La Hire
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Étienne de Vignolles, called La Hire, (Born 1380 - died 11 January 1443) was a French military commander during the Hundred Years' War. He fought alongside Joan of Arc in the campaigns of 1429. His most significant action was to lead the vanguard in the important victory at Patay.
La Hire joined Charles VII for the first time in 1418, when the English army invaded France. Three years later, in 1421 he fought at the Battle of Baugé.
He was a close comrade of Joan of Arc, and as the King's captain he commanded the advance guard at the battle of Patay, a French victory. He won the battle of Gerbevoy in 1435 and was made Captain General of Normandy in 1438. He died at Montauban on 11 January, 1443, of an unknown illness.
[edit] Popular culture
Most recently, La Hire is featured as a character in the tactical roleplaying video game Jeanne D'Arc. In the game, La Hire is depicted as a lion beastman warrior and mercenary, known for his overwhelming strength. He holds high respect for Jeanne D'Arc and fights loyally for her.
La Hire is commemorated as the face of the Jack of Hearts in French playing cards. His name remains a byword for a choleric disposition.
In the video game Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings, La Hire is, alongside Joan of Arc, a playable character in the Joan of Arc campaign. He constantly refers to the fact that he does not have enough blood on his sword, and is portrayed as a barbaric giant.
La Hire is also a character in Koei's video game Bladestorm: The Hundred Years' War.
In 1999, two films concerning Joan of Arc were released. In Joan of Arc, a television mini-series, la Hire was played by Peter Strauss. La Hire also appeared in the feature film The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, portrayed by actor Richard Ridings.
[edit] See also
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