Joan of Arc: Significance in The Medieval World and French Society

Joan of Arc’s indisputable willingness to aid her country during the war, guided her to become a motivation and inspiration to her people, serving as a noteworthy figure in the Medieval World. She helped lead the French to many victories, during the war against the English. During this time, she conquered and liberated numerous towns to help achieve better conditions in the towns. Joan of Arc’s actions helped reshape French society as her impact spread after her death. Thus, it can be made clear that Joan of Arc was a significant figure in the Medieval world.

Joan of Arc’s service to the French, through her aid to the defeat of the English, during the Hundred Years War demonstrates her immense significance in the Medieval World. Joan of Arc supported the French in the War between the French and English which carried on for 116 years. From the young age of 13, in 1412, Joan of Arc stated that she had received visions from divine beings, said to encourage her to assist in the Hundreds Year War. More specifically, the deserved king, Charles of Valois, however, his right to rule had been seized by the English. At the age of 16, she revealed her visions to Charles of Valois, despite that, he still lacked trust in Joan. After doing so, Joan was set on an expedition to relieve Orleans from English control, to which she prevailed. This helped prove Joan validity, therefore highlighting her competence. During numerous wars, Joan would lead the armies as a morale boost because her presence was said to enhance her heart. Hence, it is obvious that Joan of Arc was vital to the French armies, heavily impacting the Medieval World.

The conquering and allying of numerous towns effectively exhibit Joan of Arc’s vital role in the Medieval World, as her counsel supported and guided this, strengthening the French forces. One of the more memorable events was the Siege of Orleans, in which Joan played a crucial role. The siege of Orleans, on 12 October 1428 – 8 May 1429, was an attempt to reconquer the town of Orleans, to prevent the possibility of English forces growing. Orleans had previously been besieged by the English and supplies as well as food was growing scarce. To relieve Orleans, Joan, accompanied by a small troop of forces set out to Orleans. An illustration from the Vigiles de Charles VII in 1484 depicts this. On the 29th of April, the English battled with the French towards the west of Orleans, however, Joan approached the town and helped smuggle supplies for the citizens. This led to the English acting out against the French, inciting many battles, to which the French were victorious on numerous occasions. Documentations of her trial at court prove that she had a large role in this. It claims that Joan sent a letter prior to the siege warning the English, requesting for their surrender, demonstrating Joan’s assertiveness. Joan of Arc also assisted in the liberating of Reims, in 1429, where she and a large army defeated the English, allowing Charles to be crowned as king. Another notable event was the Siege of Paris, in which she attempted to recapture Paris. Joan’s influence on the Military of the French became so huge that it had become apparent that with Joan of Arc’s assistance, victories would occur more frequently. This shows just how big of an impact Joan had on the Medieval military, affecting both the French and English.

The canonization of Joan Of Arc as a saint further reiterates her prominence in transforming the Medieval lifestyle and society. In 1430 Joan was imprisoned by the Burgundians and forced under their capture. They sold Joan to the English later on. In 1431, she was charged and sentenced to death for dressing as a man, going against religious beliefs, and witchcraft. Her death served as a massive turning point for women and their rights. Joan of Arc was a warrior and had a prominent role in the French Military, this contributed to helping the idea of women fighting in war become more normalized in Medieval society. Women were often seen as lower genders and generally had fewer rights than men. They had what was known as “womanly duties” often meaning taking care of the household. Women being seen on the battlefield was often frowned upon and seen as pathetic or ridiculous. However, her actions left a large impact on women and she helped represent them. She surpassed the expectations of women, instilling the thought of more freedom in many women's minds. Therefore, Joan of Arc substantially affected the role of women in society and established how pivotal she was in the Medieval World.

Joan of Arc was a vital figure in the Medieval world, redefining what a woman was and providing assistance to the French during the Hundred Years War. She aided in the Hundred Years War and her presence during many battles strengthened the French forces as she was a major encouragement. Through her military guidance, many towns were liberated such as Orleans, Reims, and Paris. In addition, Joan was a martyr for women and her death emphasized her importance to women's rights. It can concur that Joan of Arc was indeed an imperative figure in the Medieval world.