The Rest Is History: Episode 633 — Joan of Arc: Saviour of France (Part 2)
Released January 8, 2026 | Hosted by Tom Holland & Dominic Sandbrook

Episode Overview

In this installment of The Rest Is History, Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook continue their exploration of Joan of Arc’s dramatic entry into the Hundred Years War and her pivotal role in saving France from English conquest. Beginning with Joan’s iconic (and threatening) letter to the English commanders at the siege of Orléans, the hosts unpack Joan's journey from rural obscurity to spiritual leader, her interactions with the Dauphin, her inspection by skeptical authorities, and her emergence as a military mascot whose faith rallies a nation on the brink. The episode climaxes with the siege and relief of Orléans, a miraculous reversal of French fortunes that astonishes even the seasoned hosts.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Joan’s Menacing Letter to the English (01:10–02:47)

• Joan’s Ultimatum: The episode opens with a dramatic reading of Joan’s threatening letter to the English, demanding the return of French towns and warning of death if they do not yield.

  • “Surrender to the Maid who is sent here by God, the King of Heaven, the keys of all the good towns which you have taken and violated in France… And if they refuse to obey, then I will have them all put to death. I am sent here by God…” – Joan of Arc (01:10)

• Historical Context: Dominic describes it as "one of the most remarkable letters in history," dictated (Joan was illiterate) to the English besieging Orléans, at a moment when French resistance seemed futile (02:47).

2. Joan: The Peasant, the Visionary, & Her First Steps (03:48–06:36)

• Brief Recap of Background: Tom summarizes Joan's rural beginnings, her lack of training as a warrior, and her mystical call at age 13 to "lead an army to Orléans and to break the English siege" (04:19).
• Journey to Orléans: Joan travels 250 miles mostly by night through dangerous territory, becoming a proficient horsewoman as she goes. Her attire—cropped hair and male clothing—is as much for protection as for challenging norms (05:31–06:36).

3. Encountering the Dauphin and French Court Intrigue (06:45–13:11)

• The State of France: The hosts contextualize the fractured country, with English and Burgundian forces dominating the north and the Dauphin (Charles VII) languishing un-crowned and near powerless (07:46–09:09).

• Prophecies and Skepticism: Tom explains how Joan’s mission intersected with long-standing French prophecies that a virgin would save the kingdom (11:03); her energy and charisma quickly earn serious consideration from powerful figures like Yolande of Aragon.

• Meeting at Chinon: The Dauphin agrees to receive Joan (13:11) despite concerns she might be a crank, a fraud, or even a sorceress because, as Dominic notes, “he has nothing to lose” with Orléans about to fall (10:30).

4. Joan’s Charisma and the Power of Belief (13:25–16:52)

• Joan’s Message: She proclaims the Dauphin is the "true heir of France" and delivers God's command: he will be crowned at Reims (13:25–14:00).

• Court Converts: The Duke of Alençon becomes an ardent supporter (“the poorest man in France, even though he is a duke”), while others believe Joan's fiery faith might revive the army's morale (15:15–15:49).

• Role of Gender: The hosts emphasize how Joan’s gender enhances her credibility as a holy messenger in the medieval Christian mindset (16:09–16:52).

5. Joan’s Examinations & Ecclesiastical Approval (17:50–20:35)

• Testing Joan: Joan is physically examined for her virginity and grilled by learned clergy at Poitiers to determine if she’s divinely inspired or a heretic (18:07–19:38).

  • “She has conversed with everyone, publicly and privately, but no evil is found in her. Only goodness, humility, virginity, piety, integrity, and simplicity.” – Poitiers Verdict (20:00)

• Scholars’ Conclusion: With a mixture of hope and expedience, the scholars judge her worthy: “The king should not prevent Joan from going to Orleans with his soldiers, but should have her escorted there, honorably placing his faith in God.” (20:35)

6. Joan’s Transformation into a Military Icon (21:09–24:10)

• Public Endorsement: At Tours, she is subjected to further inspection, a royal pantomime, and a private sign she gives to the Dauphin—still shrouded in mystery (21:58–22:59).

  • “He asks Joan for a sign. Convince me… And Joan gives it to him. But what this sign was remains veiled.” – Tom (22:15)

• Legendary Armor and Sword: Joan dons white armor, receives the "magical" sword found at Fierbois as foretold by her voices, and is given a stunning white banner—visual symbols meant to match the myth (24:04–24:14).

7. The Orléans Campaign: Tension, Miracles & Victory (25:12–51:58)

• Desperate City: Supplies are scarce; Joan rides with a convoy, banishing prostitutes and encouraging daily confession to elevate morale (25:12–26:27).

