Category: Joan Of Arc

St. Joan of Arc was born on the 6th of January 1412 was an influential French military commander, martyr and one of the most significant women in history. During the Hundred Years’ War she lead a French army to the besieged city of Orléans, where it achieved a strong victory over the English and their rebellious French allies. In 1430 she was captured and burned at the stake by the English. In 1909 she was beatified by Pope Pius X then Canonized by Pope Benedict XV.

Joan’s Significant events

St. Joan of Arc is one of the earliest and best examples of a significant woman to lead an army. During Joan’s early years her visions of saints instructed her to go to Vaucouleurs and meet with Robert de Baudricourt, the local garrison commander at the time. At first, Robert turned her down. He then reconsidered Joan’s request after she gained approval and popularity from other members of her community.

“I was in my thirteenth year when I heard a voice from God to help me govern my conduct. And the first time I was very much afraid”.

After she gained approval from Robert, Joan dressed like a man and set off on a grueling journey which most women at the time would not dare take. This was across the frightening enemy line to Chinon where she would plead her case to the crown prince. After Joan pleaded her case successfully she was told to set off to Orléans, this was the extreme battle where Joan would make a name for herself. Joan then led multiple successful assaults against the rebellious French.

In the Spring of 1430, Joan was captured by the English. Joan was ordered to answer to 70, mostly false, charges against her, including heresy, witchcraft and dressing like a man. The Anglo-Burgundians were aiming to get rid of Joan as she was a powerful woman and of great threat to their cause. She was sentenced and cruelly burned at the stake on May 30, 1431. Before her burning Joan asked for a cross to be held in front of her, looking at the cross her final word was ‘Jesus’.

24 years after the war Charles VII cleared her name through a rigorous trial which proved that Joan was. In 1909 she was beatified by Pope Pius X then Canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920. Since then Joan has always been held in the utmost regard as a heroine and her well-known devotion to God.

Joan’s Christian virtues

Throughout Joan’s short peasant life she was extremely religious. She displayed many christian qualities that were extremely rare in women let alone young women at the time. They included communication with saints and leadership. Both of these provided high value throughout her life.

Joan made it extremely clear that her main mission was presented to her by God in the form of voices. Throughout her life Joan followed The Lord’s commands through the voices of Saint Margaret, St Catherine and Saint Michael. Her devotion to the Lord was also evident in one of her goals when she was young was to receive the sacrament of Communion.

Joan of Arc followed the Lord’s orders even though there was no need to join the fight for France. Being a woman she experienced scruitany and sexism which she persevered through to become a highly recognisable and important French heroine.

Miracles performed by Joan of Arc

To become a Saint one must have two verified miracles. Joan had three verified miracles before her canonization in april 1909. Another miracle was performed in August 1909 adding to her large tally of four miracles. Which is double the required two. Her miracles were after her death once she was in heaven where she could perform these on behalf of god.

Joan’s first miracle was the cure of Sister Therese of Saint Augustine from Orleans. Joan cured Sister Therese of crippling of leg ulcers. Joan’s second miracle was to Sister Julie Gauthier, of Faverolles, who was cured of a cancerous ulcer of her left breast. Joan’s third miracle was Sister Marie Sagnier, who was from Frages. She was astonishingly cured of cancer of the stomach.

Joan’s fourth miracle after her canonization was where Msgr. Leon Cristiani took part in a phenomenal cure of Thérèse Belin at Lourdes. Thérèse Belin was unconscious when the Sacrament passed before her, but opened her eyes and sat up when Msgr. Cristiani conjured the name of Joan of Arc. The other miracle was the cure of Miss Mirandelle, said to have had a hole in the sole of her left foot.

Joan Of Arc was a national heroine of France, she was born 1412 in a village called Domremy which is located in Grand Est. At the age of 18, she had led the French army to triumph over the English at Orleans but sadly, she was captured a year later and was burnt at stake.

She was included in many different events which some were very risky but she was brave enough to take all those risks. On February 13, 1429, Joan decides to take a risk and leave Vaucouleurs in men’s armour and chooses to head to Chinon. Once she arrived she asks to help France fight the English. Secondly, In December 1429 Joan journeys her way again to Vaucouleurs so that she could ask Dauphin if she would be able to join his force, which her main aim was to be accepted since she was turned down by them in 1428. Thirdly, this battle was Joan’s last military action, specifically when she left Charles side so that she could fight the Burgundian forces at the ill-fated Battle of Compiegne. She has many more events that she had taken place in, which makes her important as she fought for what she believed in and what others believe on what everyone should be like.

Men’s Armour

On February 13, 1429, Joan had left Vaucouleurs in men’s clothing as she heads to Chinon, where the Dauphin has been staying. Once she has reached the location, she asks for permission if she could assist France to fight the English and Burgundians. She had worn men’s armour because she had known that wearing this armour would make her fit in with the English as she knew that she was going to be in an English controlled area. It has been two days after she has arrived and the Dauphin finally agreed to give Joan an audience. Apparently, the Dauphin had secretly hidden amongst his court for safety reasons.

Accepted by the Dauphin

In the year 1428, Joan began to hear voices which then led her to travel to Vaucouleurs. She went knowing that her parents would refuse her to go, so instead she had to lie to them saying that she was going to help a neighbours wife give birth. Joan found the leader of the fortress and asked to let her join his force, but of course, the Dauphin wasn’t going to take a sixteen-year-old peasant to join his team. Although in 1429 Joan had decided to return Vaucouleurs and for untold reasons, the captain of this force was persuaded by her enthusiasm and she had got accepted.

