Joan of Arc

Basic Information

Introduction

Joan of Arc is one of history’s most extraordinary figures—a teenage peasant girl who led armies, crowned a king, and changed the course of the Hundred Years’ War. Her story of divine visions, military triumph, political intrigue, and martyrdom has inspired countless works of art, literature, and scholarship over nearly six centuries.

Burned at the stake at approximately age 19 for heresy, Joan was later vindicated, beatified, and finally canonized as a saint. She has become a symbol of French nationalism, female empowerment, religious faith, and the triumph of the individual spirit against overwhelming odds.

Major Achievements

Historical Context

The Hundred Years’ War

Joan lived during the Hundred Years’ War (1337-1453), a prolonged conflict between the Kingdoms of England and France over the French throne:

• Dynastic dispute: English kings claimed French crown through inheritance
• French division: France split between Armagnacs (supporting Charles VII) and Burgundians (allied with England)
• English dominance: By 1429, English controlled northern France, including Paris
• Charles VII’s weakness: The Dauphin (crown prince) had not been crowned at Reims, the traditional site

The Siege of Orléans

By 1428-1429, the strategic city of Orléans was under English siege: - Strategic importance: Control of the Loire Valley - French desperation: Defeat would mean English conquest of southern France - Charles VII’s position: Uncrowned, weak, seemingly doomed

The Religious Context

Joan’s era was marked by: - Intense Catholic faith: Religious visions accepted as possible - Suspicion of heresy: Church authorities vigilant against false prophets - Supernatural beliefs: Prophecies about a maid who would save France circulated - Mystical spirituality: Female mystics like Catherine of Siena provided precedent

Summary of Significance

Religious Significance

• Canonization: Declared a saint in 1920 by Pope Benedict XV
• Patron saint: One of France’s patron saints (1922)
• Mystical tradition: Joins company of visionary saints
• Catholic heroine: Model of faith and sacrifice

National Significance

• French unity: Symbol of resistance to foreign invasion
• Republican symbol: Adopted by French Revolution and Third Republic
• World War I icon: Invoked during 1914-1918
• World War II symbol: Both Free French and Vichy claimed her

Cultural Significance

• Female leadership: Early example of women in military command
• Individual against institutions: Teenage peasant defying nobility and church
• Martyrdom: Innocent destroyed by corrupt authority
• Transcendent inspiration: Divine mission changing history

Artistic Significance

Joan has inspired: - Shakespeare: Henry VI, Part 1 (as Joan La Pucelle) - Voltaire: The Maid of Orleans (satirical poem) - Schiller: The Maid of Orleans (play) - Tchaikovsky: The Maid of Orleans (opera) - Mark Twain: Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc - George Bernard Shaw: Saint Joan (play) - Carl Dreyer: The Passion of Joan of Arc (silent film) - Countless paintings: By Rossetti, Ingres, Bastien-Lepage, and others

Quick Facts

• Joan was approximately 17 when she led the army to Orléans
• She never actually fought in battle—she carried a banner, not a sword
• She was the youngest person in history to command armies of a nation
• She was burned at the stake at approximately age 19
• Her trial was politically motivated to discredit Charles VII’s coronation
• She was posthumously declared a martyr by the Church in 1456
• She is one of only nine women honored as a secondary patron saint of France
• Her feast day is May 30 (date of death) and second feast on May 8 (deliverance of Orléans)

Joan of Arc: Early Life

Origins in Domrémy

Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in the village of Domrémy, located in the Duchy of Bar on the border between the Kingdom of France and the Holy Roman Empire. The village lay in the valley of the Meuse River, surrounded by forests and meadows—a rural, agricultural world far removed from the centers of power where Joan would later make her mark.

Family Background

Joan’s parents were Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée, modest peasants of some local standing:

Jacques d’Arc: Joan’s father was a tenant farmer who worked land owned by others. He held minor village offices, suggesting respect within the community but no wealth or noble status. He was apparently a stern, practical man, skeptical of Joan’s later claims.

