Joan of Arc: The Warrior Saint Who Led the French Army in the 15th Century

Introduction

Joan of Arc, known as the Maid of Orléans, is one of the most legendary figures in French history. A peasant girl turned military leader, she played a decisive role in France’s fight against English occupation during the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453).

Claiming to be guided by divine visions, Joan inspired the French army, led them to key victories, and helped secure the coronation of King Charles VII. Despite her eventual capture and execution, she became a national heroine and a symbol of faith, courage, and resistance.

This article explores Joan of Arc’s rise, military leadership, and enduring influence on France and the world.

The Rise of Joan of Arc

The Rise of Joan of Arc

A Humble Beginning with a Divine Mission

Joan of Arc was born in 1412 CE in the small village of Domrémy, located in the northeast of France. She came from a modest peasant family, the daughter of Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romée. Despite her humble origins, Joan’s life would take a remarkable turn, shaping her into one of France’s most revered heroines.

During Joan’s childhood, France was deeply embroiled in the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453), a long and bitter conflict between England and France over claims to the French throne. By the time she was a teenager, northern France, including Paris, was under English and Burgundian control. The legitimate French heir, the Dauphin Charles (later Charles VII), had not been officially crowned king due to English dominance and the occupation of Reims, where coronations traditionally took place. Many in France believed that the nation was on the verge of collapse.

At the age of 13, Joan began to experience what she described as divine visions. She claimed that Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret—three revered figures in Christian tradition—appeared to her, instructing her to lead France to victory and ensure Charles VII’s coronation. These visions became the guiding force in Joan’s life, convincing her that she had been chosen by God to save her country from English rule.

Despite the skepticism she faced, Joan’s deep religious faith and unwavering conviction pushed her to take action. By 1428, at just 16 years old, she made her first attempt to meet Charles VII, believing that she alone could deliver him to the throne. Although dismissed at first, she refused to be discouraged, eventually making her way to the Dauphin’s court the following year.

Gaining the Trust of the French Court

In 1429, at just 17 years old, Joan of Arc arrived at the court of Charles VII in Chinon, determined to convince him that she had been sent by God to lead the French army against the English. Initially, Charles and his advisors were skeptical—after all, she was a young, illiterate peasant girl with no military experience. However, Joan’s unwavering confidence and charisma set her apart.

To test her authenticity, Charles had Joan secretly examined by theologians and nobles, who questioned her about her visions and mission. Additionally, legend claims that Charles disguised himself among his courtiers, and Joan was able to identify him without hesitation, further convincing him of her divine guidance.

After weeks of deliberation, Charles agreed to allow Joan to travel to Orléans, where French forces were struggling against an ongoing English siege. However, before she left, Charles had her undergo a formal examination by church officials in Poitiers to ensure that she was not heretical or deceptive. Once declared to be of good moral character and true faith, she was provided with a suit of white armor, a horse, and a personal banner—a symbol of her mission from God.

Joan’s decision to carry a banner instead of a sword became a powerful symbol of her divine mission. She led the army as an inspirational figure, boosting morale and unifying French forces under her leadership. Her mere presence had a profound effect on soldiers, many of whom believed that God was truly with them.

Despite her lack of formal training, Joan quickly earned the respect of French commanders and troops. Her courage, battlefield instincts, and ability to rally soldiers turned the tide of the war. In just a matter of months, she would transform from an unknown village girl into France’s most powerful warrior and national symbol.

Joan of Arc’s Greatest Military Victories

The Siege of Orléans (1429): A Turning Point in the War

By 1429, the Hundred Years’ War had reached a critical stage. Much of northern France was under English and Burgundian control, and the French forces, loyal to Charles VII, were struggling to resist further advances. The city of Orléans, strategically located on the Loire River, was one of the last major strongholds preventing the English from marching further south into France.

The English siege of Orléans, which began in October 1428, was part of a broader campaign to weaken the French resistance and solidify English rule. If Orléans fell, it would have dealt a devastating blow to Charles VII’s claim to the throne and possibly led to the complete conquest of France by the English and their Burgundian allies.

