Did Joan of Arc suffer from mental illness?

Joan of Arc, also called Jehanne la Purcelle or Johanne d’Arc, claimed to hear divine voices telling her to save France. People have many misconceptions about the story of this French peasant girl who was born into a humble family but changed the course of history and has since inspired generation after generation.

Due to the divine voices she heard, some modern researchers have concluded that she might have suffered from mental illness with auditory hallucinations. It must, however, be stated here that many contemporaries who wrote about Joan of Arc spoke highly about her health and intelligence. They emphasized her clarity and understanding of law, even though she was unable to read. She was acknowledged to have a remarkable memory. Most scholars who wrote about her were highly- experienced physicians, well acquainted with mental illness.

Of note is that Charles VII, King of France during Joan of Arc’s time, would never have placed his life and fortune in the hands of Joan of Arc had there been the slightest hint of mental illness. As a matter of fact, this King of France himself and his family had to deal with mental illness firsthand. Charles VI, his father, was afflicted with paranoia and thought he was made of glass; he truly believed that the slightest bump would destroy him. As a result, he had to be locked up in his home until the end of his life.