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70 Joan of Arc Trivia Questions, Answers, and Fun Facts

How much do you know about Joan of Arc? This category is for trivia questions and answers related to Joan of Arc (Religion). Each one is filled with fun facts and interesting information.
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1 It is customary in the Roman Catholic Church to group religious relics into different classes. A first class relic is a portion of the body of a Saint. Which authenticated first class relic from Joan of Arc still exists?
Answer: None exist

As far as the hair is concerned, there is a story that Joan put a piece of her hair in the wax seal of a letter she sent to the people of Riom. This piece of hair has been lost since the mid-1800s. In the museum at Chinon, which was used as a base by the Dauphin and visited by Joan during the Hundred Years War, there was a container that held bones and other materials. Attached to it was a note dating back to the 1600s that said, "Remains found beneath the scaffold site of Jeanne d' Arc, Maid of Orleans". Historians have debated for centuries the possibility that these remains belong to Joan; she wasn't, however, the only victim of death by fire in Rouen, and the accumulated ashes could have belonged to several people.
    Your options: [ Heart ] [ Hair ] [ None exist ] [ Bone ]
  From Quiz: Tales of The Maid's Relics
2 It is customary in the Roman Catholic Church to wait five years after a religious figure dies before beginning the process of canonization. How long did the Church wait before canonizing Joan of Arc?
Answer: 409 years

First, it should be said that the purpose of the five-year waiting period is to give some time for emotions to calm a bit. The Pope, however, can waive that requirement, as Pope Benedict XVI did in beginning the canonization process for Pope John Paul II in 2005, and John Paul II did for Mother Theresa in 1999.

While initially the late-coming canonization may surprise readers, it must be remembered that immediately after Joan's death in 1431, the country was still at war with England; Paris (whose university had provided accessors for the trial), and Rouen (where the trial was held) were still in the hands of the enemy. After the conclusion of the Hundred Years War in 1453, it took three more years for the issue of Joan's trial and death to be reexamined. Historically over the course of the subsequent centuries, it might be argued that France (who would press for canonization) and the Church (who would bestow it) had other more urgent matters at hand. While there are examples of the five year waiting period being shortened, there are many cases where the process took much longer. In the case of Thomas More, for example, canonization was given 400 years after his death. It took 707 years for St. Agnes of Prague to be canonized. The theologian, Saint Bede, waited 1,164 years before he was given sainthood.
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
3 Who told Joan of Arc where to find the Fierbois sword?
Answer: Her voices

At her trial Joan testified that she received her first vision when she was thirteen years old while in her father's garden. Saint Catherine, Saint Michael, and Saint Margaret appeared to her at the time and told her that she had been chosen to lead the French army that would drive the English out of France and bring about a victory so that the Dauphin could be crowned king. The saints continued to "talk" to Joan and they told her where the sword was located. Joan did seem to have some sort of "inside source" that counseled her. Perhaps the best example of this is the fact that she was able to tell the Dauphin a secret that only God would know. That really gained his attention!

When asked at her trial how she knew about the sword, she stated, "I knew the sword was there because my Voices told me so...."
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
4 Joan of Arc fought in which war?
Answer: The Hundred Years' War

Joan of Arc entered public life during France's lowest ebb in this extended conflict. Within a few months she achieved a string of victories and crowned the French claimant to the throne.
    Your options: [ The Hundred Years' War ] [ The War of the Roses ] [ The Second Crusade ] [ The Seven Years' War ]
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
5 Who was Jeanne's best childhood friend?
Answer: Hauviette

After Jeanne was executed, Hauviette said that Joan was always too pious as a child.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
6 According to eyewitness accounts, what happened to most of the first class relics belonging to Joan of Arc?
Answer: They were thrown in the river.

