La Hire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Étienne de Vignolles
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Idealized portrait of La Hire as imagined by Louis-Félix Amiel, 1835
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| Nickname(s) | La Hire ("The Wrath") |
| Born | 1390 Préchacq-les-Bains, Lordship of Albret |
| Died | 11 January 1443 (aged 53) Montauban, Guyenne |
| Allegiance | Kingdom of France |
| French Army | |
| Years of service | 1418–1443 |
| Rank | Captain-General |
| Commands held | Écorcheurs County Bailiff of Vermandois Commander of Château Thierry |
| Conflicts | Hundred Years War (Lancastrian phase)
Loire Campaign |
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Étienne de Vignolles, also known as La Hire (born 1390 – died 11 January 1443), was a brave French military leader. He played an important part in the Hundred Years' War, a long conflict between France and England. La Hire was a close friend and trusted commander of Joan of Arc.
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Why Was He Called La Hire?
La Hire was a nickname for Étienne de Vignolles. It means "The Wrath" in French. This name suited him because he was known for being fierce and determined in battle.
Some people think the English soldiers gave him this nickname. They might have called him "the Hire-God," meaning "the wrath of God." This shows how much they feared him.
Another idea is that his nickname came from the French word for "hedgehog" (hérisson). This might be because he had a tough or "prickly" personality.
La Hire's Military Career
La Hire joined the French army in 1418 to fight against the English. At this time, England had invaded France during the Hundred Years' War. Even though he was not born into a noble family, La Hire was a very skilled military leader. He was also an excellent horse rider.
In 1421, he fought in the Battle of Baugé. This was an early victory for the French and their Scottish allies. La Hire often worked with another French commander, Jean de Dunois. They would scout the countryside and fight small battles against the English.
Helping Joan of Arc
La Hire was one of the few military leaders who truly believed in Joan of Arc. He saw the inspiration she brought to the French soldiers. He fought alongside her in many important battles.
One of their most famous victories was the Siege of Orléans in 1429. This battle was a major turning point in the war. La Hire also fought with Joan of Arc in other key battles of the Loire Campaign, including:
At the Battle of Patay, La Hire led the front part of the French army. His leadership helped France win a great victory against the English. La Hire was also known for praying before going into battle. Many people believe this was due to Joan of Arc's influence.
Later Battles and Death
After Joan of Arc's time, La Hire continued to fight for France. In 1430, he captured the English-held Château Gaillard. He was briefly imprisoned in 1431.
In 1435, La Hire won the Battle of Gerberoy. This was another important French victory. In 1438, he was made Captain General of Normandy, a big honor.
His last major battles were:
- In 1440, he helped capture Pontoise from the English.
- In 1442, he helped Charles of Orléans capture La Réole.
Étienne de Vignolles, La Hire, died in Montauban on January 11, 1443. The cause of his death is not known.
La Hire in Culture
La Hire's name is still remembered today. In French tradition, "La Hire" is the nickname for the knave of hearts in a deck of playing cards.
His name also became a way to describe someone with a quick temper or a "choleric disposition."
See also
