Joan of Arc is hailed as France’s national heroine as she led the country’s army during the Hundred Years’ War and ended up victorious against the English. When Joan of Arc was born on January 6, 1412, the Hundred Years’ War was already ongoing and the English had taken over the majority of France. Joan was born into a poor family and spent her early years learning domestic work from her mother. In her teens, per History, Joan claimed to have visions from saints and God telling her to save her country and drive out the English from France. After predicting the results of a battle, a French commander agreed to take Joan to the Dauphin.

Throughout the years, stories about Joan of Arc engaging in battle have been told, but in reality, she, at 17 years old, did not engage in combat in the battlefields, per Discover Walks. However, she had a crucial role as she came up with strategies, provided solutions, and led the army. She was present during the battles with her bob haircut and men’s clothing, and was even seriously injured — a crossbow to the thigh and an arrow to the shoulder — but she was there holding her country’s banner up instead of wielding a weapon.

Joan of Arc's vow of chastity

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