Biography of Joan of arc

At the stake for France and for God

6 January 1412
30 may 1431
When Joan of arc was born on 6 January 1412 at Domremy, Lorraine (France) to a family of poor farmers, for about fifty years, France is a country constantly in turmoil, largely because of the feudal lords who aim to overcome the sovereign power and instigated by the British monarchy which aims to conquer the nation. In 1420, after years of bloody battles, the situation falls: an English king do you recognise the British monarch of France and England, without that Charles VII (known as the Dolphin), unable to cope with the desperate plight of his country.
In 1429, strong in his faith, believe to have been chosen by God to save France leans over the hundred years war, Joan of arc, humble Shepherdess seventeen and illiterate, after covering 2500 kilometers shows up at Court of Charles VII asking to ride-without any commands-at the head of the army that went to rescue Orléans, tight siege by the army of Henry VI. "I was in the thirteenth year of my life, when God sent a voice to guide me. At first I was scared, "I am a poor girl who doesn't know neither war nor spin" I replied. But the angel said unto me: "Are you Santa Caterina and Santa Margherita. Work as you suggest, because they are sent to advise you and guide you and you believe what they tell you".
Despite the distrust of the directors Joan of arc convinced the Dauphin who gives in to his demands. So Jeanne, which had inflamed the feelings of all the French, supported by the acclamations of the people of the villages and men at arms, with a white banner on which were written the names of Jesus and Mary, stands at the head of the army intended to lead to victory. Between May and July the maid and his army break the siege of Orléans, freeing the city and defeat the enemies; on 7 July 1429 Charles VII was finally crowned King. The landslide victory of uncertain and hesitant, unfortunately the sovereign, not follow a decisive military action and Joan of arc is left alone. In vain the 8 September organize an action under the walls of Paris; Despite being wounded by an Archer's arrow enemy continues to fight but in the end, despite himself, he must obey the master and retreat from Paris.
Joan, however, did not give up; in the spring of 1430 wants March on Compiègne to defend it by the anglo-Burgundian. During a reconnaissance falls into an ambush and suffered the humiliation of being captured and handed over to John of Luxembourg, that yields in turn as spoils of war to the British. Charles VII does not attempt to free her. Then begins the martyrdom of the prison and the shame of processes; translated to Rouen, before a Court of clergymen, in 1431 is blamed of heresy and blasphemy, false accusations that tended to conceal the political significance of his sentence. At dawn on 30 may 1431 the maid of Orleans is burnt alive. Between the smoke and Sparks, while his body was engulfed in flames, was heard shouting with a loud voice, to six times: "Jesus!"--then bowed his head and died. "We are all lost! -shouted the executioners- we burned a Saint". Nineteen years later, when Charles VII reoccupies Rouen, Joan is reenabled. Canonized in 1920, Joan of arc has inspired writers and musicians, like Shakespeare, Schiller, Giuseppe Verdi, Liszt and g. b. Shaw, exalted as a symbol of faith, heroism and patriotism.
Article contributed by the team of collaborators.