At the end of the 11th century, pilgrim Crusaders found themselves in an impossible situation besieged within the walls of Antioch. They were outnumbered four to one. They had no food and turned to cannibalism. All was lost.
But then a peasant priest named Peter Bartholomew discovered the Spear of Destiny–the lance that pierced the side of Christ. According to legend, whoever wields the relic could never be defeated in battle. Then, the Crusaders rode out and met their enemy on the open fields around Antioch, believing that the lance would shield them from defeat. The result was a complete and total victory for the Crusaders and an ignominious rout for their enemies.
This story proves the effectiveness of religious fervor during the middle ages. Morale, boosted by a belief in divine intervention, could be a superweapon.
It is a dangerous game, however, and those claiming to have had celestial visitations, conversations with God, and instructions from Heaven were just as likely to be burnt at the stake for witchcraft as they were to be lauded as prophets. It is in this context that the story of Joan of Arc exists.
