Joan of Arc
The Women of History
Almost every aspect of life consists of the undermining of women, whether socially, physically, psychologically or even spiritually. It is evident that we recognize the women of history that challenge the stereotypical norm upon women. The medieval military leader, Jeanne d’Arc is commemorated for her role in the Hundred Years’ war in which it earned her the title of National Heroine and Saint. It is women like Jeanne, that women are able to reject the collective inequalities, discrimination and prejudice inflicted by men. Todays’ women were shaped by the actions of the women of the past.
Even in medieval times, women craved paths as authors, academics, business owners and even military leaders. In spite of this, women did not have equal rights to their male counterparts, they were refused the right to vote, divorce and in some cases to work. In addition, modern society have crafted the falsified image of women as being “damsels in distress” when on the contrary, that is indefinitely not the case; women such as Matilda of Tuscany, known for her military and political prowess, Marie de France, the first female poet of France and Eleanor of Aquitaine, an influential figure that shaped the perception of women all contradict the misconceptions made about women.
On the other hand, it was the norm that women were involved war in the time of the Hundred Years’ war, it would explain why Jeanne was such a revered leader by her army men. In addition, women such as Marcia Ordelaffi, Jeanne de Belleville, and Countess Jeanne de Montfort are recognized for their influential contributions during the middle ages. Despite this, during WWI, it was known that women were discouraged to involve themselves in warfare, only as nurses or army auxiliaries were women allowed to participate. It is fair to say that women have proved time and time again that they are just as capable and skilled as men in any given field.
Jeanne d’Arc was women who lead an army that had complete faith in her capabilities as a leader. This was shown in the specially-built armor she once wore in battle as it must have been a gift from a skilled craftsmen. Given Jeannes agricultural background, it is doubtful she paid the expense which further shows the complete confidence the army had in her.
Furthermore, her leadership has allowed France to gain victory over England in which otherwise may have lost. Jeanne's influence during the war provided for more inspiration than the innovations made by the French military tactics. During the battle to free the city of Orleans, while suffering from a serious shoulder injury, she commanded her men to continue to fight but soon collapsed. As a result they had to retreat and treat her wound. When Jeanne d’Arc regained consciousness, she successfully retook the city of Orleans in her second attempt. Later that year, she was captured and tried for over a year, refusing to reveal information about Charles VI even after taking a vow to speak the truth and threatened with torture. Her victory at Orleans had changed the course of the war that benefited the French. Moreover, she carries the embodiment of bravery and innocence as it was believed that a woman could not be both a witch and a virgin. This reflects the values expected of women in the Medieval period. This also suggests a connection between sexuality, magic and religion which Jeanne faithfully followed as she took an oath of celibacy at the age of 13. This reveals the beliefs and customs of women that were expected of the period.
Jeanne d’Arc’s significance as a female military leader of the medieval period shaped the path of which women follow. Her role in the hundred years’ war aided France‘s overall victory against England.
