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Politics & World • Historical Figure

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl and military leader who became a national heroine of France during the Hundred Years' War.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl and military leader who became a national heroine of France during the Hundred Years' War. She said she was guided by divine visions, helped lift the siege of Orléans, and supported the coronation of Charles VII before being captured, tried for heresy, and executed in 1431. She was canonized as a Catholic saint in 1920.

Early life

Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in Domrémy, a village in northeastern France. She came from a peasant family and lived during the Hundred Years' War.

Military role

Joan gained prominence in 1429 when she helped inspire French forces and played a key role in the relief of Orléans. She also supported Charles VII’s claim to the French throne.

Trial and execution

Joan was captured in 1430, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in Rouen on 30 May 1431. Her condemnation was later overturned, and she was canonized in 1920.

Legacy

Joan became a symbol of French nationalism, courage, and religious devotion. She is widely remembered as the Maid of Orléans and as a Catholic saint.

Key facts

  • Born around 1412 in Domrémy, in northeastern France.
  • Believed her mission came from divine visions and voices.
  • Helped the French relieve Orléans in 1429.
  • Supported Charles VII’s coronation at Reims.
  • Executed by burning at the stake in Rouen in 1431 after a heresy trial.
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Canadian context

Joan of Arc is studied in Canadian school history and world history contexts as a major figure in medieval European warfare, religion, and national identity.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Joan of Arc?
Joan of Arc was a French peasant girl and military leader who became a national heroine for her role in the Hundred Years' War.
How old was Joan of Arc when she died?
She was about 19 years old when she was executed in 1431.
What happened to Joan of Arc?
She was captured, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake in Rouen in 1431.
Why was Joan of Arc burned at the stake?
She was condemned by an ecclesiastical court for heresy; her trial was politically influenced and linked to her claims of divine guidance and her military role.
What did Joan of Arc accomplish?
She helped lead French forces to lift the siege of Orléans and supported the coronation of Charles VII, strengthening the French cause in the Hundred Years' War.
Where did Joan of Arc live?
She was born and raised in Domrémy, a village in northeastern France, before later moving through war-related locations such as Orléans, Reims, and Rouen.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_Arc
    Supports: Birthplace, dates, role in Orléans, and general biography.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Joan-of-Arc
    Supports: Biography, death place, military role, canonization, and historical significance.
  3. History — https://www.history.com/articles/saint-joan-of-arc
    Supports: Birthplace, execution, age at death, and major accomplishments.
  4. Library of Congress — https://guides.loc.gov/feminism-french-women-history/famous/joan-of-arc
    Supports: Domrémy, role in supporting Charles VII, and execution.