Joan of Arc: Maid, Myth, and History

Joan of Arc by Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres

Joan of Arc: Maid, Myth and History

by Timothy Wilson-Smith

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1591 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	355 pages
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Joan of Arc, the legendary French heroine who led the French army to victory against the English during the Hundred Years' War, is one of the most fascinating and enigmatic figures in history. Born to a peasant family in the village of Domrémy in 1412, Joan claimed to have received visions from God telling her to lead the French to victory. Despite her humble origins, Joan quickly rose to prominence, inspiring the French army to a series of stunning victories against the English.

Joan's military career was short-lived, but her impact on French history was profound. She helped to turn the tide of the Hundred Years' War in favor of the French, and her victory at the Battle of Orleans in 1429 is still celebrated as a national holiday in France. Joan was captured by the English in 1430 and was burned at the stake as a heretic in 1431. However, her legacy lived on, and she was eventually canonized by the Catholic Church in 1920.

Joan of Arc has been the subject of countless books, movies, and television shows. She is a symbol of courage, patriotism, and faith, and her story continues to inspire people around the world.

The Myth of Joan of Arc

The story of Joan of Arc is full of myth and legend. She is often portrayed as a virgin warrior who was chosen by God to save France. However, the historical record suggests that Joan was a more complex and nuanced figure. She was a devout Catholic, but she was also a strong-willed and independent woman. She was not afraid to speak her mind, and she often clashed with the authority of the Church and the French court.

The myth of Joan of Arc was created in the years following her death. The French government used her story to rally support for the war against the English. The Church used her story to promote its own authority. And the people of France used her story to create a national myth that they could all believe in.

The myth of Joan of Arc has had a lasting impact on French history and culture. She is a symbol of French identity, and her story is still told and retold today. However, it is important to remember that the myth of Joan of Arc is just that—a myth. The real Joan of Arc was a complex and flawed human being. She was a courageous and inspiring leader, but she was also a victim of her own time and circumstances.

The History of Joan of Arc

The historical record of Joan of Arc is relatively sparse. Most of what we know about her comes from the trial transcripts of her trial for heresy. These transcripts provide a valuable glimpse into Joan's life and beliefs. However, they are also biased against her, and they must be read with caution.

According to the trial transcripts, Joan was born in the village of Domrémy in 1412. Her parents were poor peasants, and she had little formal education. Joan claimed to have received visions from God telling her to lead the French to victory against the English. She first went to the French court in 1429, and she quickly gained the support of the Dauphin, Charles VII. Joan led the French army to a series of stunning victories against the English, including the Battle of Orleans in 1429. However, she was captured by the English in 1430 and was burned at the stake as a heretic in 1431.

Joan's death was a tragedy, but it also had a profound impact on French history. Her sacrifice helped to inspire the French to victory in the Hundred Years' War. And her legacy as a symbol of courage, patriotism, and faith continues to inspire people around the world.

Timeline of Joan of Arc's Life

• 1412
  Joan of Arc is born in the village of Domrémy.
• 1429
  Joan claims to have received visions from God telling her to lead the French to victory against the English.
• 1429
  Joan goes to the French court and gains the support of the Dauphin, Charles VII.
• 1429
  Joan leads the French army to a stunning victory at the Battle of Orleans.
• 1430
  Joan is captured by the English.
• 1431
  Joan is burned at the stake as a heretic.
• 1920
  Joan is canonized by the Catholic Church.