There was quite a bit of concern regarding the disposal of Joan's remains. Anything that the people might be able to keep and revere could have been potentially dangerous, as many had already begun to venerate Joan. Apparently her body did not entirely burn, even after three attempts. While the fact that some of her organs did not burn was viewed as a miracle, modern scientists say that the high content of water in organs like the heart and intestines make it very difficult to completely burn a body. When, after three attempts, it appeared that it would not be possible to turn the remains completely to ash, the executioner was told to gather up everything and throw it into the Seine. Contemporary accounts say that he followed the directive.
  From Quiz: Tales of The Maid's Relics
7 Where was Joan of Arc's Fierbois sword found?
Answer: Church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois

It should not be a surprise that the Fierbois sword was found in the church of Saint Catherine of Fierbois, especially because Saint Catherine's voice was one that Joan said she heard. Joan had stopped at this church in 1429 on the way to Chinon, one of the last fortresses held by the Dauphin at the time. At that time she finally had been granted an audience with the Dauphin, picking him out of a crowd, even though he was disguised. When he offered to provide her with a sword, she replied that she would rather use the ancient sword that had been left at the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois.
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
8 Joan was born in the small village of Domremy, east of Paris. In what region of France is this village located?
Answer: Lorraine

You can visit her village today, and there is a cottage industry there related to her life. She is, after all, France's patron saint.
  From Quiz: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc
9 Joan of Arc was born and raised in what place?
Answer: Domremy

Domremy is a small village in the province of Lorraine. D'Arc was her family name. She became known as The Maid of Orleans only after Friedrich Schiller wrote a play by that title in the early nineteenth century. She liberated the town of Orleans.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
10 What king was the Dauphin Charles VI's father?
Answer: Charles the Mad

His father went insane and his mother was a whore. Rather sad.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
11 A special dispensation can be given for one of the four miracles required in order to be blessed by the Roman Catholic Church. Joan of Arc did receive a special dispensation. What did she do to earn it?
Answer: She saved France.

In order to be blessed by the Catholic Church, four miracles performed by the individual must be proven. If a potential candidate for sainthood founded a religious order, they are given an automatic dispensation for one of the miracles. Joan did not do that, but she did save France. There is no doubt that the morale of the French army, after suffering defeat after defeat, was rejuvenated by Joan's presence. The army believed in her, and her aggressive tactics worked! The swift victory won at Orleans and subsequent success on the battlefield led to the coronation of the Dauphin as King of France.
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
12 Joan had two missions at the beginning of her career. One was to relieve the siege of the city of Orleans. What was the other?
Answer: To see the Dauphin of France crowned King at Reims

Joan felt the coronation at Reims was necessary for the legitimacy of the monarch and would galvanize the French people behind their king.
  From Quiz: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc
13 Historians of Joan of Arc received an unexpected boon in the mid-nineteenth century when five original versions of this document were found in different libraries in France.
Answer: transcript

Joan of Arc had been remembered mostly through legend and chronicles until the rediscovery of her condemnation trial transcripts. She actually underwent two trials: one at the end of her life and a second posthumous trial that cleared her name. Both sets of transcripts have now been recovered.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
14 When Jeanne was in prison, she fell ill. What is one of the supposed ways she got sick?
Answer: food poisoning

It is said that someone poisoned her fish in prison.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
15 The standard of Joan of Arc would also be described as a second class relic. Where is it today?
Answer: It no longer exists.

During the French Revolution, which was anti-government and anti-religion, many symbols of the Ancien Regime - even sacred ones - were destroyed. Joan's gray hat was burned in a bonfire in Orleans in 1792; her standard, which she said at her trial was her favorite possession, was also burned during the Revolution. While some would say that the banner that was burned really wasn't Joan's due to the fact that it had apparently been extensively damaged by moths and mended and repaired several times, it had been painstakingly restored. The revolutionary government even banned the annual celebration at Orleans that had been held to honor Joan and melted down a statue of The Maid in order to construct a cannon.
  From Quiz: Tales of The Maid's Relics
16 The other three miracles performed by Joan of Arc which granted her the Church's blessing were similar in nature. What was the nature of the three miracles?
Answer: She healed three nuns.