Battle of Compiegne

After Joan Of Arc failed the attack of La Charite-sur-Loire, her career went downhill from there, although in the month December the appreciative King Charles VII promoted Joan and her family, which helped them a lot. In 1430 they were threatened, so Joan had made a promise to King Charles that she would protect the region from the threats. Thus she left his side and fought the Burgundian force at the ill-fated battle of Compiegne. Joan had brought by her side her, brother Pierre, her squire and a couple of soldiers. When she appeared Joan had first rally those who are in need of help and gave them new hope.

Faith, service, compassion, humility, and leadership, the qualities imperative for a role model and uncoincidentally some of the College values we aspire to have at Gilroy. Joan of Arc unequivocally embodies each and every one of these qualities, proving herself to be the epitome of persevering leadership and an admirable role model suited for the College chapel.

A peasant girl living in medieval France, 13 year old Joan believed that God chose her to lead France to victory in its prolonged war with England and install Charles as its rightful king. At 16, when she was forced into an arranged marriage, she successfully convinced the court that she should not be forced to accept the match. Armed with no military training, Joan convinced Prince Charles of Valois to let her lead the French army to Orléans, where it achieved a momentous victory. At 19, she was captured, tried for witchcraft and heresy, and subsequently burned at the stake in 1431. When Joan was canonised in 1920, she had long been considered one of history’s greatest saints, as well as an enduring and persevering symbol of French unity.But, how does she influence us in any way? How are we even supposed to follow in her footsteps? Joan of Arc followed God’s call even when it could cost her everything. Being a woman in this time, there was no need to join the fight, but she still did because she believed God was telling her to.. An iconic leader, Joan’s fearless leadership inspired a nation to eventually realise her vision of service and faith, proving that she can heavily influence our school community in the same way. Joan of Arc has a powerful influence in the world today as shown through the values she portrayed and challenges she faced with perseverance and humility.

Leaders, constantly facing adversities, can easily get dismayed if their attention isn’t fixed on their faith, but can power through them by trusting in God. Likewise, Joan of Arc followed God’s call even when it could cost her everything. “So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God, I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand”. St. Joan’s mission was clear – she was chosen by God, in her simplicity and humble strength, to lead her country to victory over their enemy. Through her unwavering witness of virtue, she showed her countrymen the power to abandon oneself to boldly follow God’s Will. In the same way, our school community will heavily benefit from Joan’s influence and assist us in learning how to lead from your heart and with strength. Joan made it well known to the soldiers, though, that it wasn’t her whom they were following- it was Jesus and the Saints of Heaven who were leading their army. “Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you”. Joan was aware that her mission was to lead her country to victory, but ultimately, to assist Christ in building up a civilisation of love on earth, which in conjunction with all her achievements, reflects God’s message in love and building the kingdom. She knew this task could only be accomplished if she placed her trust in God’s Providence and protection, and wanted to spread this to those on Earth.

Ultimately, Joan’s life was full of faith, service, respect, justice, and compassion, which reflects our school values and can charismatically inspire each one of us to live through these values. Although St. Joan achieved such accomplishments hundreds of years ago, her legacy lives on, particularly how she demonstrated the Bible’s teachings of ‘with God all things are possible’,’ especially that she was a woman who was not allowed to go to war, yet defied all odds and carried out God’s mission. In the modern church’s teachings, we are taught that we should aim to reach further than we think is possible through God, and this is exactly what Joan embodies. By naming the chapel after the great leader St. Joan, all members of our community can strive to follow the modern church’s teachings. Joan of Arc’s achievements showed the people of France that you can defy the odds, and in the same way, can inspire us to achieve our aspirations with strength. Significant and influential to both the continuing mission of the Church while demonstrating the dedication, faith and commitment which Christians should aspire to, Joan of Arc is undeniably the ideal role model for our community, and therefore, deserves to have her name on the college chapel.

In the year 1412 Joan of Arc was born here nickname was the Maid of Orléans after the siege of Orléans. At the young age of 18, she left home on a message from god to relieve the siege of Orléans. After that, she becomes somewhat of a hero as she manages the army of France to reclaim the land that was taken by the British. She was burned at the stake in 1431by the British as she was convicted of being a heretic in what was an unfair trial, before her death in 1431.

One of Joan of arc most well-known events is the siege of Orléans with was a massive turning point in the Hundred Years’ War. During the siege and most of her life, she was dressed in men cloth and as we went to the siege she was only completed by a hand full of soldiers. The main entrance to Orléans was the gatehouse that gatehouse the English made the gatehouse the base. She was lead to sit with the other commanders But as things go the older men did not want to take orders from a teenage girl. she was more a moral boot than anything. Then the older men explained the rule of warfare and said that it would take months, not days. But Joan did not want to wait and she wanted to rush than with a full-scale attack every one dismissed this as this would never work and they did not want to waste live.

As like the commander had skils of war she had the hearts of the people they went with her idea but with a smaller fort and she won but she did not fight and only walk among them but it was her first time with war. So with that win, she would still want to go with the gatehouse so she leads the charge to the gatehouse and after they won the smaller forts and they were around the gatehouse and the commander did not want to run at it. She ran with a ladder to rush the gatehouse this was asking for death as this would aloud people to kill them as they came up. then an arrow hit her in here shoulder this did not kill here but it did hurt but they did need to get her away and one they helped her she still wanted to help in the fight and with that the English ran and brock the bright and a handful drowned

