear to refrain from looting civilians.
29. Joan styled herself unlike any other woman of her era. She wore men’s clothing, which allowed her to rule an army of men in battle. Her short hair, often referred to as a "bob," became a trademark of French women.
30. During one eventful conflict, Joan was struck by an arrow that pierced her between the neck and the shoulder. Despite this injury, she resumed her duties during the final stages of the battle, witnessing the moment when the English finally retreated.
31. Following her capture, Joan was charged with around 70 different crimes, including theft, witchcraft, and wearing men’s clothes. The number of crimes was later lowered to around 12, with the main charge being heresy.
32. In 1456, Pope Callixtus III opened a new trial, which eventually exonerated Joan of Arc, clearing her name and raising her status as a historical and heroic martyr.
33. Some historians have speculated that Joan might have had mental health issues, such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, which could have contributed to her visions and actions. However, there is no definitive evidence to support these claims.
34. Joan of Arc has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music. Her story has been retold in various forms, from plays to novels, and continues to captivate audiences around the world.
35. Joan has been depicted in numerous artworks, often symbolizing courage, faith, and national pride. Her image has been used in various contexts, from paintings to sculptures, to represent these values.

Historical Records and Eyewitness Accounts

The wealth of historical records and eyewitness accounts provides a detailed picture of Joan's life and actions.

36. The extensive 15th-century sources concerning Joan's life and military campaigns include the transcript of her trial, posthumous investigations, and postwar appeals. These records provide detailed insights into her life and actions.
37. Many eyewitness accounts from the people who knew Joan have survived. These accounts offer vivid descriptions of her leadership, bravery, and conviction during the battles she participated in.
38. Joan dictated several letters to scribes during her military campaigns. These letters provide valuable information about her strategic thinking, leadership skills, and interactions with her contemporaries.
39. Thousands of military records have survived, detailing the events of her campaigns and the people involved. These records offer a comprehensive view of her military activities and their impact on the war.
40. Even small details like the amount of oats bought for her horses and the names of many rank-and-file soldiers in the army have been recorded. These personal details humanize Joan and provide a deeper understanding of her life.

Family and Community Impact

Joan's family and community played significant roles in her life. Their support and the local impact of her actions are noteworthy.

41. Despite her fame, Joan remained close to her family. Her mother, Isabelle, played a significant role in her early life, teaching her piety and domestic skills. Joan's family supported her throughout her journey.
42. In Domremy, where Joan was born, she is still remembered as a local heroine. The village has several landmarks dedicated to her memory, including a church and a museum.
43. Joan of Arc is celebrated as a national heroine in France. Her bravery and conviction during the Hundred Years' War have made her an iconic figure in French history.
44. In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized as the patron saint of France. This recognition acknowledges her role in French history and her enduring legacy as a symbol of national pride.
45. Beyond France, Joan of Arc has become a cultural icon, symbolizing courage and faith. Her story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music across the globe.

Educational Influence and Historical Relevance

Joan's life and legacy continue to be relevant in education and history. Her story offers valuable lessons and inspiration.

46. Joan's life has been studied extensively in educational institutions. Her story is often used to teach about history, leadership, and the importance of following one's convictions.
47. Despite the passage of centuries, Joan's story remains relevant today. Her struggles and triumphs continue to inspire people around the world, making her a timeless figure in history.
48. The archival records of Joan's trial and subsequent investigations provide valuable historical insights. These documents offer a detailed account of her life and the events leading up to her execution.
49. There is ongoing debate among historians about the accuracy of some accounts regarding Joan's life. However, the core elements of her story—her visions, her military campaigns, and her trial—remain well-documented.
50. Joan of Arc's legacy extends beyond her military victories and her tragic end. She represents a powerful symbol of courage, faith, and determination, inspiring generations to come.

Joan of Arc's Enduring Legacy

Joan of Arc's life, marked by visions, battles, and martyrdom, remains a powerful story of courage and faith. Born in a small village, she rose to lead French troops during the Hundred Years' War, turning the tide against the English. Her conviction and bravery led to the coronation of Charles VII, a pivotal moment in French history.

Despite her tragic execution at 19, Joan's legacy endures. Canonized in 1920, she became the patron saint of France, symbolizing national pride and resilience. Her story has inspired countless works of art, literature, and music, making her a cultural icon worldwide.

Joan's life teaches us about determination and the impact one person can have on history. Her legacy continues to inspire, reminding us of the power of conviction and the enduring spirit of a true heroine.