Joan of Arc

Picture of Medieval King and leaders

Joan of Arc

  • Interesting Facts and information about Joan of Arc, also known as La Pucelle or the Maid of Orleans,  in the Medieval era of the Middle Ages
  • Short Biography, interesting facts and history about the life of Joan of Arc who was famous for rousing the French against the English during the One Hundred Years War. During her short life she became a true heroine of France but was captured by the English. The Maid of Orleans was charged with Sorcery, brought to trial, convicted and was burnt at the stake.

Joan of Arc

Short Biography, facts and interesting information about Joan of Arc the life of a famous historical character during the Middle Ages

   
  

Short Biography profile and facts about the life of Joan of Arc
The following biography information provides basic facts and information about the life and history of Joan of Arc a famous Medieval character of the Middle Ages:

  • Nationality: French
  • Also Known by the Nickname: The Maid of Orleans and La Pucelle
  • Lifespan: 1412 - 1431
  • Date of Birth: Born in the village of Domremy in 1412, her exact date of birth is unknown
  • Family connections : She was the daughter of Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée
  • Date of Death: Joan of Arc died on 30 May 1431
  • Character of Joan of Arc: Highly religious, courageous and determined
  • Accomplishments or why Joan of Arc was famous: Rousing the French against the English during the Hundred Years War
  • Pope Benedict XV canonized Joan of Arc on 16 May 1920

Joan of Arc
The story and biography of Joan of Arc which contains interesting information, facts & the history about the life of this Medieval person of historical importance

The Childhood of Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc Lived from 1412-1431 I In the long wars between the French and English not even the Black Prince or King Henry V gained such fame as did a young French peasant girl, Joan of Arc. She was born in the little village of Domrémy . Her father had often told her of the sad condition of France, how the country was largely in the possession of England, and how the French king did not dare to be crowned. And so the thought came to be ever in her mind, "How I pity my country!" Joan of Arc brooded over the matter so much that she began to have visions of angels and heard strange voices, which said to her, "Joan, you can deliver the land from the English. go to the relief of King Charles." At last these strange visions and voices made the young girl believe that she had a mission from God, and she determined to try to save France. When Joan of Arc told her father and mother of her purpose, they tried to persuade her that the visions of angels and the voices telling her of the divine mission were but dreams. The village priest, her young companions, even the governor of the town, all tried to stop her, but it was in vain.

1429 - Joan of Arc meets King Charles VII,  the King of France, at Chinon
Little by little people began to believe in her mission. At last all stopped trying to discourage her and some who were wealthy helped her to make the journey to the town of Chinon , where the French king, Charles the Seventh, was living. II When Joan arrived at Chinon, a force of French soldiers was preparing to go to the south of France to relieve the city of Orleans which the English were besieging. King Charles received Joan kindly and listened to what she had to say with deep attention. Joan of Arc spoke modestly, but with a calm belief that she was right. "Gracious King," she said, "my name is Joan. God has sent me to deliver France from her enemies. You shall shortly be crowned in the cathedral of Rheims. I am to lead the soldiers you are about to send for the relief of Orleans. So God has directed and under my guidance victory will be theirs." The king and his nobles talked the matter over and finally it was decided to allow Joan of Arc to lead an army of about five thousand men against the English at Orleans.

Joan of Arc marches to Orleans
When Joan of Arc left Chinon at the head of her soldiers, in April, 1429, she was in her eighteenth year. Mounted on a fine war-horse and clad in white armor from head to foot, she rode along past the cheering multitude. In one hand she carried an ancient sword that she had found near the tomb of a saint, and in the other a white banner embroidered with lilies. The rough soldiers who were near her left off their oaths and coarse manners, and carefully guarded her. Joan of Arc inspired the whole army with courage and faith as she talked about her visions. When she arrived at the besieged city of Orleans she fearlessly rode round its walls, while the English soldiers looked on in astonishment.