• Crossing and Entry: Initial confusion over which bank they’re on frustrates Joan, but the leadership of the Bastard of Orléans (Jean d’Orléans) pivots the French strategy (28:29–31:29).

  • “Joan is not impressed… she roundly bollocks him: ‘Was it on your advice I’ve been brought here on this side of the river instead of going directly against Talbot and the English?’” – Tom (31:01)

• Miracle of the Wind: When logistics falter, Joan prays for a change in wind, which immediately shifts, enabling supplies to reach the city—a “miracle” that wins skeptics (33:24).

• Joan’s Dramatic Entrance: She parades into Orléans, greeted as a savior; yet the mood quickly sours when it’s discovered her escort numbers only 200, not thousands as hoped (34:21–35:12).

• The Ultimatum and Insults: Joan sends a second letter to the English, prompting Talbot to call her a “whore.” She responds by publicly challenging the English at Les Tourelles, only to be met with more insults (36:37–36:54).

• Breakthrough: The Bastard of Orléans gambles on reinforcing the city on the north bank, successfully slipping past the English (39:53–40:52). Realizing their numbers now match, the French prepare for battle.

• Joan Inspires Attack: On May 4, 1429, the French attack and capture a key outwork—Joan’s first combat, where she "never kills anyone, but she is absolutely in the battle line, brandishing her banner" (41:45).

• Rejection and Renewal: Wounded by a crossbow bolt while leading a ladder assault on Les Tourelles (46:14), Joan’s persistence convinces the captains to continue despite exhausting odds.

8. The Climax: Fall of Les Tourelles and French Triumph (47:45–51:23)

• The Decisive Assault: On May 7, 1429, Joan returns to the siege line wounded but undeterred, urging the French to persist. The death of English commander Glasdale and French attacks on two fronts result in the English fortress's fall and a slaughter (49:45–50:53).

• Liberation of Orléans: Cheered by the city, Joan is hailed as the heroine. The English, recognizing defeat, withdraw, ending the six-month siege in four days (51:23–51:58).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Joan’s Miraculous Sword:
  “The sword is very mysterious. It's covered with rust, which magically falls away as soon as it's touched. And it reveals five crosses along the blade… This, of course, is absolutely part of medieval romance. It's very Lord of the Rings…”
  — Tom Holland (24:04)

• On Joan’s Authority:
  “You captains, you've conferred among yourselves. But I, Joan, I have conferred with God.”
  — Joan of Arc (as paraphrased by Tom, 46:24)

• On Her Impact:
  “A greatness that manifests itself in a superior, irresistible, and infectious bravery… that infectious bravery, the captains pick up on it.”
  — Tom Holland quoting Johan Huizinga on Joan (46:24)

• On Joan’s Letters to the English:
  “If not, I will make a war cry that will be remembered forever. I am writing this to you for the third and last time. I will write no more.”
  — Joan of Arc, as quoted by Tom (42:25)

• Christine de Pizan’s Reaction:
  “The beauty of her life proves that she has been blessed with God's grace. How clear this was at the siege of Orleans. It is my belief that never was a miracle more evident.”
  — Christine de Pizan, quoted by Tom Holland (53:11)

Important Timestamps

• Joan’s Letter Read (Opening): 01:10–02:47
• Background on Joan & Her Journey: 03:48–06:36
• Prophecy & Court Support: 10:55–13:25
• The Meeting at Chinon: 13:11–14:00
• Ecclesiastical Investigation: 18:07–20:35
• Arrival in Orléans and Confusion: 25:12–27:08
• Miracle of the Wind: 33:24
• Joan’s Public Challenge to the English: 36:54
• Assault on English Outworks: 41:45
• Joan Wounded at Les Tourelles: 47:00
• English Defeat and French Triumph: 50:53–51:58

Closing

The episode ends with the hosts noting that Joan’s journey is far from over. Having achieved what many saw as a genuine miracle, Joan’s promise to lead the Dauphin to his coronation at Reims and to drive out the English sets the stage for the next act. The tantalizing question lingers: Is she divinely inspired or something more controversial? That is left for the next episode.

Tom: “Merci. Et au revoir.” (54:03)
Dominic: “Au revoir.” (54:03)

For Further Listening

Club members can access the following episodes immediately and join the ongoing discussion about Joan’s fate and legacy. For everyone else, “come back to find out what happens next in this extraordinary story and to examine exactly what was going on in Joan of Arc's head.”

Summary by PodcastSummarizerGPT | All quotes attributed per podcast timestamps