Legacy Podcast Episode Summary

Title: Joan of Arc | Trial by Fire | Episode 3
Host/Authors: Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan
Release Date: June 11, 2025

Introduction

In the third episode of the Legacy series, Afua Hirsch and Peter Frankopan delve deeper into the tumultuous final days of Joan of Arc. Titled "Trial by Fire," this installment navigates through Joan's capture, her harrowing captivity, and the infamous trial that ultimately led to her tragic demise.

The Siege of Compiegne and Joan's Capture

The episode kicks off in Spring 1430, shortly after Joan's pivotal victory at Orleans, which, despite its initial triumph, had lost momentum with the failure to capture Paris. Both the French and English forces are rekindling their military campaigns.

Peter Frankopan sets the stage:

"So we're in the spring of 1430, and France is going back to war... She's now 18. She's the most famous woman in France and probably far beyond." (01:50)

The English response is formidable, dispatching a vast army led by King Henry VI and Cardinal Beaufort, aiming to quash French resistance and cement Henry's claim over France.

Joan, undeterred, leads a French force to Compiegne, a strategic town vital for controlling access to Paris. Despite initial successes, the battle takes a dire turn when English and Burgundian troops outflank her, leading to her capture.

Afua Hirsch recounts the intense battle:

"On May 23, 1430, Compiegne... Joan and her remaining men are outside when they're forced to surrender." (04:33)

Joan's Captivity and Treatment

Upon her capture, Joan becomes a prized prisoner, coveted by both English and Burgundian factions for her symbolic and strategic value. Her captivity is marked by severe physical and emotional torment, including sexual assaults by her captors.

Afua Hirsch emphasizes the brutality Joan faced:

"She is a prisoner now, taken captive by men who are violent and deride her." (07:22)

Joan's vulnerability is further exacerbated by her condition as a young woman in a hostile environment, stripped of her autonomy and subjected to relentless mistreatment.

The Trial Commences

Moved to the imposing fortress of Rouen, Joan's trial is meticulously orchestrated by Bishop Pierre Cauchon, representing the English-aligned Burgundian interests. The trial is less a quest for truth and more a "show trial" aimed at delegitimizing Joan's divine mission.

Peter Frankopan draws parallels to modern show trials:

"This isn’t really a trial. The aim is not to find out the truth... it's to seal a verdict." (33:39)

The proceedings are designed to establish legal grounds for her condemnation, focusing on her gender nonconformity and claims of divine inspiration.

Interrogations and Pressure

Over several days, Joan is subjected to intense interrogations aimed at breaking her spirit and forcing a confession. Despite severe torture and psychological pressure, Joan remains steadfast, refusing to divulge details she considers sacred.

Afua Hirsch highlights Joan's resilience:

"It feels as if she's just being authentic to her story... It just seems so genuine and it's powerful as a result." (24:17)

Joan's unwavering faith and determination are evident as she defends her divine mission against relentless skepticism and abuse.

Notable Quote:

"I'll do it. I'll do it." – Joan of Arc (39:10)

The Final Verdict

After a grueling year of imprisonment and interrogation, Joan's trial culminates in a verdict rife with fabricated charges, including heresy, idolatry, and apostasy. The culmination of her refusal to renounce her divine visions leads to her condemnation.

Peter Frankopan reflects on the trial's nature:

"The clerics are conspiring to murder me... They bring me here to sentence me." (39:33)

Joan's final act of submission under immense duress signifies the tragic culmination of her unwavering faith.

Joan's Final Moments

On May 24, 1431, Joan faces execution on a scaffold in Rouen. The ceremony is a public spectacle, intended to serve as a cautionary tale against heresy. Despite her prior resistance, persistent pressure leads Joan to submit, a moment fraught with emotional turmoil.

Afua Hirsch narrates the harrowing scene:

"Joan stands on the platform of the scaffold... She shouts, 'I'll do it. I'll do it.'" (39:33)

Her submission is portrayed as a moment of profound anguish, reflecting the devastating impact of relentless persecution.

Peter Frankopan muses on Joan's final act:

"It's a very good question why she'd have done that... it has sealed her fate." (44:31)

Conclusion and Reflections

The episode concludes with reflections on Joan's enduring legacy and the systemic efforts to dismantle her influence. Despite the tragic end, her steadfast faith and courage leave an indelible mark on history, challenging the very institutions that sought her downfall.

Afua Hirsch offers a poignant insight:

"Because Joan, being Joan, isn't about to become a passive victim... Her courage is finally dry." (46:17)

The hosts underscore the irony of Joan's legacy—how the very trials meant to erase her story instead immortalized her as a symbol of resilience and divine purpose.

Notable Quotes

• Peter Frankopan (01:50):
  "She's the most famous woman in France and probably far beyond."

• Afua Hirsch (07:22):
  "She is a prisoner now, taken captive by men who are violent and deride her."

• Joan of Arc (39:10):
  "I'll do it. I'll do it."

• Peter Frankopan (33:39):
  "This isn’t really a trial. The aim is not to find out the truth... it's to seal a verdict."

• Afua Hirsch (24:17):
  "It feels as if she's just being authentic to her story... It just seems so genuine and it's powerful as a result."

Additional Insights

Throughout the episode, Hirsch and Frankopan draw parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, such as the misuse of authority and the perversion of justice systems. They also explore the psychological and emotional dimensions of Joan's ordeal, emphasizing her human vulnerabilities amidst extraordinary circumstances.

The narrative underscores the symbolic significance of Joan's trial, not just as a historical event, but as a timeless commentary on faith, power, and resilience in the face of systemic oppression.

This summary is based on the provided transcript and aims to encapsulate the key discussions, insights, and narratives presented in the episode "Joan of Arc | Trial by Fire | 3" from the Legacy podcast.