Isabelle Romée: Joan’s mother came from a family of some local distinction. Her surname suggests her family had made a pilgrimage to Rome (“Romée”). She was devoted to her daughter and supported Joan’s mission, later testifying at the nullification trial.

The Family Home

The d’Arc household was typical of prosperous peasants: - Stone house: The family lived in a solid dwelling (still standing, now a museum) - Agricultural work: Farming, tending animals, household labor - Religious practice: Catholic faith central to daily life - Community life: Village celebrations, church attendance, seasonal rhythms

Joan was the youngest of five children: | Name | Notes | |------|-------| | Jacques | Older brother | | Jean | Older brother | | Pierre | Older brother; accompanied Joan to court | | Catherine | Older sister; died young | | Jeanne | The youngest; “Joan” in English |

Childhood and Youth (c. 1412-1428)

Rural Life

Joan’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of medieval peasant life:

• Physical labor: Spinning, sewing, field work, animal care
• Religious education: Catechism, prayers, church attendance
• Local community: Village festivals, seasonal celebrations
• Limited formal education: Illiterate, like most peasant girls

Joan later testified that she learned to sew and spin but was not skilled at domestic tasks—suggesting her mind was elsewhere even as a child.

The Threat of War

Domrémy lay in contested territory during the Hundred Years’ War: - Burgundian raids: Pro-English Burgundian forces attacked the area - Flight to safety: The villagers sometimes fled to the fortified town of Neufchâteau - Village destruction: In 1428, Domrémy was attacked and burned - Personal impact: Joan witnessed violence and displacement

These experiences gave Joan direct knowledge of war’s horrors and motivated her desire to drive the English from France.

Religious Formation

Joan’s Catholic faith was intense and personal: - Daily prayers: Regular religious practice - Veneration of saints: Particularly Michael, Margaret, and Catherine - Local church: The parish church of Saint-Rémy - Fairy tree: A local beech tree where villagers made offerings (later used against her at trial)

The Visions Begin (c. 1425-1428)

First Apparitions

According to Joan’s testimony, she was about 13 years old when she first experienced visions:

“I was in my thirteenth year when God sent a voice to guide me.”

The visions began in her father’s garden around 1425: - First experience: A voice accompanied by bright light - Later visions: The voice became clearer, accompanied by visible figures - Increasing frequency: Initially seasonal, later constant

The Identified Voices

Joan identified three saints who appeared to her:

These saints were significant choices: - Michael: Associated with military victory and France - Margaret and Catherine: Both virgin martyrs who defied male authority; role models for Joan

The Message

The voices delivered a clear message: - Joan’s mission: She was to save France - Her role: To lead the Dauphin (Charles VII) to Reims for coronation - Divine authority: God supported the French cause - Personal virtue: She must remain chaste, live as a man, and fulfill her mission

Joan initially resisted: - She was “just a poor girl who could not ride or lead in war” - She feared telling her parents - She continued her domestic life while the voices persisted

The Decision to Act (1428-1429)

The Command Becomes Urgent

By 1428, the messages became insistent: - The siege of Orléans: The critical situation demanded action - Direct command: She must go to the Dauphin - Obstacles: Her father’s opposition, her gender, her youth, her poverty

Opposition at Home

Joan’s father Jacques was hostile to her mission: - He had dreams she would run away with soldiers - He threatened to drown her rather than let her go - He arranged a marriage for her to prevent her leaving

Joan resisted the marriage, maintaining her commitment to virginity and her divine mission.

The Journey Begins

In May 1428, at approximately age 16, Joan made her first attempt: - She traveled to nearby Vaucouleurs with a relative - She spoke with the local captain, Robert de Baudricourt - He dismissed her as a foolish girl - She returned home

Persistence and Success

Joan did not give up: - She returned to Vaucouleurs in January 1429 - She gained supporters among the townspeople who believed in her - She made a prediction that came true (the defeat of French forces at the Battle of the Herrings), establishing her credibility - She told Baudricourt: “I must be at the King’s side, even if I wear my legs down to my knees”

By February 1429, Baudricourt relented, providing an escort of six men to take Joan through enemy territory to Chinon, where the Dauphin held court.

