The Medieval Podcast Joan of Arc with Deborah McGrady
Aug 21, 2025
Danièle talks with Deborah McGrady, a Professor of French and expert on Joan of Arc, about this captivating figure of the Middle Ages. They discuss Joan’s divine visions and her rise during the Hundred Years' War, showcasing her tactical genius at the Siege of Orléans. McGrady highlights the complexities of Joan's letters and her fraught relationship with King Charles, as well as the biases in her trial. The conversation also touches on Joan's evolving legacy, from a martyr to a symbol of feminine strength, emphasizing her enduring cultural impact.
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Chaos Before Joan
- France in the early 15th century was politically fractured and devastated during the Hundred Years' War.
- The Treaty of Troyes (1420) made Henry V heir to France and disinherited Charles, creating the crisis Joan later addressed.
Joan's Origin Story
- Joan said she began hearing voices from around age 13 and left home at about 17 to follow them.
- She traveled to Vaucouleur and convinced Captain Beaudricourt to send her to the disinherited Charles.
Why She Was Taken Seriously
- Joan fit an existing medieval pattern of young visionary virgins, so clergy took her claims seriously.
- Her persuasiveness plus France's desperate need for a miracle helped her gain support.
