Joan of Arc is widely considered to be a fascinating character in history. But, a debate rages over just how effective a military commander she actually was…indeed, as to whether she was actually a “commander” at all (or just sort of an inspirational figure). So…which is it? Inspirational figurehead or great leader? Both? Neither?
Born on January 6th, 1412. Her parents names were Jacques d’Arc and Isabelle. They lived in a small village in France. The events that took place during her childhood led up to everything that took place in her life, including her death. There had been a war going on between France and England before Joan was born. They had called a truce. But the French Royal Family, had an internal war going on that left it easy for the English to re-invade France. Count Bernard VII of Armagnac led the “Orleanist” or “Armagnac” faction. Joan later referred to him as one loved by God. Duke John-the-fearless of Burgundy, was their rival. He led the “Burgundians”. Phillip III, the son of Duke John-the-fearless captured Joan of Arc, who handed her over to the English. Later, a pro-Burgundian who’s name is Pierre Cauchon, a clergyman and supporter of Phillip III arranged Joan of Arc’s conviction and trial.
Diplomats failed to keep the truce between France and England. King Henry V had rights to the French throne, and he decided to invade and take his rightful throne. He invaded France in 1415 winning the battle of Agincourt on October 25th. In 1417, the English returned conquering Northern France, and gained support from the new Duke of Burgundy, Phillip III. It took Phillip III until 1420, to recognize King Henry V and his rights to the throne.
When Joan was 12 yrs old she had her first vision, 1424. She described the visions of Angels and Saints, along with verbal communications. Stating that she could see and touch the angels and saints in her visions. They were so real and alive. On two occasions, 2 other people saw the figures in which Joan of Arc had seen. The angels and saints that she saw were St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. Margaret of Antioch, Archangel Michael, and sometimes Gabriel. On some occasions she would see larger groups of angels. In 1422, the archangel Michael was chosen to be a patron saint to the French Military. Before 1428, Joan of Arc said that the saints and angels in her visions had been telling her to go to France and run out the Burdundians and English, while saying that God supports Charles on the throne. That God had taken pity on the French population because of how much suffering they had went through during the war. When she had the visions as a child, they merely told her to go to church, and be a good girl. But as she grew up, they started telling her to go see a commander to be escorted to the Royal Court. Later, she tried to tell the English that God, the King of Heaven, father of Jesus Christ supports Charles VII’s claim to the throne, and that they needed to go away and leave the French alone. That didn’t work out so well for Joan, so she had to resort to using a different approach. She had armor made that fit her body, a banner with 2 angels on either side, and a picture of “Our Savior” holding the Bible. She expelled the prostitutes from the camps, which in return, reformed the troops.
Her death was tragic. They tied her to a pilar where everyone could see her. The only thing she asked of them, was for a cross. A sympathetic English soldier made her a small one out of wood. They brought a crucifix from the church and a priest held it up to her until the flames started to rise. Eyewitnesses say that she screamed in a loud voice ” the Holy name of Jesus, and implored, invoked the aid of the saints of Paradise”.
I feel like she was BOTH. I think she was a fearless leader, who was is an inspiration to all of us. I believe she did see visions from God. I believe if she hadn’t been captured that a lot of things would have happened that would have made her even more a part of history. The French and English were afraid of her. They were afraid of her visions, and her fierce capabilities when it came to fighting.
Responses:
I really enjoy reading your post. I enjoy the part about her vision of see heavenly people. To this day there are people out there who are afraid of people who see vision. If the vision is against you I guess you would want to destroy the person who is having these visions so they cannot tell more about the vision to other. When she had this vision of France I am sure they wanted to shut her up and the best way for them is to kill her. Some time those who follow Christ has to die in this life time but they believe that they will have a better life when they go to heaven. To her she did not die in vain.
Nice response! It was very informative and the way you had it laid out was presented very well! I didn’t do my response on Joan of Arc so my knowledge isn’t very broad but your response helped me understand it in a deeper level. From your response, I agree with you that Joan of Arc was both a great leader and inspirational figure!
It is interesting to see how much of an inspiring person Joan of Arc really was. During that time period it would have been absurd for a female to take on command of so many people and even allowed in politics/war. However, that isn’t even the most astounding part! She was only nineteen when the war was over and she claimed victory over several lands. She did not only stay true to herself but her religion as well. I really liked reading your post on her, it is very informative!!