Joan of Arc

The Voices That Led Her

Joan of Arc, a name that resonates with tales of courage, faith, and conviction, stands as one of history’s most iconic figures. Born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, she emerged during a time of significant turmoil— the Hundred Years’ War, a protracted conflict between England and France. However, what sets Joan apart from other military leaders of her time is not just her role as a young commander but the extraordinary spiritual experiences that guided her decisions and shaped her destiny. Central to her story are the spiritual voices she heard, voices that would ultimately propel her into the annals of history.

The Early Years

Joan was born into a peasant family, and her early life was marked by simplicity and devotion. From a young age, she exhibited a strong sense of faith, often attending church and partaking in religious rituals. However, the turning point in her life came when she began to experience visions and hear voices, which she later identified as those of saints. At the age of 13, she reported hearing the voices of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, who instructed her to take up the cause of the Dauphin, Charles VII, and to drive the English from France.

The Voices and Their Message

Joan’s claims of divine guidance set her apart in a time when spiritual experiences were often met with scepticism. The voices she heard were more than mere hallucinations; they were transformative directives that infused her with purpose. Joan believed that she was chosen by God to fulfil a divine mission. The voices provided her with not only a sense of identity but also the courage to step beyond the constraints of her gender and social standing in a patriarchal society.

Saint Michael urged her to be brave and lead the French troops, while Saint Catherine and Saint Margaret encouraged her to persevere in her mission. These voices helped Joan frame her role as a divinely appointed warrior, and she felt an overwhelming responsibility to fulfil her calling. It was this conviction that led her to seek an audience with Charles VII in 1429, where she persuaded him to allow her to lead an army to lift the siege of Orléans.

The Siege of Orléans

Joan’s leadership during the siege of Orléans became a defining moment in both her life and the history of France. Dressed in armour and leading the troops with fierce determination, she quickly gained the respect and admiration of the soldiers, inspiring them with her unwavering faith and resolute spirit. The siege was lifted in just nine days, a remarkable feat attributed to Joan’s strategic insights and her belief in her divine mission. This victory not only bolstered French morale but also solidified Joan’s status as a national heroine.

The Coronation of Charles VII

Buoyed by their success at Orléans, Joan continued to support Charles VII’s claim to the throne. She insisted on his coronation at Reims, a symbolic act that legitimised his rule and rekindled hope for a nation ravaged by war. In July 1429, Charles was crowned king, with Joan by his side, fulfilling one of her primary missions. The image of the young peasant girl leading a king to his throne encapsulated the extraordinary nature of her journey, as well as the profound impact of the voices that had guided her.

Betrayal and Trial

However, the tides of fortune would soon turn. By 1430, Joan was captured during a military campaign and subsequently handed over to the English. Accused of heresy, witchcraft, and dressing as a man—an affront to the societal norms of the time—she was subjected to a politically motivated trial. Throughout her imprisonment and trial, Joan remained steadfast in her beliefs, insisting that her voices were real and that she had acted on divine orders.

In May 1431, she was burned at the stake in Rouen, a martyr at the tender age of 19. Her trial and execution were marred by the influence of her enemies, and the aftermath saw her name smeared and her reputation tarnished. Yet, even in death, her legacy endured.

Legacy and Canonisation

Years after her execution, Joan of Arc was posthumously exonerated in a retrial initiated by the Catholic Church. In 1920, she was canonised as a saint, cementing her status as a symbol of faith, resilience, and national pride. Her story continues to inspire countless individuals around the world, serving as a reminder of the power of conviction and the possibility of transcending societal constraints.

Joan of Arc’s life is a profound testament to the impact of belief and the voices that can guide us in times of uncertainty. Her unwavering faith, fierce determination, and the divine messages she claimed to receive propelled her to become a figure of legend. So inspired by her character, I once visited the cathedral in Rouen, France, dedicated to her, in recognition of her legacy.

In a world often filled with doubt, Joan’s story encourages us to listen to our inner voices, confront our fears, and stand firm in our convictions, reminding us that courage can arise from the most unexpected of places.