As the siege dragged on into 1429, the situation became desperate. The French defenders, outnumbered and low on supplies, struggled to hold off the English forces, who had constructed a series of fortifications (bastilles) surrounding the city. French morale was at an all-time low, and many believed that Orléans was doomed to fall.

Joan of Arc’s Arrival and the French Counterattack

Against this backdrop of impending defeat, Joan of Arc arrived in Orléans on April 29, 1429, bringing reinforcements, supplies, and—most importantly—hope. Though she had no formal military training, she rallied the exhausted defenders with her unwavering faith and charismatic leadership.

Upon arrival, Joan immediately assessed the situation and urged an offensive strategy, arguing that the French should stop playing defense and take the fight to the English. While some commanders were hesitant to follow the guidance of a teenage peasant girl, her presence inspired the troops, and she gained the trust of key military leaders, including Jean de Dunois (the “Bastard of Orléans”).

Joan Leads the Charge: A Bold Counteroffensive

Beginning on May 4, 1429, Joan led a series of bold assaults against the English fortifications. She personally carried her banner into battle, urging the French soldiers forward. Her courage was contagious—many who had previously hesitated to attack now fought with renewed determination.

Key moments of the counterattack included:

• Capture of Saint-Loup (May 4, 1429): Joan led an attack on one of the English-held fortresses, securing a vital strategic point.
• Battle at Saint-Jean-le-Blanc (May 6, 1429): The French continued their push, weakening English strongholds.
• The Assault on Les Tourelles (May 7, 1429): The most decisive battle of the siege, in which Joan personally led an attack on the heavily fortified English position. During the fight, she was wounded by an arrow to the shoulder, but despite the injury, she returned to the battlefield to rally her troops.

Her presence turned the tide of battle, and by the next morning, May 8, 1429, the English were forced to retreat, effectively lifting the siege of Orléans after nearly seven months.

Impact of the Victory

The liberation of Orléans was a monumental turning point in the Hundred Years’ War:

• It boosted French morale and reversed the tide of the war, proving that the English were not invincible.
• Joan’s leadership and divine inspiration solidified her reputation as God’s chosen warrior, earning her the trust of Charles VII.
• It paved the way for further French victories and the coronation of Charles VII in Reims.

This victory was not just a military success—it was a psychological one, reviving national pride and uniting the French forces under a single vision. Joan of Arc, once a mere peasant girl, had now cemented her place as the hero of France.

The Coronation of Charles VII at Reims

The liberation of Orléans in May 1429 was a turning point in the Hundred Years’ War, but Joan of Arc saw it as just the beginning. Her ultimate goal was to see Charles VII crowned as the rightful King of France, fulfilling the mission she believed had been given to her by God.

At the time, Charles VII had not yet been formally crowned, which weakened his legitimacy as the ruler of France. In medieval tradition, French kings were always crowned at Reims Cathedral, a sacred site where generations of monarchs had received divine anointment. However, Reims was deep in English and Burgundian-controlled territory, making such a coronation seem nearly impossible.

Joan, however, was undeterred. She urged Charles VII to march north, arguing that reclaiming Reims and completing his coronation would solidify his rule and rally more of France to his cause. Despite the doubts of his advisors, Joan’s recent victory at Orléans had given her influence at court, and Charles agreed to launch the campaign.

The Campaign to Reims: Victory Across Northern France

In June 1429, Joan led a French army of around 12,000 soldiers on a campaign through Burgundian-occupied France, encountering minimal resistance. Many towns surrendered without a fight, as Joan’s growing reputation as a divinely inspired leader demoralized enemy forces and convinced local populations to support the French cause.

Key victories along the route to Reims included:

• Jargeau (June 12, 1429): A successful attack against an English-held town, further proving Joan’s battlefield effectiveness.
• Meung-sur-Loire (June 15, 1429) and Beaugency (June 17, 1429): The French reclaimed these key strategic locations, clearing the way toward Reims.
• Patay (June 18, 1429): One of the most decisive victories, where the French army crushed an English force led by Sir John Fastolf. Unlike in previous battles where English longbowmen had been dominant, French cavalry overwhelmed them before they could organize, marking a turning point in military tactics.

With momentum on their side, the French army continued north, taking Auxerre, Troyes, and Châlons with little resistance. By mid-July 1429, the road to Reims was clear, and the city willingly opened its gates to Joan and Charles.

