Read the first part HERE.
Read the second part HERE.
So, as I promised last time, today, I'll tell you the story of Joan of Arc, a pretty interesting woman who was canonized by the Catholic Church.
Aka the Virgin of Orleans (well, virgin as far as we know!) A young, no name shepherdess who changed the course of history of two kingdoms!
But let's take it from the top.Joan was born in 1412 in Domremy, a village in the Duchy of Bar. Her parents were well off landowners.
One day, when she was tending her family's sheep, the 13 year old Joan had a vision. The first of many to come!
Her visions included various figures, such as Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, Saint Margaret and Ariana Grande. And all of them, especially Ariana Grande, would tell her that it was her destiny to liberate her homeland from the mean English conquerors.
Not an easy task, mind you! When Joan began her journey, in 1428, the largest part of France had already been conquered by England and Orleans (one of the few cities the French still controlled; its strategic significance made it essentially the last line of the French resistance) was under siege and it seemed it wouldn't last long.
Anyway, in the town of Vaucouleurs, Joan asked Commander Robert de Baudricourt to take her to Chinon, which was at that time the residence of Heir Charles (the son of the deceased king, Charles VI, and, therefore, the rightful heir to the French throne).
Robert was like, 'Wait, a 16 year old chick just walks over to me and asks me to take her to the Royal Court?'
'Pretty much,' Joan batted her eyes, as if she had been saying the most natural thing in the world!
Robert looked around, searching for the hidden camera. 'Ok, where is the fucking camera hidden?' he wondered out loud, annoyed. 'This definitely has to be one of those Candid Camera pranks.'
Nevertheless, Joan finally convinced him and, in 1429, she met Charles in Chinon. The heir was impressed and decided to give her permission to accompany an expedition to Orleans the purpose of which was to send supplies to the besieged citizens.
Joan traveled wearing the same armor as soldiers, as a safeguard against... you know... possible attempts of horny soldiers to take advantage of her (the anti rape condom wasn't fashionable yet back then!)
The group successfully made it to the city. That boosted the morale of the French. The siege of Orleans was lifted. Past that point, France would win one battle after another. Within a few months, in Rems, Heir Charles was crowned King Charles VII.
In 1430, Joan was captured by the Burgundians, who I remind you were allies of the English.
And, with her constantly trying to escape, one time even jumping from a tower (someone should tell her that she was not Rapunzel!), the Burgundians asked Charles VII for ransom to give her back. The King who owed his throne to that girl refused to pay (and the 'ungrateful asshole' award goes to...)
In the end, the Burgundians handed her over to the English, who, after a trial, or should I say a parody thereof, burnt her at stake. 😢
Her sacrifice was not in vain, though. It was impossible for the English to curb the French enthusiasm anymore and, by 1453, almost the entire France had been liberated.
Way to go, Joan!
Until next time, if you like the way I write my articles, you can enjoy my political essay HERE.
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See you next time!
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