The Roman Catholic Church has established a procedure to determine if and when miraculous events have taken place. The sponsors of the proposed saint are to verify that the miracles actually took place. In the case of Joan of Arc, she was said to have cured three nuns of illnesses. Joan cured the first nun, Sister Thérèse of Saint Augustine, of leg ulcers. This happened in Orleans. Next a cancerous ulcer that was located on the breast of Sister Julie Gauthier of Faverolles was cured. Sister Marie Sagnier of Frages, also was miraculously cured by Joan of Arc. She suffered from stomach cancer. Joan of Arc was beatified on April 8, 1909.

As a side note, the other choices are all reasons why others have been granted sainthood.
    Your options: [ She healed three nuns. ] [ She flew over the army to bless them. ] [ The Virgin Mary appeared to her. ] [ Stimata wounds were evident on her hands. ]
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
17 One of the legends regarding the origin of Joan of Arc's Fierbois sword is that it was used by which famous Frankish king, known as "the Hammer"?
Answer: Charles Martel

Charles Martel was the Mayor of the Palace who led an army that stopped the Moslems at the Battle of Tours in 732. One version of the legend is that after his defeat of the Moslem army, Charles Martel actually founded the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois, which was near Tours, and that he buried his sword there for use by the next person who was chosen by God to defend France. Another version of the legend is that he left his sword there are an offering. This was apparently a common practice at the time; soldiers would typically leave their swords at a church as a symbol of thanksgiving to God for his help in battle.
    Your options: [ Childeric I ] [ Charlemagne ] [ Charles Martel ] [ Clovis ]
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
18 What were the full names of Jeanne's parents?
Answer: Isabelle Romee and Jacques D'Arc

Contrary to popular belief, Jeanne did not go by Jeanne D'Arc, but instead as Jeanne Romee. In France back then, the daughters took their mothers' surname rather than their fathers'.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
19 The castle where Joan of Arc attempted to persuade the Dauphin to go to Reims still exists. The gates through which she rode, and the room where she met with the Dauphin have been well preserved. Where is it?
Answer: Loches

Joan did eventually persuade the Dauphin to be crowned at Reims, and he thereby became king in all Frenchmen's eyes.
    Your options: [ Usse ] [ Saumur ] [ Loches ] [ Valencay ]
  From Quiz: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc
20 What was Jeanne's childhood nickname?
Answer: Jeannette

I assume that would mean "Little Joan" or something along that lines in French.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
21 The second miracle proven to have been performed by Joan of Arc during her canonization proceeding was the healing of an individual diagnosed with "Perforating Plantar Affliction". What was she credited with healing in this case?
Answer: A hole in the foot

The second miracle performed by Joan of Arc was the cure of Miss Mirandelle, who had been diagnosed with "Perforating Plantar Affliction". It is the prerogative of the Roman Catholic Pope to decide if miracles were really - miraculous. Joan was finally canonized on May 16, 1920, at St. Peter's in the Vatican. May 30, which was also the day of her death, was set aside as the feast day of Joan of Arc.
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
22 In what type of condition was Joan of Arc's Fierbois sword discovered at the time of its retrieval?
Answer: It was covered in rust.

There are differing versions regarding the recovery of Joan's sword from the church of Sainte-Catherine-de-Fierbois. During her trial she stated that an "arms merchant from Tours" went to retrieve it; there is also an account that states that she wrote a letter to the prelate of the church asking for the sword. She sent Jean de Metz, one of her men, to find it. While some sources say that it was buried behind the altar, others state that it was part of a stash of arms that had been left behind the altar in a trunk.

In Joan's own words at her trial - "This sword was in the earth, all rusty.... After this sword was found, the prelates of the place had it rubbed, and at once the rust fell from it without difficulty".
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
23 Jeanne's father gave her a ring when she was younger. What was engraved on it?
Answer: Jesus Maria

It was taken from her when she was put into prison.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
24 Third class religious relics are those that were touched by the Saint. In the case of Joan of Arc, most of the relics she touched were made of what material?
Answer: Stone

Third class relics are items that were touched by the saint. Three of the nine letters that were dictated by Joan to be sent to various people have her signature. While much has been documented about the fact that Joan was illiterate; apparently she was able to progress from making a simple "X" to signing her name, Jehanne.

