Joan of Arc: The Story of the Maid of Orleans. Jeanne dArc: a brief biography, life story and achievements The feat of Jeanne dArc summary
Zhanna d’Arc, the Orleans Virgin (Jeanne D "ARC, January 6, 1412 - May 30, 1431) - the most famous historical personality of France. In a centenary war, acted as the Commander -in -Chief, but was captured by the Burgundians and, by order of the king, was transferred to the authorities of England. As a result of a religious accusation, d’Arc was burned on a fire, and later - rehabilitated rehabilitation Rovana and even canonized.
Childhood
Jeanne or Jeanette - as the girl called herself - was born in 1412 in the small village of Domremy, located on the border of Lorraine and Champagne. It is not known for certain who her parents were, since some sources claim that they were of the poorest origin, while others are of a quite prosperous status.
The situation is the same with the date of birth of Jeanette herself: the parish book contains an entry from 1412 about the birth of a girl, which for a long time was considered the exact date of her birth. However, on January 6, 1904, when Pope Pius X canonized d'Arc, he indicated the year 1409/1408, thereby refuting the previous information.
Almost nothing is known about Jeanne's early childhood. Only a few entries in her parents' diaries have survived that the girl was born very weak and often sick. At the age of four, she caught a bad cold and was between life and death for about a month.
And since at that time people could not yet prepare potent drugs, parents could only pray for the successful recovery of the child. Fortunately, a few months later, d'Arc fully recovered from her illness, but remained secretive and silent throughout her life.
Youth
At the age of thirteen, according to Jeanette herself, she first saw the Archangel Michael. The girl could only tell her parents about her visions, since she had no friends. But the relatives did not recognize what d'Arc said, attributing everything to Jeanne's fantasy and her desire to "acquire at least fictional friends."
But a few months later, d'Arc again tells his parents that he saw the Archangel Michael and two other women (according to scientists, these were Saints Margaret of Antioch and Catherine of Alexandria). According to the girl, the “guests” who appeared told her about her mission: to lift the siege of the city of Orleans, driving out the invaders forever, and to elevate the Dauphin to the throne.
Not having received proper support from relatives, Joan of Arc goes to Captain Robert de Bondicourt, who at that time was the manager of the city of Vaucouleurs. There, the girl tells her story, but, unfortunately, she sees an absolutely identical situation: the captain only laughs at her unhealthy fantasy and sends her back, not even wanting to listen to the end. Jeanette, annoyed by such an attitude towards her person, goes to her native Domremy, but does not give up.
A year later, the situation repeats itself: she again comes to the captain, claiming the possibility of winning the battle only if he appoints her as a commander. Decisive is the prediction of d'Arc about the outcome of the so-called "Battle of Herring", which should take place in the near future under the walls of the city of Orleans.
This time, de Bondicourt listens to the words of the girl and decides to allow her to participate in the battle. Jeanette is given men's clothing (which, by the way, she then began to prefer to numerous dresses, stating that such an image not only helps in battle, but also discourages attention from the soldiers) and is equipped along with a small detachment. It is to him that two of d'Arc's best friends subsequently join: the knights Bertrand de Pulangy and Jean de Metz.
Participation in battles
As soon as the detachment was fully equipped, Jeanette led the people behind her. For 11 days they traveled to Chinon, where the warlike woman planned to enlist the support of the Dauphin. Entering the city, she declared to the ruler that she was "sent by Heaven in order to liberate Orleans and bring peace and tranquility", and also demanded his support and provision of her army. But, despite the noble aspirations of d'Arc, King Charles hesitated for a long time whether to place his best warriors under her command.
For several weeks, he tested Jeanne d'Arc: theologians interrogated her, the messengers sought information about her at home on the orders of the king, the woman underwent numerous tests. But not a single fact was found that could discredit the name of d'Arc, after which the army in the field was completely transferred to her for command.
