Joan of Arc by proudspirit29 on DeviantArt (original) (raw)

Joan of Arc is a patroness saint of France, honored as a defender of the French nation for her role in the siege of Orleans and her insistence on coronation of Charles VII of France during the Hundred Year's War. Claiming to be acting under divine guidance, she became a military leader who transcended gender roles and gained recognition as a savior of France. Joan was born to a propertied peasant family at Domremy in northeast France. In 1428, she requested to be taken to Charles VII, later testifying that she was guided by visions from the archangel Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine to help him save France from English domination. Convinced of her devotion and purity, Charles sent Joan, who was about 17 years old, to the siege of Orleans as part of a relief army. She arrived at the city in April 1429, wielding her banner and bringing hope to the demoralized French army. 9 days after her arrival, the English abandoned the siege. Joan encouraged the French to aggressively pursue the English during the Loire Campaign, which culminated in another decisive victory at Patay, opening the way for the French army to advance on Reims unopposed, where Charles was crowned as the King of France with Joan at his side. These victories boosted French morale, paving the way for their final triumph in the Hundred Year's War several decades later. After Charles's coronation, Joan participated in the unsuccessful siege of Paris in September 1429 and the failed siege of La Charite in November. Her role in these defeats reduced the court's company of volunteers to relieve Compiegne, which had been besieged by the Burugundians - French allies of the English. She was captured by Burugundian troops on May 23rd. After trying unsuccessfully to escape, she was handed to the English in November. She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on accusations of heresy, which included blaspheming by wearing men's clothes, acting upon visions that were demonic, and refusing to submit her words and deeds to the judgement of the church. She was declared guilty and burned at the stake on May 30th, 1431, about age 19.