Week 6: Joan of Arc

Monday, July 11, 2011

Full name: She has been referred to by a variety of names, including Jehanne d’Arc, Jehanne la Pucelle (Joan the Maid in English), but is most commonly referred to as Joan of Arc today.

Born: January 6, 1412 (Approximately)

Died: May 30, 1431

Importance: Led the French to several important victories over the English during the Hundred Years’ War.

Pictures:

Video

Key Facts

Joan of Arc claimed that the Archangels Michael and Gabriel, among others, visited her and told her she was to drive the English out of France.

She was burned at the stake for heresy on May 30, 1431.

She is the patron saint of soldiers, prisoners, martyrs, the Women’s Army Corps, and the nation of France.

Quotes from and about Joan of Arc

"I am not afraid; I was born to do this." – Joan of Arc

"Children say that people are hung sometimes for speaking the truth." – Joan of Arc

"Joan was a being so uplifted from the ordinary run of mankind that she finds no equal in a thousand years. She embodied the natural goodness and valour of the human race in unexampled perfection." – Winston Churchill

"Whatever thing men call great, look for it in Joan of Arc, and there you will find it." – Mark Twain

Excerpt from Andy Andrews

Excerpt #1 from The Final Summit:

Joan was silent for a moment then narrowed her eyes slightly and said, “Have you read of my death, monsieur? How it was carried out? The words I said as I took my final breath?”

David shook his head. He had not.

“Do so when you return to your time,” she said. “Everything we do while we are alive—everything we say—is important. And though sometimes difficult, death is part of living. Sometimes, the last thing we do . . . the last thing we say . . . matters most. Often, it is all anyone remembers.

“My life was chosen to bring hope to my people. Hope is basic, like bread or water—one cannot live without it, at least not for long.”

Winston spoke to David. “It’s the first task of a leader, don’t you know . . . to keep hope alive.” Then to Joan, he said, “You have my utmost respect, Maid. Though it was my forebears you vanquished, your cause was just and true. Because of your actions, that thread of hope has continued unbroken for centuries. You are now the patron saint of soldiers; did you know? You are the patron saint of prisoners, of martyrs, of the Women’s Army Corps—you are even the patron saint of the entire nation of France. Why? Because still, fair Maid, you inspire hope.”

“Thank you, sir,” Joan said. “From the beginning of my quest, I felt it to be my highest duty. Many said that my courage was responsible for our success, but it was hope. Hope is the captain of courage and the author of success. For the person whose hope remains unshaken has within them the power to do miracles. Hope sees what is invisible, feels what is intangible, and achieves what most consider impossible.”

The Final Summit