Joan of Arc
Joan of Arc (1412–1431) was a French national heroine who, inspired by heavenly voices, led the French army to several important victories during the Hundred Years' War. Born in Domrémy, France, into a peasant family and largely uneducated, she rose to become an inspirational figurehead for her countrymen as they fought against the English occupation. In 1429, at age 17, she successfully lifted the Siege of Orléans and later crowned Charles VII as king in Reims Cathedral. She was eventually captured by Burgundian forces allied with England and put on trial for heresy; found guilty, she was burned at the stake in Rouen on May 30, 1431.
The story of Joan's life has been retold countless times throughout history since then, from plays written by Christopher Marlowe and William Shakespeare to operas composed by Verdi, making her one of Europe's most enduring historical figures today. Her legacy lives on through various monuments erected in her honor, such as the equestrian statue near Place des Pyramides or Notre Dame de Paris' stained glass window depicting Jeanne d'Arc sur son cheval blanc ("Joan Of Arc On Her White Horse"). Though much debate still surrounds aspects of her life, including mental health issues that may have contributed to hearing visions from God or angels, there can be no doubt that hers is an extraordinary tale well worth remembering centuries after it occurred.