Joan of Arc, a French nationalist and heroine, was born on January 6, 1412, in Domrémy in northeastern France. Her father was a farmer and likely one of the local leaders in the village. Young Joan never learned to read or write and grew up tending sheep in the village. However, her life took a completely different direction when she heard voices from the sky.
The voices told her that France was being invaded by the English, that King Charles VIII had usurped the throne, and that the true king needed to be restored to power. Believing the voices, Joan ran away from home at the age of 16 to try to meet with military leaders and church officials.
Joan initially tried to gather an army to liberate the city of Orléans from the English, with the help of the Duke of Lorraine II. However, many military leaders did not take her seriously, thinking she was insane or trying to use her for their own interests. She eventually managed to lead troops to drive the English out of Orléans, which made her the leader of the French army.
Joan later won a series of military victories in the Loire Valley and eventually participated in the coronation of King Charles. At that time, she was given the nickname “La Pucelle” (The Maid) because she identified herself as a virgin. After she began to go against the interests of King Charles, she was captured by the English and sold to the Duke of Burgundy.
Later, she was handed over to the English by the Burgundians and tried for religious offenses. On May 30, 1431, she was burned at the stake in Rouen. After her death, her name and legacy became a symbol of French nationalism.
Joan of Arc has been an inspiration to many people throughout history. Her courage, faith, and determination are appreciated not only by the French people, but also by people worldwide. Her death at a young age only added to her legend and made her a martyr for her cause.
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