With the army, the young military leader goes to Blois, where she joins with another part of the army. The news that they are now commanded by a "messenger of God" causes an unprecedented morale in the soldiers. On April 29, troops under the command of d'Arc penetrate Orleans. After short battles, in which the active army loses only two, on May 4, Jeanette liberates the fortress of Saint-Loup.
Thus, a mission that is impossible for numerous military leaders is carried out without much effort by a woman in just 4 days. For such merits, Jeanne d'Arc receives the title of "Maid of Orleans", and May 8 is appointed an official holiday (by the way, it exists to this day).
Prosecution and inquisitorial process
In the autumn of the same year, immediately after the coronation of Charles, Joan of Arc, with his support, launched an attack on Paris, where at that time confusion and chaos reigned because of the desire of the English military leaders to independently command the remaining troops. However, a month later, the king, for unknown reasons, orders a retreat and, forced to obey Jeanne, leaves the army in the Loire.
Immediately after this, a message arrives about the capture of the city of Compiègne by the Burgundians, and d'Arc rushes to liberate it without even asking the consent of the new king. As a result, luck turns away from the "Maid of Orleans" and she is captured by the Burgundians, from where neither King Charles nor other influential people can save her.
On February 21, 1431, the inquisitorial hearing of Joan of Arc began, which the Burgundians, without hiding their involvement in the process, accused of heresy and disobedience to existing church canons. Jeanette was credited with both intercourse with the devil and disregard for church canons, but the woman denied any negative statements addressed to her.
Such courageous behavior only delayed the decision of the church to burn d'Arc, because, in this case, she would become a martyr and, perhaps, would encourage the people to revolt. That is why church ministers go to meanness: d’Arc is brought to the “fire that is being prepared for her” and, in exchange for life, they offer to sign a paper with a request to transfer her to a church prison because she is aware of what she has done and wants to atone for her guilt.
A woman not taught to read signs a paper, which is then replaced with another one - in which it is written about Jeanette's full recognition of everything that she was accused of. Thus, d'Arc, with his own hand, signs the verdict of burning, which is carried out on May 30, 1431, in the square of the city of Rouen.
Posthumous justification
For the next 20 years, Joan of Arc was practically not remembered, and only by 1452, King Charles VII, knowing about the exploits of a courageous girl, decided to find out the whole truth about the high-profile case of the past. He ordered to collect all the documents and find out in all details the essence and conduct of the trial of Jeanette.
To collect all the necessary information, manuscripts of church books were raised, surviving witnesses of that time were interviewed, and even messengers were sent to Domremy - the homeland of the "Maid of Orleans". By 1455, it was absolutely clear that monstrous violations of the law were committed during the hearing of the d'Arc case, and the girl herself was indeed innocent.
The restoration of the noble name of Joan of Arc took place in three cities at once: Orleans, Paris and Rouen. Documents about her alleged involvement in the devil and the illegality of her actions were publicly torn in front of a crowd in the city square (by the way, among which were Jeanne's friends and her mother). On July 7, 1456, the case was closed, and the good name of the girl was restored. And in 1909, Pope Pius X declared Jeanne blessed, after which a solemn canonization took place.
Jeanne d'Arc whose biography still amazes people could well serve as an example for many modern women. There has never been another such national heroine of France, and indeed of any other country, and is unlikely to ever be. So let's get started!
Joan of Arc was born in 1412 in the village of Domremy. Today, the hometown of Jeanne Darc and the preserved house are a favorite place of pilgrimage for tourists. Until the age of 13, Jeanne indulged in active games and grew up as a fighting girl, and upon reaching the mentioned date, she began to hear the voices of the saints. Sometimes Jeanne saw real visions in which the fate of the savior of France was prophesied to her. After some time, Zhanna went to the city of Vakuler to the local military commander, who, of course, ridiculed her. After some time, Jeanne again went to him and revealed to him a series of prophecies, in which the commander found a lot of facts that made him believe the young maiden. He gave her warriors and sent her to the Dauphin of France, Charles VII.
