Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orléans, was born in around 1412 in Domrémy, a village in northeastern France. She is considered a national heroine of France for her role in the Hundred Years' War and is a symbol of courage and patriotism.

Joan of Arc claimed to have received visions from saints urging her to support the Dauphin of France, who later became King Charles VII, and help him reclaim his throne from the English. At the age of 17, she convinced Charles to allow her to lead a French army to lift the siege of Orléans, a turning point in the war. She also played a key role in the coronation of Charles VII at Reims.

Despite her military successes, Joan of Arc was captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, in 1430 and handed over to the English. She was put on trial for heresy and ultimately burned at the stake in 1431 at the age of 19. In 1456, an inquisitorial court authorized by Pope Callixtus III examined the trial, pronounced her innocent, and declared her a martyr. She was canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church in 1920.

Joan of Arc's legacy continues to inspire people around the world. She is remembered for her bravery, faith, and unwavering commitment to her beliefs. Her story has been the subject of numerous books, plays, and films, and she remains a symbol of resistance against oppression and injustice.

As we reflect on the life of Joan of Arc, we are reminded of the power of conviction and the impact that one individual can have on the course of history. Her courage in the face of adversity serves as a timeless example of the strength of the human spirit.

So, in around the year 1412, Joan of Arc was born, destined to become a legendary figure whose name would be remembered for generations to come.

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