Joan of Arc - The Maid of Orleans
Harris Ropes
Joan of Arc was born around January 6, 1412, in the small village of Domrémy, located in northeastern France. She came from a modest family of farmers, with her father, Jacques d’Arc, being a well-respected member of the community. Her mother, Isabelle Romée, was known for her devout religious beliefs, which would greatly influence Joan's early life. Joan was one of five children, and although she lived in relative poverty, her family provided her with a stable and loving environment.
Growing up in Domrémy, Joan was surrounded by the rural landscape of Lorraine, a region that was politically unstable at the time. The Hundred Years’ War, which pitted France against England, had caused widespread hardship for many French families. Domrémy, being on the border of French and Burgundian territories, was caught in the middle of this conflict. Joan witnessed firsthand the suffering of the French people, including raids and the destruction of villages, which left a lasting impact on her.
Joan was a deeply religious child, often spending time in the local church. It is said that she learned about the lives of saints and felt a special connection to them. Her strong faith became a central part of her identity. By the age of 13, Joan began to experience mystical visions. These visions, which she later described as coming from saints such as Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret, were significant in shaping her future. The voices instructed her to help the French crown, specifically to assist Charles VII, the Dauphin, in reclaiming his throne and driving out the English forces from France. Joan took these visions seriously, believing they were divine instructions, and they set her on a path that would change the course of history.
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