Have you heard about the life of Pocahontas—for example, at school, in a book, or in a movie or TV show?  

On the top of the handout, write down in complete sentences 2-3 things that you already know about Pocahontas.

The popular version of the Pocahontas story begins when John Smith, an English adventurer from the Jamestown colony, is captured in 1608.  He is then brought before Powhatan, the powerful chief of the Algonquin people.  After a feast, Powhatan's men grab Smith and lay him on a big stone to be beaten to death.  Suddenly, Powhatan's young daughter, Pocahontas, throws herself over Smith to protect him.  As a result, Powhatan decides not to kill Smith, and instead adopts him as a son.  Some versions of the story, including a Disney film, suggest that Pocahontas saved Smith because she had fallen in love with him. It's an exciting, romantic tale!  But is it true?

Watch this video to see more about how Pocahontas's story has been presented in popular culture: Click for Video One 

(Note: If the speakers on your computer aren't loud enough, then click the "cc" captions button on the bottom left corner of the video player to read along.)

Now watch this video to see a historical version of the story of Pocahontas and John Smith: Click for Video Two 

(Note: If the speakers on your computer aren't loud enough, then click the "cc" captions button on the bottom left corner of the video player to read along.)

In complete sentences in the T-Chart on the back of your handout, write down some of the differences you noticed between the historical and the popular versions.

Here is more information that historians have uncovered about Pocahontas:

• Historians estimate that Pocahontas was between 10 and 14 years old, while John Smith was 27.
• Pocahontas was later held captive by the Jamestown colony. While there, she met and married another Englishman, named John Rolfe.
• "Pocahontas" was a nickname, which some say meant "spoiled child." The princess's real name was Matoaka.
• John Smith wrote about his rescue by Pocahontas 17 years after it happened. His first written account did not mention her.