“If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me” is what she said in her trial she was asked if she would go to heaven but that they a trick as humans could not know if they would be in grace the English were they to find out if she was a witch a liar or a heretic. If they could prove that God was not on the side of the french the people that interrogated her was Pierre Cauchon bishop of Beauvais.he wanted everyone to know they came to see how they did it people would write down every word that was said. Joan of arc dies burning at the stake. she was convicted for heresy and died

the reason that this all started was that she was having visions of saints and angels at the age of 12 and 13 and at that age she thought that is was the voice of God. she also saw st Michael and the saint Catherine as she saw the saint and the vision they were often with bright light. she felt as if the figures were as real as the people around here. the first time that she hears the vision was at midday in summer in her father’s garden. then she the voices that were the thing that started t was as she was sent by god

The story of Joan of arc was one of the most documented events of here time even being more documented than some of the king of the time. From the first time that she heard the angels and saints to the siege and the battles and up to here death. She was known as a hero to french as she was sent by one and with such a belove person some people twisted the story for here. the reason that is was so beloved was that she was helping in a war the french looked like they were going to loues and she was there to boot the spirts of the people and the soldier. here to help them in the war and she would even to were death would serve god

The first Crusades lasted from 1095–1099 this was of nine and is was to reclaim the holy land this was a was between the two groups the Christian and the Muslims and the holy land was land that was holy to both parties. The Christian is mostly from parts of Europe and the Muslim are mostly from Aisa. this crusade was started by pope urban.

Now god would not want people to go to war and urban new that what he really wanted was to get back to Rome as clement the 3 had taken urban place as a pope so urban wanted to get all of the church together and fight someone else the Muslims. The way that he got people to come to war was to give people absolution and to free hen of sin. This was unheard of before him and he knew that the people killed and murder would want a get out of hell free card and this work as people came all over to kill and not go to hell for it. But it was all so that he could the one true pope the only pope as he would be the one the regain the holy lands pope urban was not even allowed in Rome hen why the was in modern-day France.

Introduction:

Joan the Arc born in 1412, Doomsday, France and died in 1431. Joan of Arc commenced the French troops to triumph over the English at Orléans. She was a nationwide heroine of France, at the age of 18, Joan of Arc was nicknamed ‘The Maid of Orléans,’. The Hundred Year War occurred among the English and French. She was a motivational and an influencer for her country’s soldiers and escorted them into combat against the English throughout the Hundred Years War. She was honoured for her courage because, at a very young age, she accompanied French troop in the Hundred Year War

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In the past, France remained the wealthiest, largest, and the most populated nation of western. Europe and England were the most prepared and the closest integrated western European nation among France. They grew into a disagreement over a wide range of problems, including disputes over English regional properties in France and the authorised succession to the French throne. By the law, the Hundred Years’ War is said to have commenced on May 24, 1337, with the confiscation of the Guyenne by French King Phillip VI.

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The English endeavour to control Flanders, a crucial business for English fibre and the origin of goods. She endured to get the soldiers to understand in her and she accommodated to guide them to conquests that they boosted the attack. Along with courage, Joan of Arc demonstrated excellent warfare abilities manifested in the developed battlefield strategy, allocation of resources, and leadership. By her appearance, the girl interfered in the ongoing affairs and changed the route of the armed conflict between France and England. Joan of Arc is a historical character who was canonized for her self-sacrifice to the glory of the 15th-century France. Before the emergence of the mysterious female leader, the French had been losing in the war with their historic enemy, the army of which was better equipped and supported by allied armed troops.

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Joan of Arc was renowned for her bravery and true devotion in God. At a young age, she began to see visions and hear voices that were sent from God telling her that it is her mission to lead the French army to free her country from the English and help the Dauphin of France get his throne. Joan of Arc had a massive impact on society today; not just in the Catholic society but also in world history. Joan of Arc is a great example of an independent woman who did not rely on the opinion of others and fought for her beliefs; she depended and believed solely on God. Joan has helped inspire many other women to stand up for their beliefs and to be strong and fight for what they believed in. Joan is one of the most well-known symbols of France and has influenced a large number of people on their religious preference because as the legend of Joan of Arc spread, many people began following Catholic beliefs. Many people have been influenced by St Joan and therefore numbers of charities, hospitals, foundations and schools were built in her honour.

Conclusion:

In Conclusion, Joan of Arc was highly influenced by the saints of this period (Murray), when most Europeans were Christian and devotedly followed their church’s doctrines, such as Joan did grow up. Joan of Arc’s visions, mission, conquests, successes, and defeat originally stemmed from hearing voices. Saints would not necessarily hear voices from God rather, followed God’s vocation for their lives and lived by his word. The idea of doing something in the name of God was practised in different aspects throughout this period. The Inquisition was held in the name of God’s favour, the Crusades were led in God’s holy name, and devout worshippers of the gospel led to the rise of monasteries and nunneries.

Imagine with me, for a moment, a teenage girl insisting that she can change the world. And no, in case you were wondering, my speech is not on Greta Thunberg. Now imagine that the time for Presidential elections has rolled around and the United States is at war with Iran. This same girl barges into the White House, demands an audience with President Trump, and insists that God sent her to help the United States win the war and secure Trump’s reelection. All she needs is an army under her command.

You would probably agree with me that this adolescent is a little naive and does not know what she is talking about. Yet, when a situation like this happened in 1429, French leaders took this girl seriously.

It all began when a baby girl was born in the middle of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. At that point in time, both France and England were in turmoil as to who would take the empty French throne. France supported the French crown prince, Dauphin Charles VII, while the English and their allies, the Burgundians, supported the infant English prince Henry VI.

That baby girl’s name was Jeanne d’Arc, or, as you may know her, Joan of Arc. Today I will relate to you the story of Joan’s childhood, mission, and death, and I want you to see how she changed the fate of France in a miraculous way.

