And the Hello and welcome to the Disney Story Origins Podcast, episode one, Pocahontas.

The story of Pocahontas has fascinated people for more than four centuries and it still inspires people

today, it will undoubtedly continue to do so.

We only know what we know about her from comments left by the Englishman who knew her or knew

of her and wrote down their impressions.

After Disney's release of Pocahontas in 1995, a new, different, and completely

inaccurate incarnation of her is now familiar to the world.

Like other artists, the writers and animators behind the film integrate elements of fantasy

with little historical fact and they reflect cultural biases of their own time. They both capitalize on her legend and pay tribute to her as an individual

of unusual energy and vision who influenced the course of American history.

Now right off the bat I believe it's important for people to know the first of many things that

Disney didn't tell us with regards to the true history of Pocahontas, and that is that Pocahontas's name is not Pocahontas. Her real name is Matawaka. She was also

called Amunute. In doing my research for this episode, I've read internet posts and blog articles by members of the

Powatan nation who insist that Pocahontas was simply her nickname is a little girl.

But I've also read that Powatans change their names throughout their lives based on their deeds or experiences or changes in their personality.

I found several translations and the name Pocahontas could mean the naughty one, spoiled child, mischief, or little playful one.

Now as far as the Powatan nation is concerned, Pocahontas is not her name,

but history gives us our short-handed labels and it's often easier to simply use them rather than try and reinvent

the wheel.

So for the purposes of this episode, I'll be referring to her as Pocahontas.

Let's get started, shall we? In 1607 we sail the open sea for glory God and gold and well Virginia company

from the new world is like heaven and will all be rich and free.

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