The Saber and Scroll Journal Volume 6, Issue 1, Winter 2017 | Page 18

Orléans under heavy attack, the uncle of Henry VI, John, Duke of Bedford and the
English regent, advanced with a force towards the Duchy of Bar, which at that
time was under the rule of Rene, the brother-in-law of Charles Valois.
Divine Revelation
As the English advance seemed unstoppable, the young Joan in the
village of Domremy approached the garrison commander, Robert de Baudricourt,
and informed him that voices told her to rescue Orléans. She demanded that he
assemble some men, provide some resources, and take her to meet with the
Dauphin at Chinon. The garrison commander scoffed at the idea of a peasant girl
standing before the French Royal Court and sent her away. Not dissuaded, she
petitioned Baudricourt’s soldiers, and making accurate predictions about the
outcomes of battles (apparently proving divine revelation), won the right to appear
to the Royal Court.
Joan arrived at Chinon on 23 February 1429. Right before Joan arrived,
Charles is said to have disguised himself to see if she would be able to identify
Figure 2. The Siege of Orléans, c. 1493.
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