Joan was born in 1412, to a peasant couple who lived in the small village of Domrémy. Bestselling author Eric Metaxas, in his 2015 book, 7 Great Women and the Secret of Their Greatness, tells us that she spent the customary childhood of a peasant girl at that time…she helped her father in the fields and on the farm, worked in the family garden, helped her mother around the house, and became a master of sewing and spinning. Since girls in the 15th century usually received no education, she never learned to read and write. Yet according to Eric Metaxas, she had a “passionate interest in the church and in God.” 1 (Eric Metaxas, 7 Women and the Secret to Their Greatness)

Metaxas goes on to say, that at age twelve, Joan began to hear voices in her head and have visions. She believed that heavenly beings were visiting her while she worked in her father’s garden. She looked forward to those conversations, and called them her “voices.” But over time, these meetings became more mysterious. The beings began telling her over and over again that she was to save France, defeat the English, and take the crown prince Dauphin Charles VII, to the city of Reims to be crowned king.

Joan was a little frightened, and felt very, very under-qualified. She was barely old enough to help her father in the fields. How could a young peasant girl lead an entire army against the English? But, since she truly believed these were heavenly messengers straight from the throne of God, she took the mission seriously.

When Joan was nearing her sixteenth birthday, her “voices” told her that the time had come for her mission. They told her to go to the nearby town Vacouleurs and ask the Governor Robert de Baudricourt to provide an armed escort to the castle of Chinon, where the Dauphin was residing. Afraid to tell her parents the truth, Joan said she wished to visit her cousin, Jeanne, who lived near Vaucouleurs. They gave their consent.

Metaxas says that although Joan did visit Jeanne, she privately asked Jeanne’s husband, Durand, to take her to Governor Baudricourt. The governor mercifully listened to her confusing story of how God had sent messengers to me, telling me to lead the French army and drive the English from France and then crown the Dauphin as the king of France. When Joan had finished her story, Baudricourt understandably told Durand to take Joan home and discipline her.

Frustrated, Joan returned home, but upon her arrival, Burgundian soldiers had burned the entire village of Domrémy to the ground. She and her fellow villagers fled to a nearby town. A few months later, the worst news possible reached the refugees’ ears. The English had completely surrounded Orléans and were laying siege to the greatest of the French cities.

The situation in France was becoming rocky, and Joan’s possibility for success in her mission was slipping away. Now seventeen, she returned to Vaucoulers in an attempt to meet again with Governor Baudricourt.

In Mark Twain’s retelling of Joan’s conversation with the governor in his revised 2007 book Joan of Arc2, Joan tells Baudricourt that her voices had related to her that the Dauphin’s army had lost another battle near Orléans that very day. The governor, knowing that there was no way a peasant girl could have received such news so quickly, told her that if she was correct, he would send her to Charles VII. Word arrived several days later. The French had lost the battle. The astonished governor immediately sent the teenager on the 350-mile journey to Chinon, where she would meet with the Dauphin. (Mark Twain, Joan of Arc)

In order to see if the foresight stories were true, Charles VII disguised himself as a regular nobleman, knowing that a farm girl would have never known what the Dauphin looked like. When Joan arrived at Chinon, she was ordered to find which noble in the crowded castle was the Dauphin. In Pernoud and Clin’s 1999 book Joan of Arc: Her Story, they write that the girl made a beeline towards Charles VII and knelt, saying, “God give you life, gentle king.” 3 (Regine Pernoud and Marie-Veronique Clin, Joan of Arc: Her Story).

After several more tests, the Dauphin and his court were convinced. Joan was treated like a true French commander. She was given an entire army of well-trained soldiers, a specially designed suit of female armor, and a high-bred horse by the Dauphin himself. The teenager was now ready to lead her men to Orléans for the upcoming battle.

Aided by another French platoon, Joan forced the English to retreat and she regained Orléans. When the English fled to the nearby city Jargeau, Joan followed and defeated them there. At last, the girl could complete her mission. Accompanied by her men, she and the Dauphin and set out for the city Reims, where the prince was crowned King Charles VII. Peasant and noblemen alike traveled from all over, including Joan’s family. Joan was paraded around as the Maid of Orléans, hero of France.

In the months to follow, more battles were fought and won by Joan and her victorious army. She is most known for her bravery at the Battle of Les Tourelles where she had foretold that she would be wounded underneath her left collarbone. During the battle, Joan was indeed shot with an arrow in the same location, but she yanked it out and continued to fight. All seemed promising for the Maid of Orléans.

But on May 23rd, 1430, in the battle for Compiègne, Joan was captured and held prisoner under the Duke of Burgundy’s control. Metaxas says that for a ransom of sixteen thousand francs, the duke handed Joan over to his ally, the bloodthirsty English, who believed killing the girl would end France’s victory.

King Charles did nothing to save the Maid of Orléans, although she had sacrificed her life to place the crown upon his ignoble head. Joan was betrayed by her own king.

She was taken to Rouen, where she was tried for heresy, blasphemy, and witchcraft. While in the prison, Joan was terribly mistreated by her five male prison guards, and so in order to make it harder to be mistreated, she wore men’s clothes. After an unjustly lopsided trial in which she was allowed to have no witnesses, Pernoud and Clin, as previously cited, write that Joan was finally charged with being “an apostate, a liar, a schismatic, and a heretic.” 4 She was given two choices: sign the document that her judges handed her, or die by burning at the stake. Joan signed the document, but because she couldn’t read, she was unaware that it contained a vow to never wear men’s clothes again. Having come to a “confession” of sorts, the trial was over and the English prepared to send Joan back to her family in Domrémy. But when the girl returned to her cell, she was again severely threatened by her guards, and she resumed wearing men’s clothes for her own protection. When the bishop found out that Joan had broken her vow to not wear men’s clothes, he condemned her to death at the stake. (Regine Pernoud and Marie-Veronique Clin, Joan of Arc: Her Story)

And so at age nineteen, on May 30th, Joan was escorted by two hundred guards to the marketplace, where a stake had been prepared. The English soldiers helped the girl climb the wood piled around the base of the stake and tied her down with chains. When she asked for a cross, a compassionate soldier created a crude one made of sticks and handed it to her. Joan kissed it and cried out forgiveness to her enemies. As the flames engulfed the teenager’s body, she screamed her last word. “Jesus!” 5 (Regine Pernoud and Marie-Veronique Clin, Joan of Arc: Her Story)

When the fire had killed Joan, the soldiers burned the girl’s body two more times until there was nothing left but ashes, which were cast into the Seine.

