Archive -> May 20, 2006

Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc is considered to be a heroine by many because she led the French Army to victory at the siege of Orleans, France in 1429 AD. Knowing the place of a woman, the period of time that she live in, she shouldn’t have been literally fighting on battle fields and leading troops into battle. Because her acts of heroism were considered totally out of line for a woman in that day and time. At the age of 17, she left her home and asked the Garrison commander for a horse, armor, and escorts so that she could see the king. Upon seeing him, she had to convince him that she was on a mission from God. Her task was successful.

She received a sword and banner, making her commander of the King’s troops. She commanded five successful battles and on defeat in Paris. She received many battle scars, but continued to enter battles. Finally, she was captured in 1430 AD by the Burgundians who sold her to England for 16,000 francs. In England she was put into prison, tried as a witch and sentenced to burn at the stake. People came from miles around to witness this burning, because she was considered a Saint, yet to others whe was a witch. She was a woman before her time and because of this fact she paid with her life.

Excerpted from Women Who Changed The Course Of History by Dr. Malachi Z. York