Pocahontas Revealed

Student Handout

The Legend of Pocahontas

The legend of Pocahontas has lived on in books, movies, and art. That legend is based, in part, on John Smith's own account of the historical event 17 years after it happened. In the following quote, written by Smith in his 1624 "General Historie," he describes his rescue by Pocahontas.

Having feasted him [Smith] . . . A long consultation was held, but the conclusion was, two great stones were brought before Powhatan: then as many as could lay hands on him, dragged him to them, and thereon laid his head, and being ready with their clubs, to beate out his braines, Pocahontas the Kings dearest daughter, when no intreaty could prevaile, got his head in her armes, and laid her owne upon his to save him from death: whereat the Emperour [Powhatan] was contented he [Smith] should live to make him hatchets, and her bells, beads, and copper....