The Journey to Chinon (February-March 1429)

Travel Through Enemy Territory

The journey from Vaucouleurs to Chinon was approximately 350 miles through hostile territory: - Disguise: Joan traveled as a man—wearing male clothing for protection and practicality - Danger: English and Burgundian patrols everywhere - Speed: The journey took about 11 days - Companions: Jean de Metz, Bertrand de Poulengy, and four others

Arrival at Chinon

Joan arrived at the Château de Chinon on March 6, 1429: - The castle was crowded with soldiers, courtiers, and petitioners - She announced her mission: to raise the siege of Orléans and crown the Dauphin - She asked to see Charles immediately

The Private Examination

Charles was skeptical but curious. He arranged a test: - Disguise: He hid among his courtiers in the crowded hall - Recognition: Joan walked directly to him, though she had never seen him - Private audience: They spoke alone for some time

What was said remains unknown, but Joan convinced Charles of her sincerity. He may have seen her as a political opportunity—a sign of divine favor that could rally his demoralized forces.

The Making of a Leader

By March 1429, Joan had: - Left her peasant home at age 16-17 - Traveled hundreds of miles through enemy territory - Gained access to the heir to the French throne - Convinced him to take her seriously - Begun the process of transforming from village girl to military leader

The ignorant peasant girl who had never left Domrémy was about to lead armies, change the course of a war, and become one of history’s most celebrated figures—all before her twentieth birthday.

Joan of Arc: Career

The Examination at Poitiers (March-April 1429)

Before Joan could lead armies, she had to be examined by authorities to verify her claims. The Dauphin Charles, though personally convinced, needed ecclesiastical and political validation before entrusting military command to a teenage peasant girl.

The Theological Commission

At Poitiers, a commission of theologians examined Joan: - Duration: Approximately three weeks - Questioning: Her voices, her mission, her orthodoxy - Physical examination: Verification of her virginity (important for her credibility as a holy woman) - Prophetic test: She made a private prophecy to Charles that apparently came true

The Verdict

The commission concluded: - No evidence of heresy or sorcery - Joan appeared to be a good Catholic - Her mission could be from God - She should be given a chance

This qualified endorsement was enough for Charles to proceed.

Armor and Standard

Joan was provided with: - Armor: A suit of white armor (paid for by Charles) - Sword: Found at the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, as her voices had directed - Standard: A white banner depicting God holding the world, with angels, and the names “JESUS MARIA” - Sword: She carried a sword but emphasized her banner as her primary weapon

The Relief of Orléans (April-May 1429)

Arrival at Orléans

Joan reached the besieged city of Orléans on April 29, 1429: - She arrived with supplies and reinforcements - The French commander, the Duke of Alençon, quickly became her ally and friend - She inspired the demoralized French troops

The Siege

The English had surrounded Orléans with a series of fortified positions: - Les Tourelles: Key fortress controlling the bridge - Various bastilles: English fortifications around the city - English army: Commanded by the Earl of Salisbury (killed early) and others

Military Actions

Joan’s role in the fighting: - May 4: Attack on Saint-Loup; French victory - May 6: Assault on les Augustins - May 7: The assault on Les Tourelles—Joan’s most heroic moment

The Wounding at Les Tourelles

During the attack on Les Tourelles: - Joan was hit by an arrow between her neck and shoulder - She was carried from the field - She prayed, returned to battle, and the fortress was taken - The English lifted the siege the next day

The Siege Lifted

By May 8, 1429, the English had withdrawn: - Strategic significance: Orléans saved; English momentum halted - Propaganda victory: Divine intervention seemed confirmed - French morale: Transformed from despair to hope

The Loire Campaign (June 1429)

The March to Reims

Joan and the French commanders decided to clear the Loire Valley of English forces before proceeding to crown Charles at Reims:

The Battle of Patay

June 18, 1429, saw the most complete French victory of the war: - English longbowmen: Caught before they could set up defensive positions - Cavalry charge: French knights overwhelmed the English - English losses: Heavy casualties; key commanders captured - Strategic impact: The English field army in France was destroyed

This battle demonstrated that the English could be decisively beaten, reversing decades of French defeats.