Over the biography of Jeanne Dark, many people tend to be ironic. However, a number of facts eloquently indicate that there was undoubtedly a mystical inexplicable component in this story. The Dauphin had been forewarned of Jeanne's visit and knew that she was to recognize him according to the prophecy. Therefore, he placed a subordinate similar to himself on the throne, and he himself stood with his retinue in the crowd. Upon entering the castle, Joan of Arc unmistakably approached the real Dauphin, which surprised those around her a lot. And yet, the Dauphin did not believe in a miracle, but gave Jeanne a series of checks, during which all his doubts were dispelled.
Great victories and captivity
Joan of Darkness was given an army by the king and even a sword of Charlemagne. France at that time was in a terrible position and lost many territories during the advances of the British. Jeanne d'Arc, whose biography is famous for miraculous victories, began to quickly liberate cities one by one. After the first victory - the bastion of Saint Louis taken in Orleans, Jeanne was dubbed the "Maid of Orleans" and even the biggest skeptics believed that she was from God. She completed in a few days a task that the military leaders considered impossible.
After Orleans, Jeanne Dark effortlessly conquered the Loire, Jarjot, Maine-sur-Loire and defeated the British head-on at the Battle of Pates. Among the captured British was the invincible English Baron Talbot, who had 47 victories and not a single defeat.
Jeanne persuaded Charles to launch an attack on Paris, however, he doubted for a long time, as a result of which the offensive did not take place. In 1430, Jeanne rushed to the aid of the besieged city of Compiègne, where her brilliant career was cut short by the betrayal of one of her subordinates. Jeanne was taken prisoner and taken to Rouen. The victorious biography of Jeanne Dark was over, terrible trials and an execution that terrified the world lay ahead.
Trial and execution
Why was Joan of Arc burned at the stake? It is noteworthy that she was tried not as a war criminal, but as a heretic. She was charged with wearing men's clothing and that she heard voices - according to English Catholic priests, these voices were from evil spirits. Bishop Pierre Cochon, whose name was later cursed by his own descendants, almost completely fabricated the trial of Joan of Dark. In particular, he fraudulently forced her to sign her "renunciation of heresy", by which she admitted her guilt.
On May 30, 1431, Joan of Arc was burned at the stake in Rouen, in the Old Market Square. Today, people still bring flowers to this place. During the burning, the people, despite the fact that Jeanne was opponents in the war, cried a lot. In the last moments, Jeanne shouted to the bishop that she was dying because of him and that he would be called to the judgment of God. As the fire began to scorch her body, she called out “Jesus!” several times. and the crowd heard no more moan.
Her ashes were scattered over the river, and noble persons and ordinary people admired the courage and strength of the girl for a long time.
Jeanne d'Arc biography, which briefly may seem inconclusive to some, nevertheless won over England. France dealt the British, who were weakened by Joan's victories, a crushing blow and won.
War broke out in Europe between England and France. It was during the Hundred Years War that the savior of the French kingdom, Joan of Arc, was born.
The girl came from a peasant family, according to other sources from the middle-class nobility. Many were worried that the peasant girl could skillfully ride a horse and knew the features of combat and siege. Hence the divergence of opinions about the origin of the heroine.
The date of birth is considered to be 1412 in the village of Domremy in Lorraine. However, the document on canonization of saints indicates the date 01/06/1409. The girl was often called Jeanne the Virgin.
When the girl was 13 years old, she began to claim that she heard the voice of the Archangel Michael. It was he who guided her along the path of the chosen fate of the savior of France.
At the age of 17, Jeanne goes to the city to the local captain. It took her twice to come to convince everyone of her holy mission. To be escorted to the fortress of Chinon through the Burgundian territory - the allies of the British.
