Joan of Arc, nicknamed " The Maid of Orléans" was born in the East of France in 1412. She came from a peasant family. At the age of 13, she claimed to have heard voices telling her that her divine mission was to save France from English Invaders and lead Charles VII to coronation.
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| Joan of Arc |
At the time, France and England were in the middle of the 100 years war. And an English victory that took place in 1415 under King Henry V of England had left the country weak and divided. Under Charles de Ponthieu, the French were without direction and without a real leader.
When Joan of Arc came to the court, she overwhelmed Charles with her passion and conviction. It is quite remarkable that this 17 year old peasant girl was, as a consequence, given control over an army and allowed to lead them into battle. Within a year Joan of Arc had led the French army to victories at Orleans, Patay and Troyes.
For her bravery and determination, Joan of Arc and her family were granted nobility status, which meant a great deal at the time. She also gained respect by the army soldiers who perceived her as a mythical figure. Her victories on the battlefield would also allow her to lead Charles VII to coronation on July 17, 1429.
This triumph would be short-lived. In 1430, she was captured by the Burgundians, sold to the English and tried by an ecclesiastical court for witchcraft. During her trial, she defended herself with simplicity and courage. Nevertheless, she was convicted and burned at the stake. She was 19 years old.
Around 25 years later, Joan’s family petitioned Pope Callistus III to reconsider the charges against Joan.
The Pope found, in 1456, that she was innocent of the charges against her and declared her a martyr. Joan of Arc was beatified in 1909 and canonized in 1920. She is, along with St. Denis, St. Martin of Tours, St. Louis IX, and St. Theresa of Lisieux, one of the patron saints of France.
Many aspects of Joan of Arc's life are admirable. That is probably why many poets, writers and painters have created pieces of art inspired by her life. But what I personally find impressive is not only her courage and determination, but also the fact that she followed her convictions and faith without ever getting sidetracked by the fact that she was a YOUNG WOMAN born in a POOR family.
"One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying."
Joan of Arc
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