Joan of Arc: The Maid of Orléans — Complete Biography from Birth to Death
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Joan of Arc, known worldwide as “The Maid of Orléans,” is one of history’s most extraordinary figures—a teenage peasant girl who changed the fate of France. Born into poverty yet driven by unshakable faith, she became a military leader, a national hero, and a saint. Her story is a blend of courage, divine conviction, political drama, betrayal, and tragic martyrdom. This is everything about Joan of Arc from her birth to her death—every important detail of her journey.
Early Life (1412–1424): A Quiet Girl in a War-Torn Land
Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in the small village of Domrémy, in northeastern France. Her family were simple peasants:
Father: Jacques d’Arc, a hardworking farmer
Mother: Isabelle Romée, known for her kindness and deep religious devotion
France at the time was in chaos. The Hundred Years’ War between France and England had ravaged the land, villages burned, and armies marched constantly. But Joan grew up mostly as a quiet, obedient girl who learned farming, sewing, and prayer.
From an early age, she was known for her strong sense of piety—she prayed often, attended church regularly, and showed empathy toward the poor.
Visions and Divine Voices (1424–1428)
At the age of 13, Joan experienced something that would change her life forever: she began hearing what she described as divine voices. She identified these voices as coming from:
Saint Michael the Archangel
Saint Catherine of Alexandria
Saint Margaret of Antioch
These visions instructed her to live a pure life—and eventually revealed her divine mission:
“Drive the English out of France and help the Dauphin become king.”
This message was shocking for a young peasant girl who had never held a weapon or traveled beyond her village. Yet Joan believed her mission with absolute certainty.
The Mission Begins (1428–1429)
When she turned 16, Joan insisted she must meet Charles VII, the uncrowned French king (called the Dauphin). She believed God sent her to save France. Her parents refused, thinking she was risking madness or blasphemy.
But Joan’s determination was unstoppable.
She convinced a local garrison commander, Robert de Baudricourt, by accurately predicting a major French military defeat. Astonished, he provided her with an escort to travel through dangerous territory.
Joan, dressed in male soldier’s clothing for safety, journeyed more than 500 kilometers to the French court at Chinon.
Meeting Charles VII — The Turning Point
When Joan met the Dauphin, she did something unbelievable:
Even though Charles hid among his courtiers to test her, Joan walked straight to him and declared:
“Most noble lord, I am sent to you by God, to raise the siege of Orléans and lead you to Reims for your coronation.”
Court officials were stunned. Joan was examined by theologians for weeks—they found her pure, honest, and devoted to God. She was finally given a horse, armor, and a sword and placed at the head of the French army.
At just 17 years old, Joan of Arc became a military leader.
The Siege of Orléans (1429): The Maid Rises
In early 1429, the French city of Orléans was on the edge of collapse after months of siege by English forces. Joan arrived carrying her banner—white, decorated with lilies, and the names of Jesus and Mary.
Her presence electrified the French soldiers. She inspired them with fiery speeches and divine confidence.
Within nine days, the siege was broken.
Joan led charges, encouraged troops, and lifted morale in a way no commander could match. Her courage, even after being wounded by an arrow, made her legendary.
This victory earned her the title:
“The Maid of Orléans.”
The Road to Reims and the Coronation (1429)
Joan insisted the army march to Reims, a city deep in enemy territory, where French kings were traditionally crowned. Against the advice of generals, she led the campaign through English-occupied lands.
Town after town surrendered in awe of the girl said to be guided by heaven.
On 17 July 1429, Joan stood beside Charles VII as he was crowned King of France. She had fulfilled the central part of her divine mission.
Continuing the War — And Growing Enemies
Joan wanted to continue driving the English from France completely. But political tensions grew:
Some nobles were jealous of her influence
Clerics doubted her visions
The king grew cautious
Still, Joan fought bravely in several battles until May 1430, when she was captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English.
Capture and Betrayal (1430)
Joan was handed over to the English for a large ransom.
Charles VII, now king because of her, did nothing to save her.
The English wanted her destroyed—not as an enemy soldier, but as a political threat. If her divine mission was proven false, Charles’s coronation would be delegitimized.
The Trial of Joan of Arc (1431): A Court of Injustice
Joan was placed on trial in Rouen, accused of:
Heresy
Witchcraft
Wearing men’s clothing
Claiming to hear divine voices
But the trial was rigged:
Judges chosen by the English
No defense lawyers
Church law violated
Despite this, Joan showed remarkable intelligence and courage. Her answers astonished even her enemies.
When asked if she believed she was in God’s grace—a trick question—she replied:
“If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God keep me there.”
Her brilliance defeated the trick.
But the verdict was already decided.
Execution of Joan of Arc (May 30, 1431)
Joan was declared a heretic and sentenced to death. At just 19 years old, she was burned alive in the marketplace of Rouen.
Her last word was:
“Jesus.”
Witnesses said even her executioners feared they were killing a saint.
Posthumous Justice and Sainthood
Twenty-five years after her death, a new investigation ordered by Charles VII declared Joan completely innocent and a victim of political murder.
In 1920, the Catholic Church canonized her as Saint Joan of Arc.
Legacy of Joan of Arc
Today, Joan of Arc is remembered as:
A national heroine of France
A symbol of courage and faith
A brilliant military leader
A martyr
A saint
Her story continues to inspire millions worldwide. She remains one of the most iconic figures in world history.