Pocahontas: Unveiling The Truth Behind The Legend

Pocahontas has been romanticized throughout American history, thanks in no small part to the accounts of English settlers John Smith and John Rolfe, and of course, the 1995 Disney animated movie. But who was the real Pocahontas? To help dispel the many myths surrounding this popular Native American figure, here are some facts that originate from Native American oral history and contemporary historical accounts.

Pocahontas Was Actually Her Nickname

Born around 1596, Pocahontas was known by her birth name, Amonute, and to those closest to her, she was called Matoaka. The name "Pocahontas" actually belonged to her mother, who tragically died during childbirth. After her mother's death, her father, Chief Powhatan Wahunseneca of the Pamunkey tribe, affectionately called her Pocahontas, which means "playful one" or "ill-behaved child."

As a spirited young girl who enjoyed doing cartwheels, Pocahontas grew into a brave and intelligent leader and translator for her people. She played a crucial role in fostering relationships between her tribe and the English settlers, showcasing her remarkable traits right from childhood.

There Was No Romance Between Pocahontas and John Smith

When the 27-year-old John Smith and the English colonists arrived on Native American lands in 1607, Pocahontas was likely only around 10 years old. Smith later embellished their relationship, claiming a romance to sell his books, but they were never romantically involved. What is true is that Smith spent some time with Pocahontas' tribe, where they exchanged knowledge of their languages.

Pocahontas would later marry Indian warrior Kocoum at the young age of 14 and soon gave birth to their son, affectionately known as "little Kocoum." This marriage further illustrates Pocahontas's life beyond the romanticized tales told by settlers.

Pocahontas Didn't Warn Smith of a Planned Assassination Against Him

During Smith's imprisonment, Chief Powhatan grew to trust him. The chief even offered Smith a "werowance" role, recognizing him as an official leader within the colony. Smith claimed that Pocahontas warned him of a plot against his life while he trained for this role. However, historical records indicate that if a chief honored a man, there would be no threat to him.

Moreover, children were not allowed to attend a werowance ceremony, meaning Pocahontas wouldn't have been present to warn him of any danger. This misconception adds to the many myths surrounding her character.

Pocahontas Was Not Traded to the English; She Was Kidnapped and Raped

As tensions grew between the Powhatan and the English settlers, rumors circulated that Pocahontas was a prime target for kidnapping. English Captain Samuel Argall took advantage of these fears, forcibly removing Pocahontas from her village after threatening violence. Before leaving, he falsely claimed that a trade had occurred, offering a copper pot to her tribe.

While trapped in Jamestown, Pocahontas suffered immensely. She was raped by multiple colonists, an act completely incomprehensible to her culture. This trauma led her into a deep depression, and she later bore a second son, Thomas Rolfe, whose biological father may have been Sir Thomas Dale.

Pocahontas Was Not an Eager Goodwill Ambassador of the New World

The notion that Pocahontas married tobacco planter Rolfe for love is highly unlikely. Rolfe was under significant financial pressure to forge an alliance with the Powhatan tribe to learn their tobacco curing techniques. Thus, marrying Pocahontas served as a strategic move rather than a romantic one.

Throughout this time, Pocahontas was forced to wear English clothes, convert to Christianity, and adopted the name "Rebecca." Chief Powhatan, fearing for his safety, did not attend their wedding, instead sending a pearl necklace as a gift. Tragically, he would never see his daughter again.

Her Legacy and Final Years

To promote the tobacco business, Rolfe took Pocahontas and their son to England, where she was paraded as a symbol of goodwill between the colonists and Native Americans. This exploitation of her character continued even in her final days. Despite being in good health before returning to England, Pocahontas suddenly fell ill and died after dining with Rolfe and Argall, the man who had kidnapped her. Many tribesmen believed she was poisoned.

At her death, Pocahontas was approximately 21 years old. She was buried in Gravesend, England, at Saint George’s Church on March 21, 1617, yet the exact location of her remains remains unknown. Her story reflects a tragic reality, one that often contrasts starkly with the romanticized versions told throughout history.