Scott Alexander (author/host)

The story tells that Joan approached the Dauphin in a room full of fine lords and noblemen where he was dressed plainly.

that he denied his identity and she persisted that he and he alone was the true-born king of France and by this sign of her gifts convinced all that she was a saint chosen by God to bring him victory.

Or, quote,

Then Joan, who was come before the king, made the bows and reverences customary to make to the king, as if she had been nurtured at court, and this greeting done said, addressing her speech to the king, God give you life, gentle king, whereas she knew him not and had never seen him.

And there were present several lords, dressed with pomp and richly, and more so than was the king.

Wherefore he answered the said Joan, Not I am the king, Joan.

And pointing to one of his lords, said, There is the king.

To which she replied, By God, gentle prince, it is you and none other.

Here's a painting of that, captioned, How can it be false if it is painted?

End quote.

Yeah, that probably never happened.

Sure, sure, it's source to a contemporary French historian, Jean Chartier, quoted above, who we know had met the Dauphin a decade or two after his coronation and could very easily have talked to eyewitnesses and gotten the story from them, and so it's on a much better foundation than 99% of what we believe about history.

But we have eyewitnesses.

Here's one.

Quote.

Raoul de Gaucourt, Grand Master of the King's Household, 85 years of age or thereabouts, quote, I was present in the castle and town of Chinon when the maid arrived, and I saw her when she presented herself before the Royal Majesty, with much humility and great simplicity, the poor little shepherdess, and I heard the following words which she spoke to the King, Very noble Lord Dauphin, I am come and am sent by God to bring succour to you and your kingdom.

End quote.

No mention of the denial, no mention of the king's dress.

Where did the story come from?

The probable explanation lies in Joan's own testimony during her first trial by the English.