Joan of Arc: Saint or Eccentric? Her Story & Face Revealed | Royalty Now

Summary

This video script delves into the legendary life of Joan of Arc, a symbol of French freedom. Born in 1412, Joan's deep piety and early visions led her to lead France to pivotal victories during the Hundred Years War. Despite her capture and execution at 19, her legacy as a unifying figure was cemented, and she was later canonized as a saint. The video also explores the mystery surrounding her appearance, offering a possible reconstruction based on historical descriptions and artifacts.

Takeaways

• 🏰 Joan of Arc is a legendary figure in French history, symbolizing freedom and leading battles and coronations in her youth.
• 👶 Born in 1412 in Domremy, France, Joan's family had a strong influence on her deeply religious and pious nature.
• 🌐 Joan's early life was marked by the backdrop of the Hundred Years War, a devastating conflict that began in 1337 and shaped her destiny.
• 😇 Joan claimed to have received visions from Saint Michael, instructing her to defend France, which she took as a divine calling.
• 🛡️ Despite initial skepticism, Joan's determination and faith eventually convinced French officials and soldiers to support her mission.
• 🗡️ Joan led the French forces to several victories, including the pivotal lifting of the siege of Orleans, which marked a turning point in the war.
• 👑 Joan's success in crowning Charles VII as king solidified her role as a unifying figure and a symbol of French resistance.
• 💔 However, Joan's aggressive tactics and influence led to her being seen as a liability, and she was eventually captured by the Burgundians.
• ⚔️ Joan was tried for heresy and accused of witchcraft by the English, who sought to discredit and eliminate her influence.
• 🔥 Joan was executed at the age of 19, but her legacy lived on, and she was later posthumously vindicated and canonized as a saint.
• 🎭 The physical appearance of Joan of Arc remains somewhat of a mystery, with only a few descriptions and a sketch from her time providing clues.

Q & A

When and where was Joan of Arc born?

Joan of Arc was born around 1412 in what is now Domremy, France.

What was the significance of Joan of Arc's mother's last name, Romee?

It is said that Joan's mother's last name, Romee, may have been earned by taking a long pilgrimage on foot from France to Rome and the Vatican City, symbolizing dedication that was passed on to Joan.

What was the context of France during Joan of Arc's childhood?

France during Joan of Arc's childhood was embroiled in the Hundred Years War, which began in 1337, and was also struck by the devastating Black Death pandemic.

What was the impact of the Battle of Agincourt on France and its monarchy?

The Battle of Agincourt in 1415 resulted in a catastrophic defeat for France, leading to the death of many military and political leaders and causing King Charles VI to suffer a mental collapse.

What was the Treaty of Troyes and why was it significant?

The Treaty of Troyes, signed in 1420, disinherited the son of Charles VI and promised to join the French and English dynasties, in hopes of ending the Hundred Years War.

How did Joan of Arc's visions influence her decision to join the French military effort?

Joan of Arc experienced visions and voices that instructed her to defend France, which led her to seek an armed escort to the French court to meet the Dauphin.

What was Joan of Arc's role in the Siege of Orleans?

Joan of Arc played a pivotal role in lifting the Siege of Orleans by boosting morale, leading troops, and providing strategic advice, which resulted in a series of French victories.

How did Joan of Arc's capture change the course of her life and the war?

Joan of Arc's capture led to her trial for heresy, her eventual execution, and a shift in the French court's perception of her, but her actions had already inspired the French forces and contributed to the eventual expulsion of the English.

What was the outcome of Joan of Arc's trial and how was it later addressed?

Joan of Arc was found guilty of heresy and executed. Nearly 20 years after her death, Charles VII ordered an inquiry into her trial, leading to a restoration trial where her guilty verdict was overturned.

What physical descriptions of Joan of Arc exist, and how have they influenced her depiction?

Physical descriptions of Joan of Arc include being short, muscular, with dark hair and large, dark eyes. These descriptions, along with historical artifacts like a letter with a possible hair sample, have influenced artistic and sculptural depictions of her.