From peasant girl to victorious commander, Joan never wavered from what she felt was God’s call to save France. Even though you might not be sure that Joan’s visions were actually from Heaven itself, and that her leading an army of men might have been biblically questionable, you must acknowledge that if it wasn’t for her, France would have never been liberated from the English, and the Dauphin Charles VII would have never become King Charles VII. And yet, Joan was condemned to the stake, never to be recognized for her impact on French history until later in 1449, where her trial was nullified as unjust, and 1920 when she was given the name Saint Joan of Arc.

Barbara Beckwith, in her 2007 book Joan of Arc: God’s Warrior, writes, “Joan of Arc is like a shooting star across the landscape of French and English history…Women identify with her; men admire her courage. She challenges us in fundamental ways. Despite the fact that more than 500 years have passed since she lived, her issues of mysticism, calling, identity, trust and betrayal, conflict and focus are our issues still.” 6 (Barbara Beckwith, Joan of Arc: God’s Warrior)

When young Joan strode up to the governor all those years ago, insisting she could change the fate of France, no one expected that she would succeed. Yet she did. As you listened to my short biography of Joan’s childhood, her mission, and her death, I hope you were able to see that Joan changed the fate of France in a miraculous way.

The Messenger: The Story of Joan Arc

1. Joan of Arc: God’s Warrior. Directed by Lucy Swingler, performances by Helen Castor, BBC. 2015.

Dr. Helen Castor’s documentary depicts the rise and fall of Joan of Arc’s heroine life. As mentioned in the film, Castor has studied medieval history for over thirty years thus making her a reliable and credible for this topic. Castor has studied many primary sources about Joan’s story. She virtually takes the viewers to France’s National Library, where one can see the only real drawing that exists from Joan’s time of existence and the book containing the thoroughly documented trial where Joan was sentenced to death. The film also explains the Battle of Agincourt during The Hundred Years War, a territorial conflict between the English and French. Explaining the backstory of this war, which is not included in the film, gives some insight as to why religion played such a big role in Joan’s life as well as King’s Charles VII decision to accept her as a warrior. Through visuals Castor explains the divisiveness that has ruled France for years which is why they continue to be defeated by England. According to history, Joan’s visions demonstrate she is God’s messenger who will unite France under one king. All these facts are important to understanding the film The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, as it fails to mention these key details which address real life situations of the time in which the story happened.

2. McGill, Sara Ann. “Joan of Arc.” Joan of Arc, Aug. 2017, pp. 1–2. EBSCOhost, search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=khh&AN=18052878&site=ehost-live.

This short biography by author Sara Ann McGill provides a unique outlook on the life of Joan. The author highlights important moments throughout Joan’s life. One key fact this source provides is how Joan was not in fact explicitly betrayed by King Charles VII prior to her capture by the Burgundians. His betrayal came the moment he decided to not save Joan by paying her ransom or trading her for one of the Burgundian or English prisoners. When the English bought her, he did nothing prior or after her sentence. This source adds to the relevance of the story on how she was murdered, her journey to meet the dauphin and the bravery to accomplish her goal. Furthermore, one can see how the author has simplified all these moments and other aspects in Joan’s life to provide a clear understanding on how things occurred and how far Hollywood exaggerates a story. An example of such exaggeration is the Catherine’s rape, Joan’s sister. The film shows this is what fuels Joan’s hatred for the English and drives her revenge. However, in neither of the sources the reader has researched such event took place.

3. The Trial Of Jeanne D’Arc, trans. W.P. Barrett

Throughout Joan’s childhood her mother by the name of Isabelle, instilled in Joan that you must stay committed to the Catholic Church. At age of 13, Joan had her first encounter with the “spirit” leading to revelation. Following the directions sent by God, Joan went onto lead the French battle to label Charles of Valois as king. Overtime, Joan gained followers and received approval to lead the army to Orléans, which had been under control by the English. She was successful in her military journey by ridding Orléans being ruled by the English in a matter of nine days. When Joan was told to confront a Burgundian assault, she was thrown off her horse and captured by Anglo-Burgundian forces. In 1431, she was tried for heresy by the English Church court who burned her atthe scene. Joan of Arc caused controversy from her catholic beliefs and practices.