The Coronation at Reims (July 1429)

The March to Reims

After Patay, Joan insisted on proceeding immediately to Reims for Charles’s coronation: - Distance: Approximately 150 miles of enemy territory - Towns: Many opened their gates without resistance - Speed: Rapid advance taking advantage of momentum - Symbolic importance: Reims was the traditional site for French coronations

The Coronation

On July 17, 1429, Charles VII was crowned at Reims Cathedral: - Joan’s position: Standing near the king, holding her standard - Divine sanction: The ceremony gave Charles legitimacy in the eyes of France - Joan’s triumph: Her primary mission accomplished - Public impact: Demonstrated that God supported the French cause

Joan’s Request

After the coronation, Joan reportedly asked Charles to: - Liberate Paris - Press the military advantage against the English - She also asked for the liberation of her family village (which was done)

The Setbacks (August 1430)

The Attack on Paris

In September 1429, Joan led an assault on Paris: - Goal: Capture the capital from the English-Burgundian garrison - Failure: The attack was repulsed - Wounding: Joan was wounded in the leg by a crossbow bolt - Order to withdraw: Charles, now crowned, seemed less interested in aggressive action

The Siege of La Charité

November 1429 saw another failure: - Joan failed to capture La Charité-sur-Loire - Winter weather and lack of support hampered the operation - This was Joan’s second major setback

The King’s Changing Attitude

Charles VII, now crowned, became cautious: - Diplomatic negotiations: He opened talks with Burgundy - Military caution: Less willing to take risks - Joan’s role: Increasingly marginalized at court - Political maneuvering: Court intrigue surrounded the king

Capture and Imprisonment (May 1430)

The Siege of Compiègne

On May 23, 1430, Joan was captured at Compiègne: - She was leading a sortie against the Burgundian besiegers - The withdrawal: The gates were closed before she could return - Capture: Burgundian soldiers seized her - Refused ransom: Despite French offers, the Burgundians held her

Transfer to the English

In November 1430, Joan was sold to the English: - Price: 10,000 francs - Purpose: The English wanted to discredit her and, through her, Charles VII - Political motivation: If Joan were a heretic, Charles’s coronation at her urging was tainted

Imprisonment at Rouen

Joan was held at Rouen, the English capital in France: - Conditions: Imprisoned in a secular prison (unusual for a woman) - Treatment: Reports of harsh treatment, chains, male guards - Escape attempts: She attempted to jump from a tower (injuring herself) - Duration: Nearly a year of imprisonment before trial

The Trial (January-May 1431)

The Accusation

Joan was tried by an ecclesiastical court: - Presiding judge: Pierre Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais (pro-English) - Charges: Heresy, witchcraft, cross-dressing, false claims of divine revelation - Purpose: Discredit Joan and delegitimize Charles VII

The Proceedings

The trial lasted from January to May 1431: - Questioning: Extensive interrogation of Joan’s beliefs, voices, actions - Joan’s defense: She maintained her voices were from God and her mission was legitimate - Trick questions: Attempts to catch her in theological errors - Joan’s intelligence: She proved remarkably capable in theological debate

The Condemnation

On May 24, 1431, Joan was taken to the scaffold for execution: - Told she would be burned: The threat of immediate death - Signed abjuration: Under pressure, she signed a document renouncing her errors - Sentence commuted: Life imprisonment instead of death

