She is a national heroine. She is the patron saint of France. Roman Catholics celebrate her feast day on May 30. She lived more than 600 years ago. Whom are we talking about? Joan of Arc, or the Maid of Orleans.
The French teenager who died on the stake has been a popular figure in literature, painting, sculpture, and other cultural works, and many famous writers, filmmakers and composers have been inspired by her.
Daughter of Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle Romee, Joan was born on January 6, 1412. She did not go to school, but took care of animals on the farm. She was good at sewing and spinning.
Precognitive
When 13, Joan began to hear voices and experienced visions which she felt were signs from God. The angels and saints began instructing her to deliver France from the invading English and make Charles VII the country’s king. She asserted that a bright light often accompanied the visions and that she heard the voices more distinctly when the bells sounded.
The commander of the French troops sent her away the first time Joan sought to join Charles and his cause. When her prediction that the French would be defeated in a battle near Orleans came true, the commander took her to see Charles. She dressed in men’s clothing and cut her hair short so that she would not be recognised. Armour, horses, swords, a banner and other items were given to her and her brothers, Jean and Pierre. Her standard was painted with an image of Christ, and the banner had the name of Jesus.
She is remembered as a fearless warrior and heroine of the Hundred Years’ War between France and England.
She was captured at Compiegne in 1430, tried and convicted of heresy (challenging the authority of the Church) by the English who burnt her at the stake in the marketplace of Rouen the following year.
Twenty-five years after Joan’s death, Pope Callixtus II declared her as not guilty. Five centuries later, the Catholic Church declared Joan to be a saint.
Fashion inspiration
Joan of Arc sported the pageboy style of haircut common among knights of her time. In 1909, the Polish-born hairdresser known as Monsieur Antoine, one of Paris’ most sought-after stylists, began cutting his fashionable clients’ tresses in a short bob, citing Joan of Arc as his inspiration. The look caught on in the 1920s, popularised by silent film stars.
Burnt at the stake
What is the meaning of “burnt at the stake”? Burning by death was a form of capital punishment in the past. It was reserved for crimes such as treason, heresy, witchcraft and rebellious actions of slaves. The criminal was bound to a large wooden stake and set fire to in public.
Game: Name the heroine
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