The famous historical figure known as the "Maid of Orléans" is Joan of Arc. She was a peasant girl born around 1412 in France who became a pivotal figure during the Hundred Years' War between France and England. Joan claimed to receive visions from saints instructing her to support Charles VII and help him reclaim the French throne from English occupation. Her leadership during critical battles, particularly the Siege of Orléans in 1429, significantly boosted French morale. Captured in 1430, she was tried for heresy and burned at the stake in 1431. Joan of Arc was canonized as a saint in 1920 and remains a national heroine of France.