Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc was a French heroine. She was born in Domremy, France, around 1412. She was a peasant girl who said she heard voices from saints telling her to help France. She led the French army to key victories when she was just a teenager.

Early Life

Joan grew up on a farm in eastern France. She could not read or write. At age 13, she said she heard the voices of saints telling her to save France from the English. She convinced the French prince to let her lead soldiers.

A small 1429 drawing of Joan of Arc in an old French document.
A small 1429 drawing of Joan of Arc in an old French document. (Clément de Fauquembergue / Wikimedia Commons)

Big Achievements

At age 17, Joan led French soldiers to victory at the Siege of Orleans. This was a turning point in the Hundred Years' War. She helped the prince become King Charles VII. She was captured by enemies and burned at the stake at age 19. She was later declared a saint.

Fun Facts

  • Joan was only 17 when she led an army into battle.
  • She was made a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920, nearly 500 years after her death.
  • She cut her hair short and wore armor into battle.

Did You Know?

Joan of Arc is a national heroine of France. She went from being an unknown peasant girl to leading armies in just a few months. Her courage and faith inspired the French to fight on and eventually win the war.