A talented military strategist and Patron Saint of France who helped win her country’s independence and restore the rightful King to the throne.
Joan of Arc
Known as ‘The Maid of Orléans’, Joan of Arc was born in France in 1412, during the Hundred Years’ War between France and England. The war lasted from 1337 to 1453 and during the conflict, areas of France had come under the control and occupation of the English. Joan’s parents were farmers and she did not have any form of formal education.
When she was 13, Joan reported that she heard the voices of saints telling her that she should help the French Dauphin (heir to the throne), Charles, defeat the English and take the crown. Joan initially travelled to Vaucouleurs where she requested to be taken to see Charles, so that she could explain that she had been sent to help him defeat the English occupying forces. She was ridiculed and sent away, but she persisted, and was eventually granted permission to meet with the Dauphin.
Joan told the Dauphin that she would help him gain the throne and that she would see him crowned King at Reims. She advised the French army in Orléans, who believed that Joan was divinely inspired. Under Joan’s counsel, the French army saw a dramatic change in their fortune, and they enjoyed a series of successes on the battlefield against the English. The lifting of the siege of Orléans was recognized as proof that God was working through Joan to save France.
While many celebrated Joan as a messenger from God, others believed that she was possessed by the devil. They believed that some kind of sorcery or witchcraft must be behind the fact that a simple, uneducated girl was able to defeat the might of the English army. In 1429, Charles was crowned at Reims, just like Joan had foretold, and he became Charles VII of France, with Joan at his side.
Following the coronation, Joan continued to advise on military strategy, and many started to fear that she was becoming too powerful and influential. In 1430, Joan was captured by the English-allied Burgundian troops and they handed her over to the English. Charles did not take any action to try and secure her release. The English handed her over to church officials and she was put on trial for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing. She was convicted and burned at the stake in 1431, at the age of 19.
In a posthumous retrial, Joan was cleared of all charges and was canonized as a saint in 1920 by the Roman Catholic Church. Her story has been told in various cultural depictions, including paintings, plays, operas, and movies. She is celebrated for her fearlessness, bravery, and her refusal to submit to the social expectations that dictated that women should be passive, gentle and submissive.
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Try it for Free!Joan of Arc Accomplishments
- Saved France from occupation by the English and helped secure Charles VII’s coronation as King of France.
- Canonized as a saint in 1920 – the only person to be both condemned and canonized by the church.
- Continues to inspire women and girls and is recognized as a symbol of female bravery and courage.
Joan of Arc Quotes
“I am not afraid…I was born to do this.”
“I would rather die than do something which I know to be a sin, or to be against God’s will.”
“One life is all we have and we live it as we believe in living it. But to sacrifice what you are and to live without belief, that is a fate more terrible than dying.”
How Tos about Who was Joan of Arc?
How to Teach Joan of Arc’s Story Using Visual Aids for Better Engagement
Select key images that depict important moments in Joan of Arc’s life, such as her visions, leading the French army, and her trial. Visuals help students connect with the story emotionally and remember details more easily.
Create a timeline as a class activity
Guide students to build a timeline of Joan of Arc’s life events using pictures and short captions. This supports sequencing skills and helps students organize historical information visually.
Encourage students to compare perspectives
Ask students to discuss how different groups (like the French, English, and church officials) viewed Joan of Arc. Comparing perspectives fosters critical thinking and deeper understanding of historical context.
Incorporate role-play or dramatic reading
Assign students roles from Joan of Arc’s story for short skits or dramatic readings. Role-play increases engagement and helps students empathize with historical figures.
Connect Joan of Arc’s legacy to today
Lead a discussion on courage, leadership, and standing up for beliefs by relating Joan’s actions to modern examples. This makes history relevant and inspires personal reflection.
Frequently Asked Questions about Who was Joan of Arc?
Who was Joan of Arc and why is she famous?
Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl who became a national heroine for leading the French army to key victories during the Hundred Years' War. She is famous for her courage, visions, and role in changing the course of French history.
What were Joan of Arc's main achievements?
Joan of Arc's main achievements include lifting the Siege of Orléans, helping to crown Charles VII as king, and inspiring the French people during a critical time in the Hundred Years' War.
How did Joan of Arc die?
Joan of Arc was captured by enemy forces, put on trial for heresy, and burned at the stake in 1431 at the age of 19. She was later declared innocent and became a saint.
What is Joan of Arc's legacy today?
Joan of Arc is remembered as a symbol of bravery and faith. She was canonized as a saint and remains an inspiration for people around the world, especially in France.
Why is Joan of Arc considered a saint?
Joan of Arc is considered a saint because of her deep faith, her role in helping France, and the unfairness of her trial and execution. The Catholic Church canonized her in 1920.
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