Recantation and Re-condemnation

Within days, Joan’s situation changed again: - Resumed male clothing: Either tricked or choosing to (accounts differ) - Claimed her voices returned: She had been wrong to abjure - Re-condemned: As a relapsed heretic, she was sentenced to death

Martyrdom (May 30, 1431)

The Execution

On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the market square at Rouen: - Morning: She received communion (allowed despite condemnation) - Procession: Led to the Place du Vieux-Marché - The pyre: Tied to a pillar surrounded by wood - Her final words: Calling on Jesus, consoling bystanders

The Aftermath

According to witnesses: - She died looking at a crucifix held by a friar - Her last word was reportedly “Jesus” - Her body was burned twice more to reduce it to ash - The ashes were scattered in the Seine to prevent relics

Age at Death

Joan was approximately 19 years old when she died: - Active for only about two years - Changed history in that brief time - Became a legend that has endured nearly six centuries

Career Summary

Joan’s public career lasted approximately two years, from her arrival at Chinon in March 1429 to her capture in May 1430. In that brief time, she accomplished what decades of French military and political effort had failed to achieve: turning the tide of the Hundred Years’ War and ensuring the survival of an independent French monarchy.

Joan of Arc: Major Achievements

Military Transformation of the Hundred Years’ War

Joan of Arc’s military achievements, accomplished in approximately one year of active campaigning, transformed the course of the Hundred Years’ War and French history. A teenage peasant girl with no military training succeeded where experienced commanders had failed, demonstrating that morale, leadership, and belief can overcome tactical disadvantage.

The Relief of Orléans (April-May 1429)

Strategic Significance

The siege of Orléans was the turning point of the war: - Strategic city: Control of the Loire Valley gateway - English momentum: Success here would have opened southern France - French desperation: The Dauphin’s cause seemed lost - Symbolic importance: The “Maid of Orléans” became France’s savior

Joan’s Role

Joan’s specific contributions to the victory:

Tactical Leadership

• Insisted on aggressive action when commanders hesitated
• Identified key strategic objectives (Les Tourelles)
• Coordinated multiple assaults
• Maintained pressure on English positions

Morale and Inspiration

• Inspired demoralized French troops
• Predicted victory, which seemed to come true
• Led from the front, carrying her banner
• Refused to accept defeat or delay

Personal Courage

• Wounded at Les Tourelles but returned to battle
• Exposed herself to enemy fire
• Shared dangers with common soldiers
• Demonstrated that God favored the French cause

The Aftermath

The lifting of the siege: - Propaganda victory: Divine intervention seemed confirmed - Strategic shift: English advance halted permanently - French morale: Transformed from despair to hope - Joan’s authority: Established as military leader

The Battle of Patay (June 18, 1429)

Military Significance

Patay was the most complete French victory of the war and one of the most decisive battles in medieval history:

Tactical Achievement

• English longbowmen, normally dominant, were caught unprepared
• French cavalry achieved surprise attack
• Minimal French casualties; heavy English losses
• Destroyed the English field army in France

Strategic Impact

• Reversed decades of English military superiority
• Opened the road to Reims
• Demonstrated French capability to defeat English in open battle
• Ended the myth of English invincibility

Joan’s Role

Though traditional accounts emphasize other commanders, Joan: - Participated in the campaign planning - Urged aggressive pursuit of retreating English - Was present and actively engaged - Contributed to the victory through her aggressive approach

The Coronation of Charles VII (July 17, 1429)

Political Significance

The coronation at Reims accomplished Joan’s primary mission:

Legitimacy

• Traditional site for French coronations
• Divine sanction through holy oil (chrism)
• Transformed Charles from Dauphin to King
• Established legal and moral authority over France

Symbolic Power

• Joan stood beside the king holding her standard
• Visual representation of divine favor
• Propaganda victory over the English claim
• Unified French factions around the crowned king

