In the late 1420's France was in a state of despair. The One Hundred Years' war had been fought for almost a century and the French people had lost hope and initiative. The Dauphin, Charles, had retreated from Chinon and after so many losses defeat seemed imminent without a miracle from God. Nearly 500 years ago a country girl from Domremy, who did not know A from B and hardly sat on a horse, conceived an extraordinary idea. The ultimate French success in the One hundred years' war rests heavily in the actions of an obscure French peasant girl, Joan of Arc whose visions and work received French fortunes and led to victory. The historical fact is that she saved the French monarchy, which was the embodiment of France. A great deal of pious and popular legend surrounds Joan of Arc because of her peculiar appearance in the scene, her astonishing success, her martyrdom, and her canonization by the Catholic Church.
             Joan of Arc was born to Jacques, a small farmer, and Isabelle, of a French lower class on January 6, 1412 in the village of Domremy, France. While growing up she was referred to as Jeannette and it was not until later in life until she changed it to Jeanne, la Pucelle, or Joan, the Maid (today she in known as Joan of Arc). As a child her mother taught her domestic skills as well as her religion. Joan would later say, "As for spinning and sewing I fear no women in Rouen...Again it was my mother alone who taught me the 'Our Father' and the 'Hail Mary' and from non-other was I taught my faith". Joan had no schooling and could either read or write.
             In her early life Joan was noted to be an exceptional child in her conduct and manner, but at the same rate she was much like other children in her place and time. While Joan did play with the other children she later became more focused with her chores and often chose prayer over dancing and singing with her friends. She atte...