Cryptoquip Answer 09/02/2023: Joan of Arc

Who Was Joan of Arc?

First off, Joan of Arc was not actually involved in any boat-construction projects like Noah from the Bible. She was a French peasant girl born around 1412 who claimed to have visions from God. These visions instructed her to help Charles VII, the dauphin of France, reclaim his throne during the Hundred Years’ War against England. Joan led French troops in several key battles and was instrumental in lifting the siege of Orleans. However, she was captured by the English and tried for heresy, eventually being burned at the stake at the age of 19. She was canonized as a saint in 1920.

Why Joan of “Ark”?

The Cryptoquip puzzle humorously refers to Joan as being involved in a “huge boat-construction project,” which is a nod to Noah’s Ark from the Bible. While Joan of Arc had nothing to do with boat-building, she was a figure of immense faith, much like Noah. Both were guided by divine visions to undertake seemingly impossible tasks—Noah to build an ark to survive a flood, and Joan to lead an army with no military training.

The Power of Faith

Joan’s story is a testament to the power of faith. She was willing to risk everything, including her life, based on her belief in her divine visions. Her courage and conviction inspired those around her and turned the tide of a war, changing the course of history.

A Lasting Legacy

Today, Joan of Arc remains a symbol of courage, faith, and leadership. She’s been the subject of numerous books, plays, and movies, and her story continues to inspire people around the world.

So, the Cryptoquip line cleverly plays on Joan’s faith-driven mission by likening it to another monumental, faith-driven project from religious texts. It’s a fun way to think about how stories of faith from different times and places can intersect in surprising ways.