Who was the French heroine and military leader inspired by religious visions during the Hundred Years War?

Joan of Arc was the French heroine and military leader who played a pivotal role during the Hundred Years War between England and France. She is best known for claiming to have received divine guidance from saints, which inspired her to support Charles VII in his quest to reclaim his throne. Joan led French forces to several important victories, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans in 1429, which was a turning point in the war. Her actions not only galvanized French troops but also reinforced the legitimacy of Charles VII as king. Eventually, she was captured, tried for heresy, and executed, but she became a symbol of French nationalism and a saint in the Catholic Church. Her story illustrates the intersection of faith and political action during a tumultuous period in European history.