The Coronation of Charles VII (July 17, 1429)

On July 17, 1429, Charles VII was formally crowned King of France in Reims Cathedral, in a grand ceremony attended by nobles, clergy, and Joan of Arc herself. Joan stood beside the new king, holding her banner as a symbol of her divine mission.

Her vision had been realized—Charles was now officially recognized as France’s legitimate ruler. This moment marked a psychological and political turning point in the war, as it unified French forces and inspired new confidence in the fight against the English and Burgundians.

The Significance of the Coronation

• Legitimized Charles VII’s rule: Many French nobles who had remained neutral or supported the English began to recognize him as the rightful king.
• Shifted momentum in the war: The coronation encouraged more French forces and cities to join Charles VII’s side, weakening English influence.
• Elevated Joan’s status: She was no longer just a military leader—she had become the architect of France’s political resurgence.

Though Joan’s mission was technically complete, she continued to fight for France, believing there was still more to do. However, her growing influence made some of Charles VII’s court uneasy, and in the following months, she would face betrayal, capture, and ultimately, martyrdom.

Despite her tragic fate, the coronation at Reims secured her place as one of France’s greatest national heroes, and her role in restoring Charles VII’s throne would never be forgotten.

The Battle of Paris and Joan Of Arc’s Capture (1430)

Joan’s Continued Campaigns After Reims

After the triumphant coronation of Charles VII at Reims in July 1429, Joan of Arc believed her divine mission was not yet complete. Though Charles had been officially crowned, the English still controlled vast territories in northern France, including Paris, Normandy, and large portions of the Loire Valley. Joan urged Charles to press forward and reclaim all of France, but the French court—now less reliant on her leadership—became hesitant.

Despite growing political resistance from Charles’s advisors, Joan led French forces toward Paris, the heart of English-controlled France. She hoped that capturing the capital would break English power and accelerate the war’s conclusion.

The Battle of Paris (September 8, 1429)

Joan launched an assault on Paris on September 8, 1429, leading a direct attack against the city’s heavily fortified walls. The French forces bombarded the city and made several attempts to breach its defenses, but the English and their Burgundian allies (French nobles loyal to England) had prepared a strong defense.

During the battle, Joan personally led the charge, fighting near the gates of Saint-Honoré. However, she was wounded in the thigh by a crossbow bolt, forcing her soldiers to retreat. Despite her injuries, she refused to leave the battlefield, attempting to rally her troops for another attack.

However, Charles VII’s court was growing cautious about Joan’s increasing influence and independent military decisions. Instead of reinforcing the siege, Charles ordered a withdrawal the following day. This halted the campaign against Paris and marked a turning point—Joan’s military authority began to decline, and her relationship with Charles’s advisors grew strained.

Joan’s Capture at Compiègne (May 23, 1430)

After the failed siege of Paris, Joan continued to fight in smaller campaigns, attempting to liberate more territories in northern France. In the spring of 1430, she traveled to Compiègne, a key French stronghold under attack by the Burgundians, who were allied with England.

On May 23, 1430, Joan led a counterattack against the Burgundians outside the walls of Compiègne. However, the battle quickly turned against her forces. The Burgundians outnumbered the French, and as the French retreated back to the city, the gates were closed too soon, trapping Joan outside the walls.

She fought bravely, refusing to surrender, but was eventually pulled from her horse and captured by Burgundian soldiers. This was a devastating blow—Joan had never been defeated in battle before, and her capture left French forces demoralized.

Sold to the English: The Beginning of Joan’s Trial

Following her capture, Joan was held prisoner for several months by the Burgundians. Charles VII, despite all that Joan had done for him, made no attempt to ransom or rescue her—a clear sign that the French court was beginning to distance itself from her.

In November 1430, the Burgundians sold Joan to the English for 10,000 livres, a significant sum. The English, eager to eliminate her influence and discredit her victories, saw this as a chance to destroy her reputation.

Joan was transferred to Rouen, the English-occupied capital of Normandy, where she would face a politically motivated trial led by pro-English clergy. She was accused of heresy, witchcraft, and wearing men’s clothing, with the ultimate goal of proving that her divine visions were false and that she was a fraud.

