The adjective “brave” gets tossed around liberally in our culture. Hollywood stars and politicians are heralded for bravery for doing or saying something that typically won’t bring them harm, physical or otherwise.

For true bravery, look back 600 years to Joan of Arc. It was in May 1429, when the Siege of Orléans took place. Joan was a mere peasant girl and only 17 years old, but she convinced Charles, the dauphin of France, to furnish her with an army.