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Within a few years, the relationship between the English and the Powhatan tribes began to turn sour and at one point Pocahontas disappeared for few years, possibly married to a fellow tribesman named Kocoum with whom she had a son. She was seen as a peaceful envoy and welcomed by the English for her role in saving Smith’s life (though, again, it’s unlikely his life was in danger). Pocahontas likely didn’t fall madly in love with the man more than twice her age but her relationship with the English settlers did prove beneficial, as she took the settlers supplies during an awful winter in which their population dwindled rapidly. Of course, if you’re forced onto the ground and your head held into place on large rocks while people speak a different language in a very animated manner, you might assume the worst too. Historians have determined that what Smith was saved from wasn’t so much impending death as it was a misunderstood (by him) adoption or welcoming ceremony by Wahunsenaca to bring Smith into his tribe.

It’s believed Pocahontas was about 10 years old when this happened, whereas Smith was in his late 20s. While Captain John Smith claimed he believed Pocahontas’ father, Chief Wahunsenaca, was going to “beate out his braines” on rocks while surrounded by men from the Powhatan tribe, it’s possible this was part of an elaborate and misunderstood adoption or welcoming ceremony.

In his diaries decades after the fact, Smith said he was forced to the ground and his head held onto two large rocks while others prepared to “ beate out his braines” until Pocahontas put her head on his to stop the pummelling. John Smith Was Using Some ‘Alternative Facts’

The pivotal moment in Pocahontas’ story was likely fully misunderstood, both by historians and by Captain Smith himself. She likely grew up away from her father for a few years, with her mother’s tribe, though very little is known of her mother. The daughter of Wahunsen aca - known to most of the world as Chief Powhatan - was given the nickname of Pocahontas, which means “ playful one” or “ little wanton” for her mischievous nature or possibly “spoiled child” or “naughty one” given her favoured status with her father. For starters, her name was Amonute or Matoaka, depending on how close a person was related or acquainted with her.