Joan of Arc wins victory over the English and ends the siege at Orleans
Joan of Arc was able to enter Orleans, despite the efforts of the besiegers to prevent her. She aroused the city by her cheerful, confident words and then led her soldiers forth to give battle to the English. Their success was amazing. One after another the English forts were taken. When only the strongest remained and Joan was leading the attacking force, she received a slight wound and was carried out of the battle to be attended by a surgeon. Her soldiers began to retreat. "Wait," she commanded, "eat and drink and rest; for as soon as I recover I will touch the walls with my banner and you shall enter the fort." In a few minutes she mounted her horse again and riding rapidly up to the fort, touched it with her banner. Her soldier almost instantly carried it. The very next day the enemy's troops were forced to withdraw from before the city and the siege was at end. The French soldiers were jubilant at the victory and called Joan the "Maid of Orleans." By this name she is known in history.

Joan of Arc sees the King crowned at Rheims
Her fame spread everywhere, and the English as well as the French thought she had more than human power. She led the French in several other battles, and again and again her troops were victorious. At last the English were driven far to the north of France. Then Charles, urged by Joan of Arc, went to Rheims with twelve thousand soldiers, and there, with splendid ceremonies, was crowned king. Joan holding her white banner, stood near Charles during the coronation. When the ceremony was finished, Joan of Arc knelt at his feet and said, "O King, the will of God is done and my mission is over! Let me now go home to my parents." But the king urged her to stay a while longer, as France was not entirely freed from the English. Joan of Arc consented, but she said, "I hear the heavenly voices no more and I am afraid."

Joan of Arc is captured
However she took part in an attack upon the army of the Duke of Burgundy, but was taken prisoner by him. For a large sum of money the duke delivered her into the hands of the English, who put her in prison in Rouen.

Joan of Arc is charged with Sorcery and brought to trial
She lay in prison for a year, and finally was charged with sorcery and brought to trial. It was said that she was under the influence of the Evil One. She declared to her judges her innocence of the charge and said, "God has always been my guide in all that I have done. The devil has never had power over me." Her trial was long and tiresome. At its close she was doomed to be burned at the stake.

Joan of Arc is burnt at the Stake
In the market-place at Rouen the English soldiers fastened her to a stake surrounded by a great pile of fagots. A soldier put into her hands a rough cross, which he had made from a stick that he held. She thanked him and pressed it to her bosom. Then a priest, standing near the stake, read to her the prayers for the dying, and another mounted the fagots and held towards her a crucifix, which she clasped with both hands and kissed. When the cruel flames burst out around her, the noble girl uttered the word "Jesus," and expired.

Famous People of the Middle Ages - Joan of Arc
Some interesting facts and short biography information about the History, Life & Times of Joan of Arc. Additional details, facts, history and information about the famous people of the Middle Ages and important events during their times can be accessed via the Middle Ages Sitemap.

Joan of Arc

  • Interesting Facts and information about Joan of Arc in the Medieval era of the Middle Ages
  • Middle Ages era, period, life, age and times
  • Joan of Arc one of the most famous women of the Middle Ages
  • The short life of Joan of Arc and her death by burning at the stake
  • Life, Short Story and Biography of Joan of Arc
  • Famous People in Medieval Europe - Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc

Life of Joan of Arc - Death of Joan of Arc - Short Biography of Joan of Arc - The Maid of Orleans - Bio of Joan of Arc - Born - Death - Facts and Info - Arc - History and interesting Information- Facts - Info - Era - Life - Times - Maid of Orleans - Important Accomplishments of Joan of Arc - England - Age - Key Dates and events - Achievements - Life - Arc - Death of Joan of Arc - Short Biography - Bio of Joan of Arc - Life Story - Born - Death - Story - Achievements - Story of Joan of Arc - Joan of Arc - History and interesting Information - Facts about Joan of Arc - Arc - Info - Era - Life - Family - Father - Mother - Arc - Times - Period - Age - Middle Ages - Medieval - Arc - Maid of Orleans and La Pucelle - Facts and Info - Arc - Arc - Story of Joan of Arc - Key Dates and events in the life of Joan of Arc - Written By Linda Alchin