The Woman of History

In a society that undermines women in almost every aspect of life, often we forget to recognize the women of history that shaped the society of which we live in. Such women include, the commemorated military leader, Jeanne d'Arc. Her role as a female leader in the hundred years' war has earned her the title as the National Heroine and Saint. For centuries women have been subjected to the collective inequalities, discrimination and prejudice inflicted by men. However, it is women like those of Jeanne d'Arc that has shaped women's representation over the course of history.

Numerous successful women lived during the medieval period such as authors, scientists, and business owners. Despite this, women did not have the equal rights that men had such as the right to vote, marriage and the right to work in some cases. On the contrary, women lead lives as craftsmen, regents and even queens during this period. This image of women contradicts with the narratives of 'knights in shining armor rescuing damsels in distress'. Works of literature have contributed to the misconception that women are incapable of being equal to men. However, it was evident that, Jeanne d'Arc served as a military leader for the French army and there was a strong expectation that women would go into battle. These women included Countess Jeanne de Penthiè vre, Marcia Ordelaffi, Jeanne de Belleville, Lady de Châ tillon and Countess Jeanne de Montfort who all served an active role in military battles of the Medieval period. Despite their participation, modern wars such as World War I and II discouraged women to involve themselves in the conflicts of warfare. Though women have proved countless times that they are equal to men, they face discrimination, inequality, rape and domestic abuse.

However, despite the period she once lived in, she was a woman who had the complete faith of her army. It should be taken into consideration that she wore specially-built armour in which reveals the skills of craftsmen of the time and the degree of confidence was placed in Jeanne. This strong of belief in women should be restored in todays society as armour was an expensive luxury and with Jeanne's agricultural background, it is unlikely she purchased it herself. On the other hand, it is perfectly fine to enjoy the feminine chores as Jeanne stated herself, ‘I would rather stay at home with my poor mother and do the spinning’. Such skills would allow her opportunities to participate in artisans guilds. As a military leader, 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, the maid of Orleans and La Pucelle d'Orléans is an important military leader in history of the medieval period. She had a major role in the French the hundred years’ war as she lead courageously. For instance, she helped France win numerous battles against the English and take back the City of Orleans in which it was biggest turning point for France. During the battle to free the city of Orleans, she suffered a serious injury on her shoulder, despite this, she ordered her men to continue to fight but she soon collapsed. As a result the French had no choice but to retreat and treat her wound. When Jeanne d’Arc regained consciousness, she immediately went to fight once again with her men at her side, taking back the city of Orleans. Later that year, Joan of Arc was captured and was tried for over a year. During the trials she refused to reveal any information about Charles VI even after vowing to tell the truth. At some point, Joan of Arc was threatened with torture, but even so she never gave in. The Church soon thought that torture would be ineffective. Jeanne d’Arc was originally charged with 70 charges but later brought down to 12 charges some of them include; witchcraft and heresy, she was later burnt alive at the stake. Joan of Arc is an important military leader, she was a courageous military leader of her time. Jeanne d’Arc was named the National Heroine and Saint sometime after her death.