Early Life and Religious Visions
Joan was born into a devout peasant family. Her father, Jacques d'Arc, was a farmer, and her mother, Isabelle Romée, was a homemaker. Joan’s early years were shaped by the turbulent backdrop of the Hundred Years' War (1337–1453), a conflict between England and France that had ravaged the country for decades. The war had greatly weakened the French monarchy, and various parts of France were under English control.
At a young age, Joan began to experience religious visions and hear voices. She claimed that Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Margaret appeared to her, instructing her to support Charles VII, the Dauphin (heir to the French throne), and help him reclaim his kingdom from the English. Joan’s visions were perceived as divine guidance, and her strong religious faith became a key element of her identity. She believed that she had been chosen by God to lead France to victory in its war against England.
Journey to the Dauphin
In 1429, at the age of 17, Joan made the bold decision to leave her village and travel to the court of Charles VII. She was determined to convince the Dauphin to grant her an army so she could fulfill her divine mission. Initially met with skepticism, Joan was nonetheless allowed to meet Charles, who, after a series of tests to verify her authenticity, was convinced of her sincerity and divine purpose.
Joan’s decision to wear male military attire was symbolic of her role as a military leader and also a practical measure for her safety. It was not uncommon for women to disguise themselves in this manner in medieval times, especially when undertaking dangerous military missions. shutdown123