Jeanne chose to wear men's clothes and ride like men. Together with her, two knights Jean de Metz and Bertrand De Pulangy set off on their journey.
Arriving at the Dauphin, the contender for the French crown, Charles, the girl was able to convince those around her and the future king to give her an army to march on Orleans, besieged by the British.
First of all, Charles ordered the virginity of the girl to be confirmed by the matrons, and then to undergo a theological survey. People were sent to ascertain the veracity of her words in Lorraine.
The Dauphin appoints the girl to command an army under the leadership of experienced military leaders: La Hire, Poton de Centrale and Count Dunois. The Prince of Alason coordinated the actions of the headquarters.
Jeanne's attire for battle was clothing and armor, like men's. A banner, a banner and a sword from the church were presented (according to legend, Charlemagne owned it).
Among the inhabitants of Orleans and the troops, the arrival of Joan of Arc caused an incredible moral uplift. This happens on 04/29/1429, and after 5 days the Saint-Loup bastion will be taken. The siege was lifted a couple of days later. So Jeanne began to be called the Maid of Orleans.
By June 18, 1428, the operation in the Loire Valley was resolved with the complete defeat of the British. The famous Talbot was captured by the French, and Fastolf fled the battlefield.
young french woman Joan of Arc managed to turn the tide of the 100-year war, and led the French troops under her banner to victory. She managed to do what many experienced French commanders considered impossible - to defeat the British.
Short biography of Joan of Arc
The official date of birth of Jeanne d'Arc is considered January 6, 1412(there are 2 more dates - January 6, 1408 and 1409). She was born in the French village of Domremy into a wealthy peasant family.
Voice of Archangel Michael
When Joan of Arc turned 13 years, she, according to her, heard the voice of the Archangel Michael, who told her about the great mission: Jeanne was supposed to break the siege of Orleans by the British and win the battle.
Persistent girl
The visions were repeated at 16 the girl went to one of the captains of the French army - Robert de Baudricourt. She told about her visions and asked to give her people under command and escort to the court of the Dauphin (heir to Charles VI).
Joan of Arc's insistence got the better of the captain's taunts, and he gave her people to accompany her to the king, and also supplied men's clothing so as not to "embarrass the soldiers."
Meeting with the king
March 14, 1429 Jeanne arrived at the residence of the Dauphin Charles - the castle Chinon. She announced to him that she was sent by Heaven to liberate the country from English domination and asked for troops in order to lift the siege of Orleans.
In France, there was a belief that a young virgin sent by God would help the army win the war.
The girl amazed the courtiers and the king himself with her skill riding and art possession of weapons. There was an impression that she was brought up not in a peasant family, but "in special schools."
Jeanne - Commander-in-Chief
After the matrons confirmed Jeanne's virginity and numerous other checks were made, Karl made a decision make her commander in chief with his troops, and lead them to Orleans.
After that, armor was made for the girl and delivered at her request. sword of Charlemagne himself, which was kept in the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. Then she went to the city of Blois, appointed as a collection point for the army, and already at the head of the army set out for Orleans.
"Maid of Orleans"
The news that the army was led by a messenger of God caused an extraordinary moral upsurge in the army. Hopeless commanders and soldiers, tired of endless defeats, were inspired and regained courage.
April 29, 1429 Jeanne d'Arc enters Orleans with a small detachment. On May 4, her army won its first victory, taking the bastion Saint-Loup. Victories followed one after another, and already on the morning of May 8, the British were forced to lift the siege from the city.
Thus, the task that other French military leaders considered impossible, Joan of Arc decided in four days. After the victory at Orleans, Jeanne was nicknamed "Maid of Orleans". Day 8 May is celebrated every year in Orleans as the main holiday of the city.
With the help of Jeanne, several more important fortresses were captured. The French army recaptured one city after another.
