Raised as a Christian, Joan of Arc began having divine visions at a young age. She was born in the town of Domrémy, France, in 1412. The daughter of a peasant farmer, Joan was raised as a Christian by her mother. She was very religious, and at 13 years old began having visions of Saints, including …show more content…
In 1429, when she was 17, Joan went to the French military commander and explained her visions. She was eventually taken to see Charles VII, the heir to the throne of France. He was skeptical of her supernatural relations at first, so devised a test. Joan was asked to identify Charles, disguised among his ranks. She succeeded, but Charles was not yet convinced. Joan was then examined by a group of theologians that found her faith intact. She then detailed to Charles a prayer he had said to God, asking about his claim to the throne. After she reassured him that he was the rightful heir. Joan was then examined by a group of theologians that found her faith intact. Charles decided to allow Joan to lead the troops to reclaim Orléans from the English. Joan was given a white horse and a suit of white armor to wear into battle. When she was asked about a sword for the battle, Joan claimed that it was to be found behind the altar at the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. One was, in fact, found there. Joan also had three flags that she brought along with her. One was her famous Battle Standard, measuring three feet high by twelve feet long, adorned with God and two angels. Another was her Pennon, smaller and triangular in shape, with the virgin Mary and archangel Gabriel. The last, her Banner, was used only in daily prayer and devotion, depicted with the words “Jesus Crucified”. …show more content…
She came to the aid of the town of Compiègne when it was threatened by the Duke of Burgundy in 1430. Unfortunately she was captured by the Burgundians when they closed the drawbridge on her. She is taken as a prisoner in Beaurevoir. She attempts to escape from her tower by making the 60-foot jump. She survives, but is recaptured. She is accused of heresy. Charles fails to ransom for her, probably because he does not want to risk being ridiculed for supporting a heretic. She was sold to the English for ten thousand francs. They take her to Rouen for her trial, their goal to sentence her to death, resulting in the downfall of Charles VII. Joan appeared in court in Cauchon before approximately 70 members of the clergy. She refuses to answer certain questions. Joan is interrogated privately with harsh judges. She is threatened with torture to deny her visions. Joan refuses to admit anything and says that she will renounce anything that they make her say. She was found a relapsed heretic. On May 30, 1431, Joan was burned at the stake in a marketplace in Rouen. She was only nineteen years old. Joan’s courage and defiance for what she believed in has impacted and inspired people over many