During the time Joan was staying at Vaucouleurs, waiting for a meeting with the Dauphin at Chinon, she often prayed in the church at a statue that is called "Our Lady of the Vaults". There is also a crucifix at the town's museum from the Church of Saint Nicolas-de-Septfonds, where she prayed as well. There is a statue of Saint Catherine in the chapel of Saint Catherine-de-Fierbois (where Joan's sword was found) where she prayed, and in the town of Saint-Pierre-le-Moutier's church, there is an ancient stone statue of Saint Michael before which Joan also prayed. There is even a stepping stone still in existence where Joan mounted her horse at Poitiers.
  From Quiz: Tales of The Maid's Relics
25 According to testimony given at her trial, how was Joan of Arc's Fierbois sword decorated?
Answer: It was engraved with five crosses.

During the Middle Ages blacksmiths sometimes added engravings on their work as a personal trademark or signature, so it should not be surprising the Joan's Fierbois sword was decorated. Apparently the prelates at the church were happy to allow Joan to take possession of the sword. They also sent two intricately decorated scabbards - one was made of red velvet, and the other of golden cloth. Joan had one made for herself out of a sturdy leather.

Joan stated, "...and there were upon it five crosses, and I knew it by my voices...."
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
26 In terms of enemy casualties, which was Joan of Arc's greatest victory?
Answer: Patay

Shortly after Orleans, French forces found the English army preparing defenses on the open field at Patay. Heavily armed French infantry surprised the English longbowmen. A rout ensued that decimated the main body of the English army. Some historians consider this battle's consequences as important as Agincourt.
    Your options: [ Patay ] [ Jargeau ] [ Orleans ] [ Paris ]
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
27 Of course, many of the third class relics of Joan of Arc can be seen in her home town in France. Where did she grow up?
Answer: Domremy

The Church of Saint Remy in Domremy has three third class relics; the holy water and Baptismal fountains were both touched by Joan of Arc, as was the statue of Saint Margaret. St. Margaret was one of the "voices" who directed Joan from the age of thirteen. As a child, Joan lived within sight of the church and visited it frequently. In the countryside close to Domremy there is a small chapel, Notre Dame de Bermont, where Joan is said to have visited every Saturday. Inside is the Statue of Our Lady of Bermont, before which Joan is said to have prayed.
  From Quiz: Tales of The Maid's Relics
28 Finally, in 1455, a retrial of Joan's case, called the Trial of Rehabilitation, was opened. Who is credited with causing this to happen?
Answer: Joan's Family

This was, of course, the first step that had to be taken before Joan could even be considered for sainthood. Why? She had been tried and found guilty of heresy. Before anyone could even consider that she was a "servant of God", she had to be exonerated of those charges.

In 1455 the surviving members of Joan's family, her mother, Isabelle, and brothers, Jean and Pierre, enlisted the aid of Cardinal Guillaume d'Estouteville to petition Pope Callixtus III to review Joan's case. The Trial of Rehabilitation took place at Notre Dame Cathedral, and the testimonies of 115 witnesses were heard. At the trial, Joan's mother gave a very impressive speech, stating why her daughter's verdict should be changed. In the end, the hearing found that Joan was innocent of heresy and died as a martyr. Her sentence was annulled; the findings "....We proclaim that Joan did not contract any taint of infamy and that she shall be and is washed clean of such". This is what made it possible for Joan to be proclaimed a "servant of God".
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
29 Some accounts say that Joan of Arc lost the Fierbois sword at a battle site where she was gravely wounded. At which battle could the sword have been lost forever?
Answer: Siege of Paris

According to eyewitnesses, Joan was gravely wounded at least twice (although there are accounts which also point to more injuries) and miraculously recovered. The first time she was hit in the shoulder by an arrow during the Orléans campaign. During the Siege of Paris she was hit in the thigh with a bolt from a crossbow.