4. Anne Llewellyn Barstow, ‘Joan of Arc and Female Mysticism,’ Journal of Feminist Studies in Religion

Barstow gives insight of the perspective of groups other than the English. Despite that fact that English rulers tried to dictate Joan’s motives as demonically inspired, Joan gained a large audience of French and other non-English people by listening to the instructions of her inner voices. Her range of influence included individual followers as well as cities. After her series of victories, Joan of Arc attempted to persuade Charles toto overthrow Paris. However, Charles and his advisor Georges de La Trémoille were concerned about the amount of influence that Joan of Arc was gaining over the French people. Joan’s role as a leader threatened the reigning of Charles. When Joan of Arc was put on trial by the English, Charles and the French did not help because they were fearful of the power that she had gained and did not want to be associated with her. Because of Joan’s position as a leader, both the English and the French became cautious and threatened

5. “Saint Joan of Arc.’ Encyclopedia Britannica online https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc

Joan of Arc’s practices involved inspiration from God, which created controversy in the church . During Joan’s trial, the judge claimed that Joan “misled the Catholic people” by practicing religion in her own form and refusing to submit to the orders of court, Joan publicly rid the need for religion and also threatening the Church. In attempt to relieve Joan’s practices, which threatened the Church. The church commented that Joan’s “life coincided with an outbreak of heresy…immediately attributed to the Devil.” This indicates that Joan used the Devil as an excuse for her actions. Rather than commencing Joan on her skill on the blessing of God, the French society focused on her work for the Devil. The frequent explanation of Joan’s actions as a product of the Devil magnifies the overwhelming insecurity that the Church and enemies felt toward Joan.

Susanne Collins wrote the book The Hunger Games In 2008. She aimed it at young teenagers, specifically 11 to 13. The author used many writing techniques to show the theme of survival. Collins uses Allusion toward Joan of Arc, Katniss is like her because she is a hero, she is female, and is called ‘Girl on fire’. Collins also used Irony, by using survival skills help you win, killing practice is mostly useless, all of the trained killers go insane when their food blows up. She is portrayed as a media star and hero, but really is scared and just trying to survive. She is a pawn in the hunger games. Collins also used symbolism with the images of the bow, the mocking jay and Fire.

Allusion was used by Collins such as Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc is a very famous historical person because she led a French army at the age of 18 to victory after being called crazy and being rejected. She became famous and a hero. She was captured and burned on a stake because people thought she was a witch. Katniss is similar because she also becomes famous as a media star; she becomes a hero for people that are watching. Katniss becomes a hero too, although not intentional she rebelled against the capital by refusing to only let one of them win. She instead of killing Peter offers to both die, this is seen as a victory for Katniss as not only one survives but two.

Irony was also used in the book, some include how survival skills are just as important as killing if not more so. For example in page 268 “but the apples must have set off enough mines…” when the supplies blow up, the ‘careers’ freak out and start to panic and blame each other. Irony is also used when Katniss is celebrated as a media star when doing interviews and participating in parades. She is really the opposite, a prisoner, as she has no choice and is just used as propaganda. She is most likely sent to her death in the games.

Collins uses symbolism with Katniss’s Bow and fire. The bow symbolizes survival; with it, she can defend herself and get food thus keeping her alive. Fire is also used to symbolize Joan of arc, rebellion, renewal (from victim to hero) destruction (she is constantly faced with her own death and those around her), danger and hatred. It also represents Katniss herself; she was seen wearing fire in the parade. The fireballs and forest fire nearly burns her alive like Joan of arc on page 208 “the world has transformed into one with of flame and smoke”.

In conclusion, Susanne Collins used many writing techniques to show the theme of survival. She used Allusion, irony and symbolism to help write the book. This adds layers of meaning and interest to her writing.

1. https://www.morningsidecenter.org/teachable-moment/lessons/should-i-let-my-ten-year-old-read-hunger-games
2. https://www.biography.com/military-figure/joan-of-arc

History is flourishing with heroic figures who gave their lives to serve their people, freedom and justice. Each country can present an endless list of national heroes who are the things to be proud of for all French nation. However, the majority of famous historic figures are men, but women can also be proud of thousands of representatives of their sex made great contribution to the flow of history. One of such women is Joan of Arc, probably the most famous women in West European history.

Thousands of books explore her biography and thousands of academic papers are devoted to this great woman. The subject of the majority of books is the biography of Joan of Ark. In this paper, I am going to explore one of the books devoted to Joan of Arc and provide its critical analysis.

First of all, brief information about Joan of Ark. Joan has a unique role in the history of western Europe. She is one of the most outstanding female heroes of all times. Today, she is known as Saint Joan of Arc and the Maid of Orleans. She is a national heroin of France and one of the main saints of the Catholic Church.

She is an example of true courage and high spirit. The one who had a saint gift, the one who fought for her people and the one who died for her believes. All scientists admire the story of this great woman and all French people are greatly proud of her. Her life was not long, but she did more than many people could do to for an entire century. At the age of 19, she was known through the whole France.

Her story began when she was twelve years old. It was than when she saw her first Divine vision. She said that she saw three Saints: Saint Catherine, Saint Michael and Saint Margaret who said her to escort Dauphin for his coronation in Reims.

Before her historic journey, she was a simple peasant girl without special talents. And nobody could predict that this tiny girl will lead troops of French soldiers to the victory. At the age of 17, she got an interview with the French court at Chinon and made predictions about the military actions near Orleans that amazed everybody presented.

An event that never occurred in history before played a decisive role in the flow of the Hundred Years War. A young girl of 17 was equipped for war, moreover, Dauphin placed her at the head of the army. Ander the leadership of this skillful and amazing girl, the army roused again. Despite all her feat of arms, there was a trial on her. It had a political ground and a poor girl was blamed in things she never did.

Moreover, she was accused of being a witch. Paradoxically, the one who served to Church and to her country was accused of being a witch. At the age of 19, she was burned to death. Then, her body was burned again to ensure that she did not escape. Thus, the authorities believed in her divinity and they were afraid of her. Twenty years later, she was declared innocent and in 1920, she was canonized as a Saint. Today, she is a patron Saint of France.

One can find all this information in a great book by Marina Warner Joan of Arc: the image of female heroism. The book presents a deep insight into the biography of the girl. It opens with the words that attract the reader’s attention and hold it until the last word in the book:

“A story lives in relation to its tellers and its receivers; it continues because people want to hear it again, and it changes according to their tastes and needs. Joan of Arc is the centre of a story so famous that it transcendent the media or the forms that have transmitted it: she is a heroine of history”. (Warner 3).