Betrayal and burning
spring 1430 after a year's absence of hostilities due to the indecision of Charles VII and palace intrigues, Joan of Arc again led the troops, her banner was in front. She rushed to the aid of the besieged city compiegnu, but fell into a trap - a bridge was raised in the city, and she could no longer escape from it.
The Burgundians sold it to the English for 10,000 gold livres. In February 1431, a trial took place over her in Rouen, which sentenced her to be burned as a heretic. The verdict entered into force May 30, 1431 Joan of Arc was burned alive in the Old Market Square.
Rehabilitation and canonization
At the end of the Hundred Years' War, Charles VII ordered an investigation into the legality of the trial of the young heroine. It was established that the English court had many gross violations.
Joan of Arc rehabilitated summer 1456, and after 548 years - in 1920 she was canonized (canonized) in the Catholic Church.
In May of the distant 1431, the national heroine of France, Joan of Arc, was burned alive. She was commander-in-chief of the French army during the Hundred Years' War. Since then, her image has become very popular. Books were written about Zhanna, songs were written and canvases were created. We also could not ignore this great woman ...
Merlin's Prophecy
Joan of Arc (Jeanne d "Arc) was born in one of the villages of France in 1412. She was brought up in a family of peasants. According to some reports, her parents were very wealthy people. Jeanne also had a sister and three brothers.
Since childhood, she was called Jeanette. Initially, she was very religious and always unquestioningly obeyed her father and mother. They say she was a fairly educated girl. Jeanne knew geography very well, successfully threw spears and generally knew how to behave at court.
The childhood of this legendary woman fell on the so-called. Hundred Years War. The northern regions of the state recognized the English monarch Henry VI as their ruler. And the southern part - Charles VII. He was considered the illegitimate son of King Charles VI. And that is why he could claim the crown of France solely as a dauphin, and not at all a full-fledged heir to the throne.
In addition, a legend was passed down from generation to generation that only a virgin would save the country. According to legend, this prophecy was made by the legendary wizard Merlin. By this time, Joan of Arc (Jeanne d "Arc) herself had long referred to herself as "Jeanne the Virgin".
Jeanne's Revelations
When Jeanne was thirteen years old, according to her, she began to hear some voices that urged the girl to save the country, namely to lift the blockade of Orleans, to raise the illegitimate king to the throne and, as a result, to finally expel the British from France. Over time, Jeanette finally convinced herself that she was called to help the country and the people.
At the age of seventeen, she left her parents' house and went to a neighboring area. The purpose of this visit was only one - she wanted to inform the captain of the royal troops, Robert Baudricourt, about her mission - to save the country.
The brave warrior ridiculed her and sent her home. Nevertheless, after a while, Jeanne again returned to the captain with the same words. The girl was too persistent, and the captain helped her to arrange an audience with the Dauphin.
Sword of Charlemagne
In the early spring of 1429, Joan of Arc, whose biography (short) became the subject of our review, went to the Dauphin, who decided to give her a serious test. When she appeared in the palace, he put a completely different person on the throne, and he himself stood in the crowd of courtiers. Jeanette managed to pass this test, for she recognized the king.
Then the matrons checked her for virginity, and the messengers found out all possible information about her in her area. As a result, the Dauphin not only decided to entrust his army to her, but also agreed to an army operation to liberate the besieged Orleans.
The leader of the troops was allowed to wear men's clothes and, accordingly, special armor was made. She was also given a banner. In addition, she was given the sword of Charlemagne himself, which was kept in one of the French churches.
Lifting the blockade of Orleans
Jeanne with combat units went to Orleans. The French warriors, who already knew that the army was led by the messenger of God, were ready to fight.
As a result, in just four days, the soldiers liberated the city. The Hundred Years War was coming to an end. The siege of Orléans was lifted. This turned out to be a real event, which ultimately determined the outcome of this protracted war.
In addition, the French soldiers finally believed in the chosenness of their leader and from that time began to call her the Virgin of Orleans. By the way, every year, on the eighth of May, the population of the city celebrates this day as the main holiday.
