Saint Joanof Arc was born circa 1412 in Domremy, France. From an early age, Joan of Arc’smother imbued the love of Catholicism within her, later influencing herdecision to fight in the Hundred Years War. Joan of Arc is remembered becauseof her courage and bravery in saving France, and piety in the Catholic Church.The Hundred Years War began in 1337and ended in 1453.
It was fought between England and France over a dispute interritory. During the 116 years it lasted, the war was split up into threedifferent eras; the Edwardian Era War, the Caroline War, and the LancastrianWar. Saint Joan of Arc lived and fought during the Lancastrian War era, helpingbring France to victory at Orleans. Before entering the war, Saint Joan ofArc’s village unwillingly evacuated their homes, due to the impending threat ofBritish invasion. During this time period, women were considered inferior tomen. This inhibited many of the roles women were ‘allowed’ to do. Saint Joan of Arc faced several strugglesbefore earning the reputation she is remembered for today. When Joan wasthirteen years old, she began to hear God’s voice in her head.
God had begun toreveal his divine mission for her, which was to rescue France from Britain andto declare Charles VII as the lawful king. Many doubted her and even questionedher faithfulness to God. This was the first of many difficulties she would facein her life. Once she began her journey to bestow Prince Charles VII thethrone, she visited the Vaucouleurs for permission to ask Prince Charles VII tofight in the war. She was rejected at first, but she persisted. This attachedmany followers who believed that Joan was the virgin, in the local prophecy,that would save France. She then cut her hair and dressed like a man for elevendays as she journeyed on to Chinon (where prince Charles VII’s castle was) withan escort of soldiers and a horse given to her by Robert de Baudricourt, afterhe had seen the approval of the villagers.
There she requested that he give heran army. At first Prince Charles VII refused. It wasn’t until Joan revealed apersonal prayer Charles prayed to God to help save France, that God haddivulged to her. Saint Joanof Arc was born to two poor tenant farmers. She lived a humble life where hermother taught her the Catholic faith. As she grew up, Joan took care of animalsand acquired the skill of sewing.
During the middle ages, many people wereilliterate because education wasn’t valued. Thus, Saint Joan of Arc was also lackedthe skill of literacy. Saint Joanof Arc is remembered primarily because of her help to turn the tide of theHundred Years War. After getting permission from Prince Charles VII, she and hertroop set off to force the British to retreat across the Loire River atOrleans. The news spread throughout France that a peasant girl had helped repelledBritish invaders.
She quickly gained support from new followers. Joan then lead Prince Charles VII to Reims, wherehe was then coronated in 1429, fulfilling her promise to God. In 1430, Joan ofArc was knocked off her horse and captured by the British. She was then triedand put to death on the account of witchcraft, cross dressing, and heresy. On May30, 1431 Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in the village of Rouren. Not onlydid Joan defy the social norm by being a woman in combat, she inspired otheroppressed women to stand up for themselves and to question the norms.
