Joan of Arc, born around 1412 in Domrémy, France, was the daughter of Jacques d'Arc and Isabelle Romée. She grew up in a propertied peasant family during the tumultuous period of the Hundred Years' War, which had begun in 1337. France was politically fragmented, with King Charles VI often incapacitated by mental illness, leading to a power struggle between the Armagnacs and Burgundians. The English, under Henry V, capitalized on this division, capturing significant territories in France.At the age of thirteen, Joan began experiencing visions, claiming to receive guidance from saints, including Saint Michael, Saint Margaret, and Saint Catherine. These visions inspired her to support Charles VII, the Dauphin, in reclaiming France from English control. In 1428, after several attempts to gain an audience with Charles, she was finally granted permission to meet him in Chinon in early 1429. There, she convinced him of her divine mission to lift the siege of Orléans and lead him to his coronation at Reims.Joan arrived in Orléans on April 29, 1429, where she quickly became a symbol of hope for the French troops. Her presence and leadership contributed to the lifting of the siege on May 8, 1429, a pivotal victory that revitalized French morale. Following this success, she participated in the Loire Campaign, which included the decisive Battle of Patay, further enabling Charles to advance to Reims, where he was crowned king on July 17, 1429, with Joan by his side.Despite her early successes, Joan's fortunes declined after the failed siege of Paris in September 1429 and the unsuccessful siege of La Charité later that year. By early 1430, she attempted to relieve Compiègne, which was under siege by Burgundian forces. On May 23, 1430, she was captured during a sortie and subsequently handed over to the English in November.Joan was put on trial in Rouen, beginning on January 9, 1431, facing charges of heresy, including accusations of blasphemy for wearing men's clothing and claiming to act on divine visions. The trial was politically motivated, aiming to undermine Charles VII's legitimacy. Despite her articulate defense, she was found guilty and executed by burning on May 30, 1431, at approximately nineteen years of age.In 1456, an inquisitorial court reviewed her trial and overturned the verdict, declaring it flawed and influenced by deceit. Joan was posthumously recognized as a martyr and became a symbol of French nationalism. She was canonized by Pope Benedict XV in 1920 and is celebrated as one of the patron saints of France. Her legacy endures in various cultural forms, reflecting her impact as a military leader and a figure of faith and independence.