Joan’s Triumph

• Her voices’ instructions fulfilled
• Proof that her mission was from God
• Peak of her authority and influence
• Demonstrated that a peasant girl could change history

Historical Impact

The coronation: - Made Charles VII’s kingship irreversible - Gave the French cause legitimacy in European eyes - Undermined English claims to French throne - Established the foundation for ultimate French victory

Transforming French Military Culture

Aggressive Tactics

Joan challenged the defensive mentality of French commanders: - Offensive warfare: Taking the fight to the enemy - Speed: Rapid movements to maintain momentum - Decisive battle: Seeking engagement rather than avoiding it - Morale: Believing in victory

Integration of National Purpose

Joan connected military action to national cause: - Divine mission: Fighting for God’s chosen king - French independence: Driving out foreign invaders - Popular support: Rallying common people to the cause - National unity: Transcending feudal divisions

Lasting Military Influence

Joan’s approach influenced: - French military revival in the 15th century - Development of French national identity - Concept of citizen soldiers - Integration of religious and military motivation

Rehabilitation and Canonization

The Nullification Trial (1456)

Joan’s posthumous vindication:

The Process

• Initiated by Charles VII and Joan’s family
• Examined evidence from her original trial
• Interviewed surviving witnesses
• Verdict: The 1431 trial was corrupt and its verdict invalid

The Significance

• Joan declared a martyr, not a heretic
• Her condemnation overturned
• Reputation restored
• Family rehabilitation

Beatification (1909)

Joan’s path to sainthood: - 1894: Pope Leo XIII opens cause for beatification - 1909: Beatified by Pope Pius X - Recognition: As a holy woman of heroic virtue - Veneration: Permitted in Catholic Church

Canonization (1920)

Joan declared a saint: - May 16, 1920: Canonized by Pope Benedict XV - Feast day: May 30 (anniversary of her death) - Patron saint: Of France, soldiers, prisoners, and others - Universal recognition: One of the most popular Catholic saints

Second Feast Day

• May 8: Commemorates the deliverance of Orléans
• Officially recognized in France
• Celebrated in Orléans with elaborate ceremonies

Cultural and Symbolic Achievements

National Symbol of France

Joan became the embodiment of French unity:

Historical Moments

• French Revolution: Both sides claimed her (monarchists and republicans)
• Third Republic: Official national heroine
• World War I: Symbol of resistance to German invasion
• World War II: Claimed by both Vichy and Free French
• Modern France: Unifying symbol transcending politics

Iconography

• Statues in virtually every French town
• Featured on French currency
• Military and government institutions bear her name
• Annual celebrations at Orléans

Feminist Icon

Joan as symbol of female capability:

Early Female Leadership

• Led armies before age 20
• Commanded respect from male soldiers and nobles
• Dressed as male without surrendering identity
• Accomplished what men could not

Inspiration for Women

• Military: Women in combat roles
• Religious: Female mystics and saints
• Political: Women in leadership positions
• Cultural: Breaking gender barriers

Religious Symbol

Joan represents multiple religious themes:

Sainthood and Martyrdom

• Died for faith and mission
• Posthumously vindicated
• Miracles attributed to her intercession
• Popular devotion worldwide

The Individual and Authority

• Personal revelation vs. institutional religion
• Conscience vs. established power
• Authentic faith vs. political manipulation
• The prophet rejected by her own people

Global Cultural Icon

Joan’s influence extends worldwide:

Historical Assessment

Immediate Impact (1429-1453)

Joan’s brief career: - Saved Orléans and the French monarchy - Enabled the coronation of Charles VII - Transformed French military and political morale - Set stage for ultimate French victory (1453)

Long-term Historical Consequences

Joan’s influence on: - French national identity: The unified nation-state - Royal authority: Strengthening the monarchy - Hundred Years’ War: French victory and English withdrawal - Concept of nation: People, not just dynasty, as basis of state

Scholarly Evaluation

Historians debate: - Military role: How decisive was her tactical contribution? - Psychological impact: The power of belief and morale - Political significance: The coronation’s importance - Religious dimension: Visions as genuine or political tool?

