Joan of Arc

Overview

Joan of Arc is one of the patron saints of France and a national and international icon; a young girl who lived in the earl 1400s in rural north eastern France. Her legend states that she hears the voice of God and embarks on a holy crusade to free France from English oppression. These actions finally lead to her downfall as she is captured, tried and burned alive as a heretic in 1431, aged just 19. Through modern psychological and historical investigation, Mystery Files reveals how such a young girl managed to overcome the hardships and obstacles to achieve so much. Joan grows up in a rural peasant household but her life changes dramatically when she claims at the age of 13 to hear voices inside her head. Psychologist Miguel Farias studies the historical accounts of Joan’s life and believes the voices could be thoughts buried deep in her unconscious mind. Joan’s belief in these voices is so strong that she undertakes an extraordinary mission.

Episode Information