Yolande of Aragon (1384-1442) was a kingmaker and an early supporter of Joan of Arc.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know -- but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Pioneers, Dreamers, Villainesses, STEMinists, Warriors & Social Justice Warriors, and many more. Encyclopedia Womannica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
Encyclopedia Womannica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Cinthia Pimentel, and Grace Lynch. Special thanks to Shira Atkins and Edie Allard. Theme music by Andi Kristins.
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Hello and Happy Halloween! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan and this is Encyclopedia Womannica.
In case you’re just tuning in, here’s the deal! Every weekday, we’re telling the stories of women from throughout history and around the world who you may not know about, but definitely should. Each month is themed and this month is all about Witches & Saints.
Throughout history, women have been celebrated and condemned for wielding spiritual power. This month, we have highlighted women who made incredible contributions to and through religions, as well as those who were charged and punished for alleged heresies or supernatural abilities.
Today we’re heading back to late 14th century Europe to talk about a brilliant tactician in the game of power politics and an early, key supporter of Joan of Arc. This is the story of a literal kingmaker, Yolande of Aragon.
Yolande was born on August 11, 1384 to King John I of Aragon and Yolande de Bar, the granddaughter of King John II of France. She was one of six siblings and she also had five half siblings from her father’s first marriage.
As a young woman, Yolande was quite a catch, evidenced by multiple royal suitors who sought her hand in marriage. A contemporary named Jean Juvenal des Ursins described her as, “the prettiest woman in the kingdom." At one point, both Louis II of Naples and Richard II of England were in contention. Louis II of Naples won out. Despite initial misgivings, Yolande and Louis married and had multiple children, the biggest sign of success in a royal marriage.
While Yolande had her own claims to her father’s throne, she was passed over due to her gender. Most of her influence was wielded through her eldest son, Louis III who became duke of Anjou and King of Naples, and through her son-in-law, Charles VII who eventually became King of France.
While her son Louis was still young, Yolande played the role of regent for the first 15 years of his reign.
You may remember Charles VII from our episode about Joan of Arc. Joan, Yolande, and Charles’ stories are all intertwined.
This era was the time of the Hundred Years War, a long series of skirmishes between France and England over who was the rightful ruler of France.
Yolande threw her weight behind Charles VII, who she housed and provided with resources since Charles’ own mother was in favor of the British, and actively fought against her son inheriting the French throne. Yolande took Charles in and treated him like one of her own. When Charles’ mother requested his return to the French court, Yolande wrote back: “We have not nurtured and cherished this one for you to make him die like his brothers or to go mad like his father, or to become English like you. I keep him for my own. Come and take him away, if you dare.” Eventually Yolande’s daughter, Marie, married Charles and he officially became part of the family.
Yolande’s support was crucial for Charles’ success. One example of her influence was in her promotion of Joan of Arc. Yolande was an early believer in Joan even when many doubted her. Some say she even had a role in Joan’s first appearance on the scene. At the very least, Yolande first introduced Joan of Arc to Charles VII and financed Joan’s army in 1429, turning the war into a religious crusade and the tide of the conflict in France’s favor.
While Joan of Arc is a well known character from history, Yolande often is not given her due credit. Joan May have gotten the glory, but Yolande’s political genius and use of realpolitik truly changed the course of history.
This is the final episode of this month’s theme, Witches & Saints. Tune in tomorrow for our first episode of November’s theme, Tastemakers.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!