Claiming to be acting under divine guidance, she became a military leader who transcended gender roles and gained recognition as a savior of France. In , she requested to be taken to Charles VII, later testifying that she was guided by visions from the archangel Michael , Saint Margaret , and Saint Catherine to help him save France from English domination. She arrived at the city in April , wielding her banner and bringing hope to the demoralized French army.
Nine days after her arrival, the English abandoned the siege. Joan encouraged the French to aggressively pursue the English during the Loire Campaign , which culminated in another decisive victory at Patay , opening the way for the French army to advance on Reims unopposed, where Charles was crowned as the King of France with Joan at his side.
These victories boosted French morale, paving the way for their final triumph in the Hundred Years' War several decades later. Her role in these defeats reduced the court's faith in her.
She was captured by Burgundian troops on 23 May. After trying unsuccessfully to escape, she was handed to the English in November. She was put on trial by Bishop Pierre Cauchon on accusations of heresy , which included blaspheming by wearing men's clothes, acting upon visions that were demonic, and refusing to submit her words and deeds to the judgment of the church. She was declared guilty and burned at the stake on 30 May , aged about nineteen.
In , an inquisitorial court reinvestigated Joan's trial and overturned the verdict, declaring that it was tainted by deceit and procedural errors. Joan has been described as an obedient daughter of the Roman Catholic Church , an early feminist, and a symbol of freedom and independence.
