History
Joan of Arc: The Maid Who Saved a Nation
Discover Joan of Arc, the young French peasant who, guided by divine visions, led an army and became a national heroine and celebrated saint.
What is it?
Joan of Arc (c. 1412-1431) was a peasant girl from Domrémy, France, who became a national heroine and a Catholic saint. Believing she was acting under divine guidance, she approached the French dauphin, Charles VII, claiming visions from God instructed her to drive the English out of France and see him crowned king during the Hundred Years' War. With no military training, she was given a role in the French army and inspired a series of stunning victories. Nicknamed "The Maid of Orléans" after her most famous victory, she became a pivotal figure in the conflict.
Why is it trending?
Joan of Arc's story endures as a powerful symbol of faith, courage, and nationalism. She remains a key figure in Western history for turning the tide of the Hundred Years' War in favor of the French. Her capture by English allies, subsequent trial for heresy, and execution by burning at the stake at age 19 immortalized her as a martyr. Her conviction was overturned decades later, and she was canonized as a saint in 1920. Her journey from an illiterate peasant to a military leader and national symbol continues to fascinate and inspire.
How does it affect people?
Joan of Arc is one of the patron saints of France and a powerful symbol of French national identity and pride. Her story played a vital role in the awakening of French national consciousness. Beyond France, she is an international icon of bravery, faith, and defying expectations. She has been a symbol for various movements, including feminism, for challenging patriarchal structures. Her legacy persists in countless books, films, and works of art, representing the profound impact one individual's conviction can have on history.