Historical Figures

Etienne de Vignolles, known as La Hire (1380 - 1442)

The nickname of Étienne de Vignolles dit La Hire comes from the fact that he was quite violent and angry (ire =anger). La Hire is one of the greatest fighters of his time. He met Joan of Arc in Orleans in 1429. He performed prodigies of valor at the battles of Jargeau and Patay; and approached Rouen in 1431 to try to deliver the heroine but himself fell into the power of the English and was taken prisoner. Having managed to escape the following year, he resumed the war in Artois, Île-de-France and Picardy, winning many successes, but also increasing acts of cruelty and looting. He died of his wounds at Montauban, where he had accompanied King Charles VII. La Hire has become the jack of hearts of card games.