Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc · Character

La Hire

A godless captain whose wild riders strike like storm-wind at Joan's command, he bows to her after Patay muttering, 'I will say it though I be damned for it.'

supporting

Also known as Satan La Hire

First appearance: The War March Is Begun

As a supporting figure in Personal Recollections of Joan of Arc, La Hire is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

A fierce warrior and supporter of Joan in the camp.

In the storyBook II: In Court and CampOpen this moment free

La Hire launches his thundering charge at Joan's word, his great figure dominating the field with sword aloft like a flagstaff, while she waits—measuring, weighing, master of herself—until the golden moment. After the victory he passes before her bowing low, declaring France free but for Joan of Arc, damned or not. Yet the same day Louis finds her holding a dying English prisoner's head in her lap, weeping womanly tears—the contrast that makes her war both terrible and holy.

See La Hire in Book II: In Court and Camp Book page

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Character Web

20 connections

A slice of how La Hire sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Joan's Supporters and Allies
Key Figures in Joan's Campaign and Trial
Protagonist

+15 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it represents the emotional and psychological peak of Joan's suffe…

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Relationships

Joan of Arc
friendship · positive
La Hire was a loyal French captain and close comrade-in-arms who fought alongside Joan… How this plays out →
Joan of Arc
friendship · positive
La Hire was a loyal French captain and close comrade-in-arms who fought alongside Joan… How this plays out →
Joan of Arc
friendship · positive
La Hire was a loyal French captain and close comrade-in-arms who fought alongside Joan… How this plays out →

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See La Hire in The War March Is Begun

In the story

La Hire appears across 25 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II: In Court and Camp
A fierce warrior and supporter of Joan in the camp.
Joan Leads Us Through the Enemy
Implied as one of the knights present, given his role as a veteran commander.
She Is Made General-in-Chief
Veteran commander now under Joan's command.
The Maid's Sword and Banner
Ordered by Joan to take charge of the recruiting station and depot of supplies at Blois.
The War March Is Begun
Summoned by Joan to command the recruits at Blois; called 'Satan himself' and a 'military hurricane.'
Joan Puts Heart in Her Army
Initially skeptical, he submits to Joan's reforms, attends Mass, and prays; his rough manner contrasts with Joan's purity.
Checked by the Folly of the Wise
One of the Armagnac generals commanding a division, described as tough and lawless.
Joan's First Battlefield
Leads the final decisive charge that captures the bastille St. Loup.
Joan Makes Cowards Brave Victors
Arrives during the council, enthusiastically supports Joan's plan to storm the forts, and later helps rally the troops during the assault on the Augustins.
She Gently Reproves Her Dear Friend
Mentioned as one of the men to whom Joan sends her command to keep the army in place.
XXII: The Fate of France Decided
Commanded the force on the Orleans side of the river; made a counterattack on the Tourelles via the bridge upon Joan's signal.
XXIII: Joan Inspires the Tawdry King
Mentioned as one of Joan's generals present at the festivities and the journey to Tours.
At Last—Forward!
Listed among the illustrious captains riding with Joan in the Grand Staff during her entry into Orleans.
XXVI: The Last Doubts Scattered
Passionately defends Joan's storm tactics in the council, declaring her a surpassing military genius.
How Joan Took Jargeau
Not explicitly mentioned in this chapter, but his presence in the army is implied.
Fierce Talbot Reconsiders
Supports Joan's decisions and expresses confidence in her predictions.
XXX: The Red Field of Patay
Leads the initial cavalry charge against Fastolfe's corps, later praises Joan as the liberator of France.
The Jests of the Burgundians
Supports Joan's judgment during the council, advocating for her leadership.
Again to Arms
Mentioned as a grand swordsman who often fences with Joan; not present in the chapter.
The King Cries “Forward!”
Approves Joan's speech with a crash of his fist and later growls approval of her phrase 'At the point of the lance!'
XL: Treachery Conquers Joan
Implied as part of the army; not directly mentioned but present in the campaign.
XLI: The Maid Will March No More
Not mentioned in this chapter; omitted.
All Ready to Condemn
Mentioned as a possible rescuer in Louis's desperate hopes.
Conclusion
Survives martyrdom by thirteen years, always fighting.
Endnotes
Originator of a famous prayer, officially recorded in the National Archives of France.

Chapter companion notes

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See La Hire in The War March Is Begun

See La Hire in Book II: In Court and Camp