Joan of Arc is a significant historical figure for women and myself. Many people know the name Joan of Arc, but few know her story. Joan of Arc symbolizes faith, courage, and the defiance of gender norms.
Joan was born a young peasant in 1412 in the village of Domrémy, France to a farmer. As she grew up, once she reached 13 she began to claim that she heard voices from saints. She claimed that Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret instructed her to help Charles VII drive the English out of France and crown him. When Joan was only 17, she was sent to Orléans as part of a relief army. She brought hope to the demoralized French. Although Joan may have never acted in combat, she posed as a high profile military leader and in some ways a mascot.
Unfortunately in 1430 she was captured by Burgundian troops, and after many unsuccessful escape attempts, she was handed to the English. Joan was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon who accused her of hersey. Heresy included the blasphemy of her wearing men’s clothing, acting upon visions that were demonic, and her refusal to submit her words and deeds to the judgement of the church. She was declared guilty which then led to her being burned at the steak at only 19 years old.
In 1456, an inquisitorial court reinvestigated Joan’s trial and ruled that it had been tainted by deceit and errors. Joan was described as an obedient member of the Catholic Church. She was an early feminist and a symbol of freedom and independence. She is revered as a martyr.
“I am not afraid; I was born to do this.”~ Joan of Arc