The consensus recognizes that Joan’s contribution, while perhaps exaggerated in legend, was genuinely transformative. She did not single-handedly win the war, but she catalyzed a transformation that made French victory possible.

The Unique Achievement

Joan of Arc’s achievements are unique in history:

1. Youth: Accomplished all before age 20
2. Background: Peasant girl leading nobles and armies
3. Gender: Woman commanding in medieval warfare
4. Duration: Transformed history in less than two years
5. Posthumous vindication: From heretic to saint in 25 years
6. Cultural endurance: Remains iconic nearly 600 years later

No other historical figure matches this combination of circumstances, achievement, and lasting impact. Joan of Arc stands alone as the teenage peasant who saved a nation and became a saint.

Personal Life

Overview

Beyond their public achievements, Joan of Arc’s personal life reveals a complex and multifaceted individual whose private experiences have shaped their public persona.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Joan of Arc’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Joan of Arc’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Joan of Arc’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Contemporaries and Relationships

Overview

Joan of Arc’s relationships with contemporaries provide insight into the social and intellectual networks that shaped their era. These connections influenced their work and legacy.

Key Points

The details of this aspect of Joan of Arc’s story reveal important dimensions of their character, achievements, and impact. Understanding these elements provides a more complete picture of Joan of Arc’s significance.

Significance

This dimension of Joan of Arc’s life and work contributes to the larger narrative of their enduring importance and continuing relevance in the modern world.

Joan of Arc: Legacy

From Heretic to Saint

Joan of Arc’s legacy represents one of history’s most dramatic transformations in reputation. Condemned as a heretic and burned at the stake in 1431, she was vindicated as a martyr in 1456, beatified in 1909, and canonized as a saint in 1920. Today she stands as a universal symbol of courage, faith, and national identity—one of the most enduring and versatile icons in human history.

Religious Legacy

Sainthood and Devotion

Joan’s canonization in 1920 formalized centuries of popular devotion:

Patronages

Joan serves as patron saint of: - France (one of the nation’s patron saints) - Soldiers (especially French soldiers) - Prisoners (imprisoned as she was) - People ridiculed for their piety - Captives and those facing adversity

Theological Significance

Joan represents: - Personal revelation: Direct divine communication - Martyrdom: Faith unto death - The individual conscience: Following God despite institutional opposition - Virginity and purity: Spiritual integrity - Youthful sanctity: Holiness possible at any age

National Legacy of France

Symbol of French Unity

Joan has served as a unifying symbol across French history:

The Ancien Régime

• Royalist symbol: Charles VII’s legitimacy through her
• Catholic heroine: Defender of faith and crown
• Popular devotion: Local and national cult

The French Revolution

• Contested symbol: Both sides claimed her
• Republican appropriation: Peasant girl defeating foreign aristocrats
• Religious tension: Catholic saint vs. secular republic

The 19th Century

• Napoleon: Used her image for nationalist purposes
• Third Republic: Official national heroine (1870s onward)
• Dreyfus Affair: Her image invoked by both sides

The World Wars

• World War I: Symbol of French resistance to German invasion
• World War II: Both Vichy regime and Free French claimed her
• Liberation: Symbol of French revival

Modern France

• Unifying icon: Transcending political divisions
• Cultural identity: Quintessential French figure
• International symbol: French cultural ambassador

Institutional Recognition

• Second patron saint of France (after the Virgin Mary)
• Appears on French currency (francs and commemorative coins)
• Statues in virtually every French town
• Annual celebrations at Orléans (May 8)
• Museums and memorials throughout France

Military and Political Legacy

Female Leadership Precedent

Joan established the possibility of women in military command:

Influence on Military History

Joan’s career demonstrated: - Morale over materiel: Belief can overcome equipment disadvantage - Aggressive warfare: Offensive spirit as decisive factor - National armies: Citizen soldiers over feudal levies - Religious motivation: Faith as military force multiplier

