Joan of Arc never killed anyone in battle and preferred carrying a banner over using a sword.

During her trial in 1431, Joan of Arc explicitly stated that she loved her banner forty times more than her sword. She described the banner as being made of white linen and featuring an image of Christ holding the world, flanked by two angels. Historical records from the Siege of Orléans in May 1429 confirm that she positioned herself at the most dangerous points of the battlefield to encourage French soldiers. This psychological warfare was revolutionary for the time and directly led to the lifting of the siege in just nine days.Military historians like Kelly DeVries note that Joan functioned as a high-level commander and strategist rather than a foot soldier. Her role was to provide tactical direction and maintain the momentum of the charge. By refusing to use her sword to kill, she maintained her status as a 'holy maid' which was essential for her religious and political authority. Her sword, which was reportedly found behind the altar of the Church of Saint Catherine of Fierbois, was used primarily as a symbolic accessory.The impact of her leadership is evidenced by the rapid French successes following her arrival. Before Joan, the French army had suffered decades of humiliating defeats against the English. Her banner served as a visual rallying point that could be seen across chaotic battlefields, ensuring that her troops remained organized and motivated. Even when she was struck in the shoulder by a crossbow bolt, she refused to leave the field permanently, returning to wave her banner and spark the final successful assault on the Les Tourelles fortress.