At her trial, when the inquisitors asked about her sword she replied by asking them why the whereabouts of her sword was important. It can only be assumed that they were interested in possessing such a holy relic; Joan, however, dismissed their question, "But when I was captured, it was not that sword which I had. I always wore that sword until I had withdrawn from Saint-Denis after the assault against Paris". She also stated that her brothers had what was left of her possessions. Part of the belief that the sword may have been left at Saint-Denis stems from the fact that there was/is a story that Joan left her white armor at the church there as an offering after the siege of Paris failed. If, in fact, that is the case, there is a distinct possibility that the English might have it (!) as it is written that they entered the church after she left, and stole the armor. Some sources claim that the armor that was left was the armor of a Burgundian knight.
    Your options: [ Poitiers ] [ Crecy ] [ Siege of Paris ] [ Agincourt ]
  From Quiz: Tales of the Sword
30 How did Joan of Arc acquire a sword?
Answer: Her voices told her to look for a sword hidden behind a church altar.

Although there is much speculation about the eventual fate of the sword, it was allegedly found behind the altar at Fierbois, where Joan's vision indicated.
  From Quiz: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc
31 What two words did Jeanne yell out in pain as she was being burned?
Answer: Jesus! Jesus!

As she burned people reported that they saw something rise above the flames into the sky. Not smoke ... but something else.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
32 Two of Joan of Arc's letters have survived. Who were the intended recipients?
Answer: the English and the Hussites

Although Joan of Arc was illiterate she dictated letters through scribes. Her unsteady signature indicates that she had just learned to sign her name. She threatened war against both the English and the Hussites.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
33 What did Jeanne ask to be held at level with her eyes at the stake until she died?
Answer: a cross

She was never allowed to confess while imprinsoned.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
34 During which period in French history did it become unpopular to think of Joan of Arc as a heroine?
Answer: French Revolution

Unfortunately, during the French Revolution many of the remaining relics that were connected to Joan of Arc were destroyed by revolutionaries. Joan was forever connected to the Roman Catholic Church, and the revolution was not only anti-government, but anti-religion as well. The banner, which she had stated during her trial was her favorite possession, was burned. Another relic connected to Joan of Arc that was burned at the time was a hat that Joan had worn and given to Charlotte Boucher, the young daughter of a family with whom she had stayed in Orleans. The revolutionary government even banned the annual celebration at Orleans that had been held to honor Joan and melted down a statue of The Maid in order to construct a cannon. Napoleon, realizing that Joan was a popular heroine, lifted the ban and also had coins made with her image.
    Your options: [ French Revolution ] [ Thirty Years' War ] [ World War I ] [ The Enlightenment ]
  From Quiz: The Canonization of The Maid
35 In which French city is there a museum dedicated to Joan of Arc?
Answer: Rouen

The city in which Joan was burned at the stake is the site of the museum for France's patron saint.
    Your options: [ Strasbourg ] [ Lille ] [ Rouen ] [ Metz ]
  From Quiz: In the Footsteps of Joan of Arc
36 Joan of Arc's contemporaries describe her as wearing "white armor." What does that mean?
Answer: the Milanese style of manufacture

National styles of armor began to emerge during the early fifteenth century. The dominant movements were German and Italian. France had no national style of its own. German armor was decorative and lightweight. Milanese "white armor" had unadorned surfaces and better joint protection.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
37 What was pictured on Jeanne's banner?
Answer: her three saints

Her saints were St. Catherine, St. Margaret, and St. Michael. St. Catherine was her patron saint.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
38 Joan of Arc put an end to a string of English victories that had begun fourteen years earlier with this famous battle fought on St. Crispin's day.
Answer: Agincourt

Henry V's revolutionary use of the longbow might have gained him all of France if he had survived a few years more.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
39 Joan of Arc's military career lasted how long?
Answer: one year

Her career was remarkably brief.
  From Quiz: Joan of Arc
40 What was the name of the Bishop that tried her in prison?
Answer: Bishop Cauchon

He was the same bishop who gave The Dauphin Charles spiritual advice.
  From Quiz: Jeanne D'Arc: The Maid of Lorraine
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