In 1412, in the village of Dormery, a girl was born who would change the world forever. Jeanne d’ Arc, translated to Joan d’ Arc, was born into a slightly poor family in this farming village, and Joan never got an education, but showed aptitude at sewing and weaving. During the time Joan lived, there was a civil war in France, and France was being invaded. The Duke of Burgundy, and the English king, allied themselves against the rightful French
king. Joan’s village was loyal to the French king, and so was Joan. Joan was very pious, and went to church so frequently that she was often teased. Joan led a normal childhood until she was thirteen years of age, when something miraculous happened. Joan was in her family’s garden when a blinding light appeared. Out of the light came Saint Michael. Saint Michael told Joan to be a good girl, and to wait for further instructions. These visits continued, and Joan was also visited by Saint Margaret and Saint Catherine. One day, Saint Michael appeared and told Joan something he had never told her before. He told Joan to lead the French king’s army, and drive the English out of France! This was the beginning that led Joan to fame, glory, and a very early death. Joan of Arc had so many outstanding achievements, it was difficult to choose just one. The achievement chosen was the battle of Tourelles. This battle showed how Joan could turn the tide of a battle by putting courage into the soldiers’ hearts. After the battle of Saint-Loup, the King’s army turned their attention to the city of Tourelles. The army decided to take the fort that protected the city. Without this fort, the city would fall easily. The French put up ladders to enter the inside, only to be beaten down at the top. The battle was going in favor of the English, and Joan was wounded. But at the darkest hour, Joan took a French flag, and stood were the English and the French could see her. This heroic act convinced the French to launch a fierce attack. Meanwhile, the English were terrified, for they thought Joan was using witchcraft on them! The French took advantage of this moment of peril, and climbed the ladders unharmed. The English retreated to a bridge that the French had secretly placed a boat under. The boat set the bridge on fire, and when it broke, the English went down with it and drowned. After that, Tourelles was easily taken. After the victory, the English abandoned all of their forts near Orleans. The inhabitants of Orleans still celebrate May seventh as the day Joan of Arc set them free. Joan of Arc had many great qualities, but the quality that won France’s support was bravery. An example of her bravery was when Joan and her friend, Captain La Hire, charged the English army alone. Another example of Joan’s outstanding bravery was during the attack on Tourelles, when she demanded to be the first one up the first ladder. The final astonishing example of Joan’s bravery was when she was burned at the stake, because she could have saved herself by repenting, and staying repented. At the age of eighteen, Joan was captured in battle. She was sold from the Burgundians to the English. The English found her guilty of witchcraft. At nineteen, Jeanne d’ Arc was burned at the stake. Though Joan suffered a very early death, she is still remembered and worshiped as the girl who saved France.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joan_of_arc