Joan of Arc's transformation into a worldwide hero

The Passion of Joan of Arc portrays the trial of Joan and her development into a hero not just to France, but to the world thereafter. In Joseph Campbell’s Power of Myth he states that, “the main character is a hero or heroine who has found or done something beyond the normal range of achievement and experience. A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.” One may see that Joan’s actions leading to the trial would signify her transformation into a hero. But, the trial itself further converts Joan into a symbol that the world could understand.

 Joan’s sacrifice in her lifetime before the trial was giving up her simple life to lead an army following God. The trial was the test of whether she was willing to follow what she believed to be true and for the greater good of society. Her beliefs consisted of the knowledge that God was on France’s side and she was the one to lead them to victory. But, what was truly being tested was whether she really saw God and the archangel. She was continuously bullied, tricked, and tortured for her to recant everything that she and France believed during her trial. Very few of the judges believed her and none would defend her. Her unflinching determination to remain to her beliefs drove the plot of this story to the greatest sacrifice of her own life. This sacrifice truly transformed Joan into a hero that the world would never forget. This character development of Joan may seem flat for she stayed true to her beliefs undoubtedly. But, this character is actually round for the true sacrifice was yet to be made until she accepted death and converted herself into a hero. She became a martyr and saint for the worldwide Christian faith who is still remembered today. The movie portrays this transformation of character from a girl who had visions from God and led an army to a worldwide acknowledged hero and symbol of steadfastness and faith.