Political Symbolism

Joan represents: - Popular sovereignty: The people’s will (even a peasant) over traditional authority - National self-determination: French independence from English rule - Resistance to oppression: Standing against overwhelming odds - Legitimacy through divine favor: God’s choice of ruler

Feminist Legacy

Icon of Female Capability

Joan has been claimed by feminists across generations:

Early Feminism

• Proof of women’s intellectual and leadership capacity
• Challenge to gender restrictions
• Example of female heroism

Modern Feminism

• Gender performance: Successfully adopting male roles
• Virginity as choice: Autonomy over her body
• Visionary authority: Spiritual power independent of institutional Church
• Individual achievement: Succeeding despite societal constraints

Debates Within Feminism

Joan’s feminist legacy is contested: - Conservative view: Traditional Catholic, submissive to male authority (the king, God) - Radical view: Revolutionary challenge to gender norms - Military view: Warrior woman breaking combat barriers - Religious view: Saint whose faith transcended gender

Cultural Legacy

Literature

Joan has inspired works across six centuries:

Opera and Music

Visual Arts

Joan is one of the most painted figures in history:

Film and Television

Global Influence

International Symbol

Joan’s significance extends far beyond France:

United States

• Patriotic symbol: Revolutionary spirit, fighting for freedom
• Women’s rights: Suffragists claimed her
• Military: World War II propaganda

United Kingdom

• Complex relationship: Enemy of England, yet admired
• Shakespeare’s influence: Initially negative portrayal
• Modern appreciation: Recognition of her heroism

Catholic World

• Universal saint: Venerated globally
• Model of faith: Religious education example
• Missionary image: Spreading faith through action

Asia and Beyond

• Cultural translation: Adapted to various cultural contexts
• Anime and manga: Japanese adaptations
• Global recognition: Among the most famous medieval figures worldwide

Political Movements

Joan has been invoked by diverse causes: - Anti-colonial movements: Resistance to foreign occupation - Feminist movements: Female capability and leadership - Religious movements: Faith and martyrdom - Nationalist movements: Various nations claiming her as model

Scholarly Legacy

Historical Study

Joan is among the most studied medieval figures:

The Trial Records

Joan’s trial documents provide: - Most extensive verbatim record of a medieval peasant’s speech - Unique insight into medieval legal procedure - Evidence of theological questioning - Source for Joan’s own words and personality

Continuing Research

Scholars continue to debate: - The nature of her visions (divine, psychological, fraudulent?) - Her actual military role (leader or symbol?) - Political motivations of her trial - Gender and sexuality in her story

The Enduring Questions

Joan’s legacy persists because she raises fundamental questions:

Religious Questions

• Can God speak directly to individuals?
• How do we distinguish true prophecy from false?
• What is the relationship between personal revelation and institutional religion?

Political Questions

• Can individuals change history?
• How do symbols shape political legitimacy?
• What makes a leader effective?

Gender Questions

• Can women lead in male-dominated spheres?
• How does clothing relate to identity?
• What does female heroism look like?

Personal Questions

• How should we respond to inner conviction?
• What would we die for?
• Can one person make a difference?

Conclusion

Joan of Arc’s legacy encompasses:

Religious: Saint, mystic, martyr—one of Catholicism’s most popular saints National: French icon, symbol of unity and resistance Military: Pioneer of female leadership in combat Cultural: Subject of thousands of artistic works across six centuries Feminist: Symbol of female capability and autonomy Universal: Model of courage, faith, and individual conviction

From teenage peasant to global icon, from condemned heretic to canonized saint, Joan of Arc remains one of history’s most fascinating and inspiring figures. Her story—the village girl who heard voices, led armies, saved a nation, and died a martyr—continues to resonate across cultures, religions, and centuries, a testament to the enduring power of conviction, courage, and faith.