The Young Girl Who Saved France In 1412 a young, talented, and vital girl would be born in France, Joan of Arc. Joan of Arc was a young and inspiring French woman who used her faith to guide her on a long and hard journey; she led a French army to many victories which helped the French win the Hundred Years’ War, was captured and endured a torturous stay at an English prison, was trialed and burned at the stake, and was later deemed a saint. Joan of Arc used her faith to her advantage. She was very religious and devoted to the teachings of Jesus and works of Mary. Starting at age 13, Joan had many visions which led her to believe she had been sent by God “to save France by expelling its enemies, and to install Charles as its rightful king.” …show more content…
In an effort to defend the town of Compiegne from Burgundian assault, Joan was thrown from her horse and taken captive by the English. (“Joan of Arc”) Amid the fighting, Joan was locked outside of the town and as the gates closed, was taken captive by the English which was a large victory for them. This would be Joan’s final fight. She would have to endure a painful trial and death all because she fought for her country. “On May 24 she was taken to a site on the outskirts of Rouen and placed beside the stake. The sight may have terrified her, leading to a declaration that she would hand herself over to the authority of the church and sign a retraction. Joan’s sentence was reduced to life in prison and she agreed to dress as a woman.” (Bowman) Although Joan was extremely dedicated to God and her faith, she was just a young girl who feared for her life. Joan agreed to life imprisonment and to wear women’s clothing as long as it meant she did not have to be burned at stake. Joan was found four days later wearing men's clothing because prison guards had attempted to rape her when she tried wearing a dress. This gave the English court reason to burn her at stake, which they did without hesitation. Although having defended her country well, Joan only lived to be 19 and died a death worse than most who fought in the