Her capture marked the end of her military career but set the stage for her trial, execution, and eventual transformation into a martyr and national symbol for France.

The Trial and Execution of Joan of Arc

A Politically Motivated Trial

After being captured by the Burgundians in May 1430, Joan of Arc was sold to the English and imprisoned in Rouen, Normandy, which was under English control. The English viewed Joan as a dangerous political and military figure, whose victories had weakened their claim to the French throne. They sought to discredit her reputation and ensure she could no longer inspire resistance against them.

Instead of treating her as a prisoner of war, the English—through their allies in the Church—arranged for Joan to be put on trial for heresy, witchcraft, and cross-dressing. The trial was overseen by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, a pro-English cleric, who acted as the chief judge. Cauchon’s objective was clear: to convict Joan and justify England’s continued control over France.

Charges Against Joan

Joan was accused of multiple offenses, including:

• Heresy – Claiming to receive divine visions from Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret without Church approval.
• Witchcraft – Some accused her of using sorcery to influence Charles VII and win battles.
• Cross-dressing – Wearing male armor and clothing, which was considered a violation of Church laws at the time.

Despite facing an unfair and politically motivated trial, Joan demonstrated remarkable intelligence and resilience during her interrogations. The judges tried to trap her with trick questions, but she repeatedly outwitted them, refusing to contradict herself or deny her faith. Her unwavering belief in her divine mission frustrated her accusers, as she remained calm, logical, and fearless throughout the proceedings.

A Rigged Trial and Unjust Verdict

The trial was heavily biased from the beginning. Joan was denied legal representation, held in an English military prison instead of a Church prison, and interrogated for hours at a time in attempts to break her spirit. The judges ignored evidence in her favor, and her ultimate conviction was a foregone conclusion.

After months of questioning and pressure, Joan was finally tricked into signing a confession renouncing her visions. However, within days, she recanted, reaffirming that she had truly been sent by God. This gave her judges the excuse they needed to sentence her to death as a relapsed heretic.

On May 29, 1431, she was found guilty and condemned to be burned at the stake.

Execution and Martyrdom (1431)

On the morning of May 30, 1431, at just 19 years old, Joan of Arc was led to the old marketplace in Rouen, where a massive crowd had gathered to witness her execution. She was tied to a wooden stake atop a large pyre, surrounded by English soldiers and officials.

Before her execution, she asked for a crucifix, and a sympathetic soldier gave her a small wooden cross, which she held to her chest. A priest also held up a larger cross so she could see it as she was burned.

As the flames rose around her, witnesses reported that Joan’s final words were “Jesus, Jesus”, showing her unwavering faith until the very end.

Her ashes were gathered and thrown into the Seine River, ensuring that no relics of her body could be venerated as holy remains.

Impact of Joan’s Death

Joan’s execution horrified many in France, and her death only strengthened French resistance against the English. Over time, she became a symbol of national pride and divine justice, inspiring renewed efforts to drive the English out of France.

Just 25 years after her death, in 1456, a retrial ordered by Pope Calixtus III overturned the original verdict, declaring Joan innocent and recognizing her as a martyr.

In 1920, she was officially canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church, making her Saint Joan of Arc, the patron saint of France.

Joan’s faith, courage, and sacrifice transformed her from a warrior into a national legend, ensuring that her legacy would live on for centuries.

The Legacy of Joan of Arc

The Legacy of Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc’s legacy extends far beyond her short life. Though she was executed in 1431, her story only grew in importance over the centuries. She became a symbol of faith, patriotism, and resilience, inspiring generations of leaders, revolutionaries, and artists. From her posthumous rehabilitation trial to her canonization as a saint, Joan’s impact on French history, culture, and identity remains profound.

Posthumous Rehabilitation and Canonization

Retrial and Recognition as a Martyr (1456)

Twenty-five years after Joan’s execution, the political landscape had shifted. By 1453, France had successfully driven the English out of most of its territories, effectively ending the Hundred Years’ War. With King Charles VII now securely on the throne, he had a vested interest in clearing Joan’s name—after all, she had been one of the key figures who helped him ascend to power.

