Study Notes on “Joan of Arc: Heroine of France”

Joan of Arc: The Maid of Orléans and the Heroine of France

Introduction: The Maid Who Changed the Course of History

Joan of Arc, known as “La Pucelle d’Orléans” (The Maid of Orléans), remains one of the most iconic figures in European history. Born in 1412 in the small village of Domrémy in northeastern France, Joan’s story transcends her humble origins and takes her to the heart of the Hundred Years’ War, a long-running conflict between France and England. Despite being a young peasant girl, Joan’s faith and conviction led her to become a symbol of hope and resilience in France during a period of national crisis. Her remarkable journey as a military leader, religious figure, and martyr continues to inspire generations.

This study module delves into Joan of Arc’s life, her role in the Hundred Years’ War, her trial and execution, and her lasting impact on both France and the world.

1. The Early Life of Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was born into a peasant family around 1412 in Domrémy, a village located in the Duchy of Bar, which was part of France at the time. Her parents were Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée. Joan was raised in a deeply religious environment, and from an early age, she was accustomed to the teachings of the Catholic Church.

• Family Background: Joan’s family was modest, with no significant wealth or influence. Her father was a farmer, and her family had no direct connection to the nobility or the military.
• Religious Upbringing: Joan’s devout Catholic upbringing played a significant role in her later life. She was taught the religious principles of her time, such as the importance of faith, duty, and morality. Her strong sense of religious conviction shaped her future actions.
• Early Visions: At the age of 13, Joan began experiencing mystical visions and hearing voices. These voices, which she believed to be the voices of saints, would change the course of her life. Joan claimed to have been instructed by Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret to support Charles VII, the rightful King of France, and help him regain the French throne.

2. The Hundred Years’ War: Context of Joan’s Mission

The Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453) was a series of conflicts fought between the Kingdom of England and the Kingdom of France, primarily over territorial disputes and the question of who had the legitimate right to the French throne. By the time Joan came into the picture, the war had reached a critical point for France, with much of the country under English occupation.

• The English Domination: By the early 15th century, the English had gained control over a significant portion of France, including Normandy, Aquitaine, and Paris. The legitimate heir to the throne, Charles VII, was being challenged by Henry VI of England.
• French Disarray: France was in disarray due to internal divisions between the supporters of Charles VII (the Armagnacs) and his opponents (the Burgundians), who were allied with the English. This political fragmentation further weakened the French resistance.
• Divine Intervention: Amid this national crisis, Joan’s claims to have been chosen by God to save France provided a renewed sense of purpose. Her mission was to restore Charles VII to the throne and drive the English out of France.

3. Joan of Arc’s Divine Calling and Visionary Experience

Joan’s religious experiences played a central role in shaping her mission. She believed that divine intervention guided her actions, and this unwavering faith became the bedrock of her leadership and actions.

• Visions and Voices: Joan experienced visions and heard voices from saints, primarily Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret. These voices instructed her to take action to help Charles VII reclaim the throne of France.
• The Message of the Saints: The voices told Joan that she was to travel to the Dauphin (Charles VII) and convince him to send her to the front lines of the war. According to her, the voices promised that she would help deliver a victory at Orléans and lead Charles to his coronation.
• Joan’s Conviction: Joan’s faith in these divine revelations was absolute, and she was unwavering in her belief that she had been chosen for a higher purpose. This conviction gave her the courage to take on what seemed like an impossible task.

4. Joan of Arc’s Role in the Siege of Orléans

The Siege of Orléans (1428-1429) was one of the pivotal moments of the Hundred Years’ War. Orléans was strategically vital to the French, as it was one of the last strongholds holding out against English control.

• Arrival at Charles VII’s Court: In 1429, at the age of 17, Joan managed to secure an audience with Charles VII, despite skepticism about her claims. She convinced him of her divine mission and was given the command to lead French troops to Orléans.
• The Siege of Orléans: When Joan arrived at Orléans, the city had been under siege for several months. The English forces were well-entrenched, and it seemed likely that the city would fall. Joan rallied the French soldiers and led them into battle, breaking the siege within a matter of days.
• The Turning Point: Joan’s leadership at Orléans not only lifted the siege but also turned the tide of the war. Her courage on the battlefield and her ability to inspire the troops marked a turning point for the French, who had been facing numerous defeats. Orléans became a symbol of hope for the French people and a decisive victory for Joan.

5. The Coronation of Charles VII and Joan’s Role in It

One of Joan’s most significant contributions was to the coronation of Charles VII, which took place in Reims on July 17, 1429. This event solidified her role as a key figure in French history.

• Charles VII’s Claim to the Throne: Charles VII’s claim to the throne had been weak, especially after the English had been controlling large parts of France. Joan’s military successes gave him legitimacy, and her role in securing his coronation further solidified his authority.
• The Journey to Reims: After the victory at Orléans, Joan led Charles on a victorious march through French territory to Reims, the traditional site for French royal coronations. This journey symbolized the unity and restoration of French authority.
• Symbol of Legitimacy: The coronation was a major political victory for the French, as it marked the recognition of Charles VII as the true King of France. Joan’s presence at the coronation became a powerful symbol of divine intervention and the restoration of French pride.

6. Joan of Arc’s Capture, Trial, and Execution

Despite her early successes, Joan’s story took a tragic turn after her capture by the Burgundians, an ally of the English.

• Capture at Compiègne: In 1430, Joan was captured during a military campaign at Compiègne, where she was imprisoned by the Burgundians. The English quickly took control of her captivity.
• The Trial: Joan was put on trial for charges including heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing (for wearing male military attire). The trial was politically motivated, aimed at discrediting her and weakening the French resistance. The trial was held in Rouen, and she was found guilty.
• Execution: On May 30, 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in Rouen at the age of 19. Her death was a devastating blow to her supporters but also served to solidify her place as a martyr.

7. The Posthumous Rehabilitation of Joan of Arc

Joan’s legacy did not end with her death. In 1456, a posthumous trial was held to review the charges against her, and it was declared that she had been unjustly convicted.

• Retrial and Innocence: The retrial, led by the Catholic Church, concluded that Joan had been the victim of political manipulation and that her trial had been unfair. Her execution was deemed unjust, and she was officially declared innocent.
• Canonization: In 1920, Joan was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church. Her canonization recognized her faith, her role as a martyr, and her significance as a national heroine for France.

8. Joan of Arc’s Legacy and Impact on France

Joan of Arc’s influence did not end with her death or canonization. She became a symbol of national pride, resilience, and religious devotion.

• National Symbol: Joan became a national icon of France. Her victory at Orléans and her role in Charles VII’s coronation were central to the French struggle against English domination, and she embodied the French will to resist.
• Inspiration for Generations: Joan’s story has inspired countless generations. Her courage, faith, and determination have made her a symbol of strength for women and a symbol of hope in times of national crisis.
• Cultural Influence: Joan of Arc’s legacy has permeated French culture, literature, and art. She remains a central figure in French historical consciousness and a symbol of the country’s resilience in the face of adversity.

Conclusion: A Heroine Whose Legacy Endures

Joan of Arc’s journey from a peasant girl to the savior of France is one of the most inspiring stories in European history. Her faith, courage, and unwavering belief in her divine mission led her to challenge the status quo and change the course of history. Though her life was tragically short, her impact on France and the world is immeasurable. Today, Joan of Arc stands as a symbol of perseverance, faith, and national pride—her legacy as a heroine of France endures for generations to come.