I am not afraid... I was born to do this

I am not afraid... I was born to do this

"I am not afraid... I was born to do this." These powerful words were spoken by Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who rose to become a heroine of France during the Hundred Years' War. Joan of Arc, also known as the Maid of Orleans, was a visionary and a warrior who believed she was chosen by God to lead the French army to victory against the English.

Born in 1412 in the village of Domrémy in northeastern France, Joan grew up in a time of turmoil and conflict. The Hundred Years' War had been raging for decades, with the English occupying large parts of France. Despite her humble origins, Joan began to experience visions and hear voices of saints and angels, urging her to drive the English out of France and crown the Dauphin, Charles VII, as the rightful king.

At the age of just 17, Joan convinced the local garrison commander to allow her to travel to the Dauphin's court at Chinon. Dressed in men's clothing and armed with a sense of purpose and determination, Joan impressed Charles VII with her conviction and knowledge of her mission. She was granted command of the French army and led them to several key victories, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans.

Despite her success on the battlefield, Joan faced opposition and betrayal from within the French court. She was eventually captured by the Burgundians, allies of the English, and handed over to the English for trial as a heretic and witch. Throughout her trial, Joan remained steadfast in her belief that she was doing God's will and that she would be saved by divine intervention.