The History Bluff

Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) was a national heroine of France for her victories during the Hundred Years’ War against the English - and what a manly heroine she was.

Big and powerful, Joan of Arc was a fearsome maiden to look upon.

She first gained recognition in 5th grade when the boys in her class became jealous of the peach fuzz above her lip. By seventh grade she was shaving her face twice a week. She also gained notoriety for her overpowering performances on the football field during high school, accumulating 1,829 rushing yards and 23 touchdowns in just eight games before her senior season was cut short by her military career.

Wild and unruly, her constituents could not control her actions on the battlefield. Despite advice to the contrary, Joan of Arc assaulted the English stronghold called “les Tourelles,” which she is known for in France. Just before the battle, the Englishmen were jeering at her, calling her “John of Arc.” Infuriated, Joan led a successful attack on the stronghold despite an arrow wound to her neck.

Sadly, eight Englishmen captured her (seven Englishmen couldn’t quite detain her) later on in the war; she was convicted of heresy and burned at the stake.

Throughout history her story has changed, and she is portrayed as a beautiful woman. Her beauty has come about because of her heroics and personality. It’s true that beauty is only skin deep - although in the case of Joan of Arc, her skin was pretty thick, and the beard was hard to overlook.