Meanwhile, Jeanne's army set off on a new campaign. The army acted with enviable speed and determination. As a result, the combat units took Zharzho, and a couple of days later a decisive battle took place with the British army. The French side completely defeated the invaders.
The bloodless campaign and the coronation of the Dauphin
Jeanne's next campaign is called "bloodless" in history. Her army approached Reims. Traditionally, French monarchs are crowned in this city. On the way to Reims, the cities opened their gates to the army of the chosen one of God.
As a result, in the middle of the summer of 1429, the Dauphin was officially crowned, and Jeanette was honored as the liberator of the country. In addition, in gratitude and recognition of her merits, Charles decided to give her and all her relatives a title of nobility.
After the ceremonies, Joan of Dark (a brief biography of this woman is in every history guide) tried to convince the king to launch an attack on the French capital, which by this time was occupied by the British. Unfortunately, the assault on Paris was extremely unsuccessful. The commander-in-chief was wounded, the offensive was stopped, and the military units were disbanded.
Betrayal
Nevertheless, hostilities nevertheless resumed again. It was in the spring of 1430. The leader of the troops went to Paris, and along the way an important message came: the British besieged the city of Compiegne, and its inhabitants asked for her help. And then the army of Jeanne decided to go to the besieged city.
At the end of May, as a result of betrayal, the commander-in-chief was taken prisoner. During the battle, Jeanne broke through to the gates of Compiègne, but the bridge was raised, and this cut off her escape route.
Upon learning that Jeanne d'Arc (a brief and tragic biography is set out in our article) was captured, Karl did not take any action to free her. As a result, the prisoner was sold to the British. She was transported to Rouen, where one of the most ridiculous trials in history began ...
massacre
The trial of Jeanne began in the middle of the winter of 1431. The British government did not hide its involvement in the case and paid all legal costs.
The unfortunate girl was accused not only of witchcraft, but also of wearing a man's suit, etc.
Twice Jeanne d'Arc (a brief biography describes this episode from her life) tried to escape from prison. The consequences of the last escape were very deplorable for her. The girl almost died, jumping from the top floor. Later, the judges regarded this fact of flight as a mortal sin - suicide.
As a result, she was sentenced to death.
After the verdict, she turned to the pope, but while the answer came from him, Jeanne was burned at the stake. It was May 30, 1431. The ashes of the unfortunate were scattered over the Seine.
Many did not want to believe in the death of the Virgin of Orleans. There were rumors that she was alive and had been rescued. Instead of Jeanne, another woman was burned at the stake, and d'Arc herself left France and got married. According to another version, the savior of France was the half-sister of Charles VII and escaped burning due to her high birth...
Rehabilitation
The trial of Jeanne and her cruel execution did not help the invaders at all. Thanks to her brilliant victories in the war, the British were unable to recover. In 1453, the French units conquered Bordeaux, and after a while the battle of Castillon finally put an end to this unbearable war, which lasted a century.
When the battles subsided, Charles VII initiated a process to justify the Virgin of Orleans. The judges studied all sorts of documents, witnesses were interviewed. As a result, the court found that Jeanne's execution was absolutely illegal. And after a few centuries, she was canonized as a saint. This happened in 1920.
Memory
In addition to the traditional national day in honor of Jeanne - May 8 - an unnamed asteroid, which was discovered in the nineteenth century, was named after her. In the 70s, the so-called. Joan of Arc Center. This institution contains all the documents that relate to her life and work.
Of course, the story of Jeanne Darc did not leave indifferent the cinema. About 90 films were released about her.
Jeanne d'Arc, the film about which was first made back in 1908, is a real heroine. She remains on the brightest pages of history many years later. Modern cinema also knows who Joan of Arc is. The film by Luc Besson "Joan of Arc" (1999) became one of the brightest and most noticeable. The main role was then played by the brilliant Mila Jovovich ...
