Who was Joan of Arc?

Joan of Arc was indeed a peasant girl who emerged as a pivotal figure in French history, particularly during the Hundred Years' War between England and France. At a young age, she claimed to have received divine visions instructing her to support Charles VII and to help recover France from English domination. Her belief in her divine mission led her to inspire the French troops, and she played a crucial role in several key victories.

Her leadership during the Siege of Orléans in 1429 was particularly significant, as it boosted French morale and shifted the momentum of the war. Following her capture by the Burgundians, she was eventually handed over to the English, tried for heresy, and executed. Joan of Arc was later canonized as a saint and is remembered not only for her military contributions but also as a symbol of French national pride and women's strength in history.