The book is about the career of Joan of Ark. It consists of three logical parts. The first and the second parts are the story of Joan and the third part deals with the Joan’s influence after her death on different fields of science and peoples’ history: French politics, church, literature, etc. The book is very comprehensive. The author explores Joan as a warrior, a hero and a woman at the same time. She explores medieval history and religious ides. That is how the author characterizes the heroine of the book:

“she has an almost unique standing: she is a universal figure who is female, but is neither a queen, nor a courtesan, nor a beauty, nor a mother, nor an artist of one kind or another, nor – until the extreme recent date of 1920 when she was canonized – a saint.” (Warner 6).

From a very poetical prologue, the author passes to the detailed description and analysis of the Joan’s life. First of all, the author focuses on the question of the appearance of heroine. She explores few portraits of the period, but none of them depicted a real appearance of a girl.

What is interesting is that with the very first pages of the first par, the author claims that Joan was innocent. The author presents the fact that “Joan was a virgin” (Warner 15). At the age of 13, she gave a promise not to marry and until the last day of her life, she was keeping it.

And according to medieval believes, “the devil could not have commerce with a virgin” (Warner 15). The author presents the historical facts taken from the documents of that time. Warner presents a complete description of the character and behavior of the girl, she mentions, “Joan’s beauty, which D’Aulon mentions, adds to the virtuousness of her resistance and becomes a commonplace of the saint’s life later.” (18).

The author also present a detailed description of the Joan’s life when she was a child and during the war. All the soldiers admired her. From the historical survey, we come to know that she was not only a very brave, honest and self-confident, she was a beautiful women. We can suppose that all talks about her beauty were inspired by the beauty of her soul. As we know, at that time the external beauty was less important than the beauty of the inner world.

The author pays a great attention to the divinity of the girl. Different psychological survey put forward an idea that her visions were just an invention of the “ill soul” and girl was simply mad. But how could a mad person do so many good things for her people.

Moreover, isn’t it a miracle that so many strong warriors followed a tiny girl. It should be mentioned that Joan’s visions became one of the main reasons of her death. She was accused of being a witch, because only witches could have connection with the “parallel world of spirits”. So, as the author says about the first section of the book, “in part one, The Life and Death of Jeanne le Pucelle, I have tried to restore her to her own context” (8). And the author managed to do it.

The second section of the book explores the event that took place during the last year of life of the girl. This period is characterized by endless trials and efforts of the Church and authorities to accuse Joan in political and crime of high treason. But, even despite of all accusation, the girl did not lost her faith in God. During the trials, she showed great courage, intellect and wisdom.

However, she could accept all conditions and lead a life of a common peasant, she followed the voice of her soul and the God’s calling. Probably, never before and after the history knew such a glorious woman.

The third part of the book is called The Afterlife of Joan of Arc. This chapter explores the influence of the figure of Joan of Arc after her death. Simultaneously with the story of the Joan’s afterlife, the author explores the peculiarities of every historical époque that followed the events. She does it through the analysis of literature that was written about Joan during these centuries.

At the very beginning of the book, the author says that history is the product of peoples’ minds and their perception of the better world, “ through this section I hope to have developed the underlying theme that when a story is told, it is told according to the perceptions of its hearers or its readers” (Warner 10). So, during centuries, there was different attitude to the figure of Joan of Arc.

However, one thing is certain, there were not a person I the history that would be indifferent to the image of this girl. Even in the 17^th century, when woman could not be treated as a heroine, moreover, as a leader, Joan of Arc remained a source of inspiration for hundreds of writers, major orders, philosophers, etc. She was and she is an exceptional image of a woman:

“Joan is a preeminent heroine because she belongs to the sphere of action, while so many feminine figures or models are assigned and confident to the sphere of contemplation.” (Warner 10).

Thus, the book by Marina Warner Joan of Arc: the image of female heroism is one of the best most comprehensive books about Joan of Arc. Warner presents Joan as a heroic woman, warrior and saint. The author explores every detail related to the heroine. We come to know about Joan’s life and beliefs, about attitudes to the heroine in different times.

It is rather a scientific work, than a fiction book. So, the one who wants to know the history better and get acquainted with different points of view on the historical events, should be completely satisfied with the way the book casts light on the events of the hundred Years War and life of Joan of Arc.

Works Cited

Warner, Marina. Joan of Arc: The Image of Female Heroism. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 2000.

Introduction

Joan of arc was a peasant girl who emerged to be the most popular saint and heroine in France. The heroine originated from Domremy, a small village that underlined River Meuse adjacent to Lorraine boarder currently renamed as the Northeastern part of France. Joan’s home environment was cool and a breeze could be felt circulating slowly all a round the valley from the Meuse river. The land was rugged and evergreen with wooded sloppy hills where sheep and cattle could be seen grazing. Joan of Arch, a catholic saint peasant girl and a French national heroine was born in a stone-rubble small house erected just a stone throw away from the Domremy village church in 1412. She grew up in Domremy village in the duchy Bar in a family of Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romee.

The family of Joan was perceived as of substance and of great significance by the fact that, the house was made of stones and not wood (Sackville-West, 2001). Jacques d’Arc, the father was the village tax collector and at the same time served as the village leader who played a fundamental role of instilling security to the village peasants and their properties in times of attacks and raids from enemies. During such times of hardships and raids, Joan of Arc together with her siblings (brother and sister) would help their father to drive their livestock away in seek of refuge to the chateau fortified river islands. Joan of arc, the build square strong peasant girl was raised up by her parents in strong and healthy conditions. She had a swarthy complexion, black hair, and dark brown eyes thus referred to as sharply figured lady and not beautiful as most could prefer for any lady of such caliber as perceived by Brooks (2000).

