Joan of Arc, also known as Jeanne d’Arc, was born in Domrémy, France, on January 6, 1412. She was the daughter of Jacques d’Arc and his wife Isabelle Romée. Joan was a peasant who lived during the Hundred Years’ War.
From a very young age, Joan claimed to have heard voices from saints telling her that she must free France from English occupation. At the age of 16, she presented herself to the future King Charles VII and promised to help him claim his throne. Charles, who was in a desperate situation, decided to give her a chance and provided her with armor and an army.
Joan led the French troops in several battles. Her first major victory was at the Battle of Orleans in 1429, where she inflicted a significant defeat on the English and lifted the siege of the city. This victory is considered a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War and she began to gain popularity as a military leader.
After the victory at Orleans, Joan accompanied Charles VII to Reims, where he was crowned as the king of France. This was an important achievement in her mission to unify the country under the legitimate leadership of the French king.
However, despite her successes, Joan was captured by the Burgundians in 1430 during an attempt to liberate Compiègne. She was sold to the English and taken to trial in Rouen in 1431, accused of heresy and witchcraft.
During her trial, Joan maintained her innocence and asserted that she was only following the divine messages she had received. However, she was found guilty and sentenced to be burned at the stake on May 30, 1431, at the age of 19.
The death of Joan of Arc was a tragic event, but her legacy and historical significance only grew over time. As the years passed, her figure was vindicated and in 1456 a new trial was held where she was declared innocent and a martyr.
In 1920, Joan of Arc was canonized by the Catholic Church and became a patron saint of France. Her life has been the subject of numerous literary works, films, and plays, and she remains an iconic and emblematic figure in French history. Joan of Arc is remembered as a brave leader, a symbol of French resistance, and a woman who defied the norms of her time to follow her divine vocation.
Values of Joan of Arc
Some of the values associated with Joan of Arc are as follows:
- Courage: Joan demonstrated great courage in facing the challenges of leading an army in the Hundred Years’ War and in defending her faith and beliefs even in the face of persecution and trial.
- Determination: Despite coming from a humble peasant family, Joan remained steadfast in her mission to free France and have Charles VII crowned as king.
- Faith and Spirituality: Joan’s experiences with divine voices and her conviction that she was following God’s will guided her throughout her life. Her unwavering faith provided her with strength and motivation during difficult times.
- Patriotism: Joan felt deeply committed to her country and her people. Her primary goal was to defend and liberate France from foreign occupation, reflecting a strong sense of love and loyalty to her nation.
- Loyalty: She demonstrated loyalty not only to her country but also to King Charles VII. Despite the challenges and difficulties, Joan remained loyal to her leader and worked tirelessly to ensure his coronation and consolidation of power.
- Persistence: Joan was persistent and did not give up in the face of adversities and obstacles. Her determination and focus on her mission led her to achieve important victories and inspire others to join her cause.
These values are part of Joan of Arc’s legacy and continue to inspire many people to this day.
Famous Quotes by Joan of Arc
Below are some of the most famous quotes attributed to Joan of Arc:
- “I would rather die standing than live kneeling.”
- “The good God does not need soldiers who surrender.”
- “I am not afraid, I was born to do this.”
- “God will guide me.”
- “I will always do God’s will.”
- “I fear nothing, for God is with me.”
- “Everything that God desires that I do, I will do.”
- “France must be governed by its king and not by England.”
- “There will be no help if not from God.”
- “I do not have any more time to waste.”
These quotes reflect the bravery, determination, and unwavering faith that characterized Joan of Arc in her mission to free France and defend her faith.