Wonder Woman of the Week: Joan of Arc

Joan of Arc, known in French as Jeanne d’Arc, is one of history’s most remarkable figures—a peasant girl who rose from obscurity to lead French forces to key victories during the Hundred Years’ War. Born around 1412 in the village of Domrémy, Joan claimed from a young age to receive visions from saints urging her to support Charles VII and help drive the English out of France. At a time when France was fractured and demoralized, Joan’s faith and conviction inspired those around her. In 1429, dressed in male armor and carrying a banner, she led troops to lift the siege of Orléans, a decisive moment in the war that turned the tide in favor of the French and solidified her as a national heroine.