Background

Joan at her teen became a threat to her lovely parents due to her repellant characteristic. However, she was considered by her parents to be more pious than ever before. In addition to that, she was not meek and naughty as it was depicted earlier on though her intensified convictions turned out to be of extreme strength for that character. Her parents became upset by her marriage refusal suggestion and independent state that she used to live in thus considered being extra-ordinary as proposed by Pernoud (2002). She came out to defy her parents’ conventions in the village by also standing aloof to her friends. For Joan to outwit this battle imposed on her by the parents she decided to run away from her home without her parents’ conscience which she testified in her bitter regrettable remarks. Joan later on fled to Burey village near Vaucouleurs in December 1428 where her cousin was married to Durand Laxart. The couple was happily living in a matrimonial marriage where they were expecting a baby in the near future.

Joan purposed to go to Burey to offer a helping hand to the cousin who was expecting a baby. Durand who was older than Joan by fifteen years was fond of Joan. In return he confided in her the startling strategic plan of rescuing Charles Douphin for the sake of being crowned as a king (Lucie-Smith, 2000). Joan on hearing this with her aggressiveness, she asked Durand if there was any prophecy that France was likely to be lost courtesy of a woman and be saved by a virgin. By then France was under the ruling of the most hated woman known as Queen Isabella as referred to as by Joan. This was a disgrace in the society because the leadership was underscored in unusual conditions; she inherited the queen title from her son commonly known as Prince Charles whom she exposed out to the enemies. Such prophesies were commonly expressed in 15^th century whereby they served the purpose of political propaganda that permeated the air polluting the citizens’ minds to cause conflicts.

Joan was much obsessed with her strategic mission that she begged Durand to direct, introduce, and popularize her to Robert de Baudricourt the Vaucouleurs’ Governor as the only person who could assist Joan to venture and explore her mission. Joan knew Baudricourt as a royal representative when he offered direct allegiance to Dauphin who had been out of exile. She also knew him as a friendly man to French cause and a great hater of the English cause. On the completion of the plan, Joan established herself in Vauncouleurs town and ventured into the occupation and public career.. This resistance was experienced in the final phase of the war that lasted for Hundreds of Years as from 1339–1453. The long lasting war ever experienced in France involved England that led to severe hardships in France. The history of Joan of Arc was believed to be magnificent in the twentieth century when the declaration was made clear that she was a catholic saint as stated by Narsh-Arshal (2002).

Charles VII delegated the leadership responsibility to Joan by sending her to Orleans to guide the forces of men’s troop in 1429. Joan with the support of Duke and Jean eliminated the immediate greatest threat that hampered Charles for many decades. This made him to allow her for the first time to participate in the military reining triumph. However, Charles VII did all this in acceptance of Joan’s mission, her attitude in possession; and finally her pressing advisory service that he followed strictly to the latter by Orleans’ success to facilitate his crowning ceremony (coronation) at Reims. This gave him the title of a king in the eyes of men around. The coronation ceremony of Charles VII was conducted on 18^th July 1429 at Reims (Brooks, 2000). During that time Joan was considered to be one of the VIPs and she occupied a visible seat in the coronation ceremony. Joan was captured after being cut off and considered as a valuable prize. She was then converted by the Burgundians from French to English for preparation of the trials of heresy in France.

Conclusion

Joan of arc a peasant girl was the most popular saint and heroine in France. She originated from Domremy, a small village which underlies River Meuse that is adjacent to Lorraine boarder which is currently renamed as the Northeastern part of France. Joan’s home environment was cool and a breeze was felt circulating slowly all a round the valley from the Meuse river. The land was rugged and evergreen with wooded sloppy hills where sheep and cattle could be seen grazing (Nash-Arshall, 2002). Joan of Arch, a catholic saint peasant girl and a French national heroine was born in the in a stone-rubble small house lying adjacent to the Domremy village church in 1412. Joan of Arc was given the leadership responsibility by Charles VII who sent her to Orleans to guide the forces of men’s troop in 1429 (DeVries, 2001).

Joan with the support of Duke and Jean eliminated the immediate greatest threat that hampered Charles VII for many past years. This made him to allow her for the first time in the military reining triumph. However, Charles VII did all this in acceptance of Joan’s mission, her attitude in possession; and finally her pressing advisory service that he followed strictly to the latter by Orleans’ success to facilitate his crowning ceremony (coronation) at Reims. This gave him the title of a king in the eyes of men around. The coronation ceremony of Charles VII was conducted on 18^th July 1429 at Reims (Brooks, 2000). During that time Joan was considered to be one of the VIPs and she occupied a visible seat in the coronation ceremony. Joan was captured after being cut off and considered as a valuable prize. In the process of preparing for the heresy trials, Joan was converted by the Burgundians from French to English.

Reference List

Brooks, Polly. Beyond the Myth: The Story of Joan of Arc. New York: Lippincott print. 2000.

DeVries, Kelly. Joan of Arc: Military Leader. Gloucestershire: Sutton publication. 2001.

Lucie-Smith, Edward. Joan of Arc. (7^th ed) Bristol: Allen Lane. 2000.

Nash-Arshall, Siobhan. Joan of Arc: A Spiritual Biography. New York: Crossroad Publication. 2002.

Pernoud, Regine. Joan of Arc: Her Story. New York: St. Martin’s Press, 2000.

Sackville-West, Victoria. Saint Joan of Arc. Garden City, NY: Doubleday Doran & Co., 1936. Reprint, New York: Grove Press. 2001.