In 1455, Pope Calixtus III ordered an investigation into Joan’s trial. A panel of theologians, bishops, and legal scholars reviewed the original proceedings and found them to be corrupt and politically motivated.

On July 7, 1456, the retrial declared Joan innocent, ruling that she had been wrongfully executed. The Church officially recognized her as a martyr, and her reputation as a divinely inspired figure was fully restored.

Canonization as a Saint (1920)

Though Joan’s innocence had been recognized in the 15th century, she was not formally declared a saint until nearly 500 years later. Her canonization process began in the 19th century, when the Catholic Church reexamined her life and contributions to Christian history.

On May 16, 1920, Pope Benedict XV officially canonized Joan of Arc as a saint, recognizing her faith, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to her divine mission.

She was declared the Patron Saint of France, solidifying her spiritual and national significance. Today, she is also recognized as the patron saint of soldiers and those who struggle for justice.

Symbol of French Nationalism and Feminine Strength

A National Icon of France

Joan of Arc has long been one of the most enduring symbols of French national identity. Her victories against the English and her unwavering devotion to France’s sovereignty have made her a heroic figure in times of crisis.

Throughout French history, she has been invoked as a symbol of resistance and unity, especially during moments of war or political turmoil.

• During the French Revolution (1789–1799), revolutionaries used Joan’s legacy to represent the power of the people over monarchy and foreign rule.
• In World War I and World War II, Joan became an emblem of French resilience and patriotism, inspiring soldiers to defend their homeland.

An Inspiration for Women and Feminists

Despite living in a time when women had little political or military power, Joan defied gender norms and became one of history’s most famous female warriors.

• She led armies into battle, proving that women could hold positions of leadership and influence.
• Her legacy has inspired generations of feminists, writers, and activists who see her as a symbol of female empowerment.
• Modern women’s movements often cite Joan as an example of courage, independence, and breaking societal barriers.

Cultural Influence

Joan of Arc in Literature and Art

Joan’s story has been immortalized in countless works of literature, paintings, films, and operas, making her one of the most portrayed figures in history.

• William Shakespeare’s Henry VI, Part 1 (1591) – One of the earliest dramatic portrayals of Joan, though biased against her.
• Voltaire’s La Pucelle d’Orléans (1755) – A satirical take on Joan’s life by one of France’s most famous philosophers.
• Mark Twain’s Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc (1896) – A surprisingly reverent novel about her life, portraying her as a true hero.

Artists throughout history have depicted Joan in paintings, sculptures, and religious iconography:

• Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres’ painting Joan of Arc at the Coronation of Charles VII (1854) – One of the most famous images of Joan in her full armor.
• Emanuel Frémiet’s bronze equestrian statue of Joan of Arc in Paris (1874) – A powerful tribute to her warrior legacy.

Joan in Film, Television, and Music

Her story continues to inspire filmmakers and musicians, keeping her legacy alive in popular culture:

• Carl Dreyer’s The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928) – A silent film masterpiece portraying her trial and execution.
• Luc Besson’s The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) – A modern retelling of her life, starring Milla Jovovich.
• Video games like Age of Empires II and Joan of Arc (PS2, 2004) – Introduce her story to new generations.
• Songs by artists like Leonard Cohen (“Joan of Arc”) and Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (“Maid of Orleans”) – Show how she continues to inspire music.

Remains a Symbol of Resistance and Justice

Joan’s story resonates not only in France but across the world. She is frequently invoked as a symbol of justice, divine inspiration, and unwavering courage.

• Political leaders and revolutionaries have used her story as an example of fighting against oppression.
• Religious communities admire her as a model of faith and divine devotion.
• Women’s rights advocates see her as a pioneer who defied gender norms in a male-dominated society.

Her mystique and historical impact ensure that Joan of Arc’s name will never be forgotten, making her one of the most influential figures in world history.

Conclusion

Joan of Arc was more than just a warrior—she was a visionary leader, national heroine, and symbol of faith and resilience. Her military victories revived France’s fortunes during the Hundred Years’ War, and her martyrdom cemented her place in history.

Her courage, strategic brilliance, and unwavering devotion continue to inspire people worldwide, ensuring that her name will never be forgotten in the annals of history.

Additional Reading

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