Thread by @horridpoplyrics

#WomensHistoryMonth

Let’s talk about witches in medieval history! (A Thread)

But, before we get to witches, we need to address the elephant in the room, Joan of Arc. Who was not executed as a witch. So we will go over her first.

First off, Joan of Arc never referred to herself by that name. She referred to herself as Jehanne la Pucelle, or, Joan the Maiden. In fact, her name Joan of Arc is a lie, told more than 100 years after her death in Britain. There is no town called “Arc” in France.

At this time, surnames were fluid. In fact, many people took their mother’s surname, if they had one at all. Joan seemed to eschew all surnames though, preferring to be referred to as a commoner, as a matter of principle.

We all know the basic story:
Joan saw a vision in a field in her hometown, which led her to take control over the armies of the French in the latter days of the 100-years war between Britain and France. She inspired the troops to recapture Orleans.

But then, Joan was captured during her failed siege on Paris. And after which she was put to death. This is all basically true, but, a real dumbing-down of the actual story. In reality, things get much more interesting.

The 100-years war was a great tragedy for all humanity. At the time, the British saw very little distinction between England and France. In fact, since 1066, French was the official language of Britain. Those that spoke English were seen as Commoners. britannica.com/event/Hundred-…

It is not that Britain and France were at war, it is that there was no difference between Britain and France at the time. In fact, it was not until the revival of English and Celtic languages that people actually started to come to the idea that they were two separate nations.

Actually, it was closer to a Civil War, than an outright Nation-State war. The law in England and France was written in Latin at the time. While the Kings Courts spoke French. It was not until the late 1380s that a real sense of independence was established in England.

Into this, Joan of Arc asserted herself, claiming to be an instrument of The Lord, and on His command, she would lead the armies of France to victory over England. Which is insane, kinda. When you think about it.

Look, the English had a longbow, made of Spanish Yew trees that they imported, as the English Yew was far too knotted to use for a longbow. English Yew would break apart in your hands as you drew the bowstring. The English had the advantage.

And yet, though Joan never took part in combat, her sheer presence on the battlefield gave French troops the courage to drive the English out of Orleans. Then, to assail Paris. At Orleans Joan was injured by an arrow in the shoulder.

And at Paris, she was injured in the leg by a crossbow, and captured by the English.

The English, following established precedent, tried to ransom her. That is, basically sell her back to the French for money.

Well, the French didn’t want her back at all.

See, when a young woman, proudly a commoner, claiming to be a Divine Instrument, comes and leads your armies to victory despite all odds. This causes a rather difficult crisis in the French Patriarchal Aristocracy. Joan was an inconvenience to them.

They only wanted to maintain their status as Aristocrats, and didn’t care so much as to whether or not they won the 100-years war. So, the ransom was denied.

And this left the English in a difficult position: At the time, it was illegal for any woman, no matter the circumstance.

It was also illegal in England at the time to execute a woman as an enemy combatant. So, needing to save face, the English Trumped up some charges against Joan. They desperately wanted the Ransom system to be maintained, but, could not execute her.

So, Joan was charged with “Heresy,” because she claimed to have been given a mission from The Lord, as well as Dressing as a Man.

The reason she “Dressed as a Man” was likely so she could sew her tunic to her trousers to prevent herself from being raped by her English “guards.”

It was not until 100 years later, the lie began spreading around Britain that Joan was executed as a witch. Which is not true.

She was executed for having visions, and for wearing men’s clothing, to prevent rape. And as a side effect of corruption in the French Aristocracy.

In fact, there were no laws in England at the time punishing witchcraft. Because they didn’t believe that witches existed. Really. In fact, in the Medieval Age, it was very rare for anyone to be executed as a witch. Witch hunts are more a product of The Renaissance

In fact, about 20 years after her death, Joan was cleared of all Heresy and Wrongdoing by a Papal Council. In fact, some of her prosecutors were named as potential heretics for miswielding the concept of “heresy” and improperly executing a woman.

So, I hope this helps clear up some misconceptions about Joan of Arc. Here we are, 600 years later, and we are still talking about her and her accomplishments. In fact, she might be the reason there is a hard line nowadays between France and England.

As those two nations were desperately trying to consolidate throughout that period.

I will talk more about the Medieval and Renaissance eras, and their relationship, or lack thereof, to witchcraft soon.

I hope this finds you well, much love,
-Ryan.