Pocahontas
Native American Princess
A woman of the Powhatan tribe and a heroine with a strong sense of independence. Symbol of peace with British settlers.
Quotes
- Listen to the voice of the earth.
- The wind is whispering.
- Nature binds us together.
- Different cultures can live together.
- Choose with courage, with your heart.
Trivia
- 'Pocahontas' is not her real name but a childhood nickname.
- There are many skeptical views on the anecdote of saving John Smith.
- Married Englishman John Rolfe in 1614.
- Became internationally famous, such as being presented to King James I of England.
- Many portraits are idealized and likely differ from her actual appearance.
- Causes of Pocahontas's death include theories of smallpox, pneumonia, and tuberculosis.
Alternate names
Matoaka
Matoa
Rebecca Rolfe
Rebecca Rolfe
Profile
- Species
- Human
- Gender
- Female
- Birthday
- Around 1595
- Birth year
- 1590s
Appearance
- Overall appearance
- Young woman wearing traditional Native American attire. In many portraits, she is also depicted in Western-style clothing.
- Distinguishing features
-
- Strong gaze
- Sunken cheeks (1616 copperplate engraving)
- Depicted differently in multiple portraits and paintings
- Iconic items
-
- Deerskin clothing
- Traditional Native American adornments
- Christian baptismal gown (after baptism)
Personality and abilities
- Core personality
- Strong sense of independence
- Detailed personality
- Known as a playful tomboy in childhood, and as a mediator seeking peace in adulthood. A complex figure torn between cultures and beliefs.
- Keywords
-
- Independence
- Pacifism
- Mediator
- Brave
- Compassionate
- Talents
-
- Mediation between tribes
- Language acquisition (English)
- Adaptability
- Skills
-
- Interpretation
- Negotiation
- Peacemaking
- Motivation
- Maintaining peace and coexistence between tribes and newcomers
- Disliked situations
- Colonial invasion, War or conflict
History
- Backstory
- Pocahontas was born as the daughter of the chief of the Powhatan Confederacy. In her childhood, due to her playful nature, she was called "Pocahontas." With the establishment of the Virginia colony, she interacted with the English and became a symbol of peace. In 1612, she was captured by the English, baptized, and took the name "Rebecca Rolfe." In 1614, she married John Rolfe and contributed to peace. In 1616, she traveled to England but died young the following year from illness. Her story later gave rise to many myths and legends, occupying an important place in American culture.
- Debut date
- 1607
- Work title
- Historical Records and Reports
Birth as the daughter of Chief Powhatan
- Significant event
- Birth as the daughter of Chief Powhatan
- Description
- Around 1595, born in the Powhatan tribe's settlement of Werowocomoco.
Legend of saving John Smith's life
- Significant event
- Legend of saving John Smith's life
- Description
- In 1607, said to have saved John Smith from execution, though the historical accuracy is debated.
Kidnapped and held hostage
- Significant event
- Kidnapped and held hostage
- Description
- In 1612, captured by the English and learned language and Christianity.
Marriage to John Rolfe
- Significant event
- Marriage to John Rolfe
- Description
- Married in 1614, becoming a symbol of peace.
Voyage to England and death
- Significant event
- Voyage to England and death
- Description
- Traveled to England in 1616 and died of illness in 1617.
Relationships
Chief Powhatan
Father
Father. Chief of the Powhatan Confederacy and a powerful leader.
John Rolfe
Spouse
English settler and Pocahontas's husband.
Thomas Rolfe
Child
Son with husband John Rolfe, her only child. Descendants continue as prominent families.
John Smith
Rival
The legend that Pocahontas saved his life (historical basis unclear).
Powhatan Tribe
Powhatan Tribe: unknown
Media appearances
Pocahontas (1995 Animated Film)
Movie / Protagonist
Released in 1995
Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World
Movie / Protagonist
1998 Video Release
The New World
Movie / Protagonist
2005 Live-Action Film
Pocahontas (1995 Live-Action Film)
Movie / Protagonist
Released in 1995
Voice cast and creators
unknown
- Voice actor
- unknown
- Language
- Japanese
- Version or series
- 1995 Disney Animated Version
Irene Bedard
- Voice actor
- Irene Bedard
- Language
- English
- Version or series
- 1995 Disney Animated Version
- Notes
- Lead voice actress
Historical Figure and Chroniclers
- Creator name
- Historical Figure and Chroniclers
- Role
- Original author
Walt Disney Company
- Creator name
- Walt Disney Company
- Role
- Licensee
Related goods
Plush toy
- Item name
- Plush toy
- Category
- Plush or doll
- Availability
- Regular
Figure
- Item name
- Figure
- Category
- Figure
- Availability
- Regular