Colors of the Wind: Unveiling the Fascinating Stories Behind Disney’s Pocahontas

Pocahontas is a film that not only paints with all the colors of the wind but also weaves a tapestry of history, myth, and artistic wonder. Released in 1995, this animated feature captures the imagination with its blend of historical lore and enchanting storytelling.

As we embark on a journey through the whispering leaves and swirling rivers of this iconic film, we uncover a realm brimming with intriguing facts, little-known details, and the creative magic that brought Pocahontas to life. So, let’s dive into the fascinating world behind Disney’s “Pocahontas,” where every fact is a petal in the film’s blooming legacy, inviting us to look beyond what we know and discover the wonders hidden in its depths.

The Real-Life Pocahontas

an illustration of Pocahontas

The story of Disney’s “Pocahontas” is based on the real-life Native American woman of the same name. The real Pocahontas belonged to the Powhatan people, a group of indigenous people that traditionally lived in the eastern sections of Virginia, USA. Here are more details about Pocahontas and her life.

  • Daughter of Powhatan – Pocahontas, also known as Amonute or Matoaka, was the daughter of Powhatan, who was the paramount chief of tributary tribes in the Tsenacommacah, the Powhatan people that lived in their native homeland of Tidewater (now known as the US state of Virginia).
  • The Mystery Behind Pocahontas’s Birth Year – The birth year of Pocahontas is unknown even after many years of research conducted by historians. However, some historians have estimated that Pocahontas was born around 1596. An English explorer named John Smith mentioned in his book, A True Relation of Virginia (published in 1608), that he met Pocahontas in the spring of 1608 when she was “a child of ten years old.” But in a letter that he wrote in 1616, he described meeting Pocahontas in 1608 when she was twelve or thirteen years old.

The Story

The Baptism of Pocahontas, an 1840 painting by John Gadsby Chapman

The story of the real-life Pocahontas is quite different from Disney’s version, as there were scenes in the Disney movie that weren’t historically accurate. Check out below for an overview of the real story behind Pocahontas and its differences from the Disney film.

  • The Real Story of Pocahontas – In 1613, Pocahontas was kidnapped and held for ransom by English colonists during the period of hostilities between them and the Powhatan people. While she was a captive, she was converted to Christianity and was baptized with the name “Rebecca.” Then, in April 1614, she married a tobacco planter named John Rolfe and bore a son named Thomas Rolfe one year later.
  • Pocahontas as a “Civilized Savage” – In 1616, Pocahontas and her family traveled to London, where she was presented as a “civilized savage” in order to attract investors in the Jamestown colony where she lived. It was in London when Pocahontas became a celebrity who was admired by the people in the city. Unfortunately, before Pocahontas sailed home to Virginia, she died of unknown causes in Kent, England, at the age of 20 or 21. The exact location of her burial is currently unknown.
  • Inaccuracies with the Disney Version – In the Disney version of Pocahontas’s story, it was depicted that Pocahontas saved the life of John Smith, who visited the area where the Powhatan people lived. Historians still debate whether the life-saving event really happened, although some of them were sure that the romantic relationship between Pocahontas and John Smith had no historical evidence to support it. In addition, Pocahontas was depicted in the film as a young adult when, in fact, she was only about ten to eleven years old when she met John Smith.

Although the story of Disney’s Pocahontas was mostly fictional, there is no denying that the film has one of the most captivating stories of the 1990s, which then led to its popularity and timelessness.

Just Around the Riverbend: The Background and Creation of Pocahontas

a 19th-century depiction of Pocahontas

The story behind the creation of Disney’s “Pocahontas” is as rich and complex as the tapestry of American history it seeks to portray. This animated feature marked a daring venture for Disney, intertwining historical elements with the studio’s signature storytelling flair.

The idea for “Pocahontas” germinated from a brief discussion between story artists during the production of “Beauty and the Beast.” The initial concept was to create a love story loosely based on the historical figure Pocahontas, blending fact with fiction to create a narrative appealing to a broad audience.

The development of “Pocahontas” involved extensive research. Disney’s creative team consulted historians, Native American scholars, and descendants of the Powhatan tribe to create a culturally sensitive and accurate portrayal. However, the film still took creative liberties, leading to discussions about historical representation versus artistic expression.

The character of Pocahontas was designed to break the conventional mold of Disney princesses. Glen Keane, the lead animator for Pocahontas, sought to create a strong, independent, and realistic character, drawing inspiration from diverse sources, including Native American art and sculptures.

The voice of Pocahontas was provided by Irene Bedard, with Judy Kuhn providing her singing voice. The casting aimed to bring authenticity to the character, with Bedard’s Native American heritage playing a crucial role in bringing depth and integrity to the portrayal.

The music of “Pocahontas,” composed by Alan Menken with lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, was pivotal in conveying the film’s themes. Songs like “Colors of the Wind” and “Just Around the Riverbend” not only became instant classics but also served as powerful narrative tools, reflecting the film’s core messages about nature, understanding, and respect.

The movie also showcased advancements in animation technology. The use of CAPS (Computer Animation Production System) allowed for more sophisticated coloring and rendering, giving the film its distinctive, lush visual style.

Upon its release, “Pocahontas” sparked discussions about cultural representation and the retelling of history. While praised for its animation and music, the film faced criticism for its historical inaccuracies and romanticized portrayal of Pocahontas’s story. Despite the mixed reviews regarding its historical portrayal, “Pocahontas” left a lasting impact on animated filmmaking. It pushed the boundaries of what could be explored in a Disney animated feature and opened the door for more diverse storytelling.

Fascinating Facts About Disney’s Pocahontas

Disney’s “Pocahontas” is a film woven with a rich blend of history, art, and musical genius. Here are twelve fascinating facts about this iconic film that highlight its unique creation and enduring legacy:

  1. First Disney Film Based on a Real Person: “Pocahontas” is the first Disney animated feature based on a historical figure.
  2. Extensive Research: The filmmakers conducted extensive research, including visiting Jamestown, Virginia, and consulting with Native American scholars and storytellers.
  3. Native American Voice Actors: The film notably featured Native American actors in key roles, including Irene Bedard as the speaking voice of Pocahontas.
  4. “Colors of the Wind”: The song “Colors of the Wind” won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.
  5. Animation Firsts: “Pocahontas” was one of the first Disney films to use digital production techniques extensively, particularly in the creation of the dramatic waterfall and river scenes.
  6. John Smith’s Character: Mel Gibson provided the voice of John Smith, adding star power to the film.
  7. Pocahontas’ Age Adjustment: In real life, Pocahontas was around 10 or 11 when she met John Smith, but the film aged her to a young woman to facilitate the romantic storyline.
  8. Environmental Themes: “Pocahontas” was noted for its strong environmental message, particularly in the song “Colors of the Wind.”
  9. Glen Keane’s Influence: Celebrated animator Glen Keane was responsible for the design and animation of Pocahontas, aiming to create a strong and realistic female character.
  10. A Historical Meeting: A meeting was arranged between Irene Bedard, the voice of Pocahontas, and Shirley “Little Dove” Custalow-McGowan, a descendant of Pocahontas, as part of the research and character development process.

These facts about “Pocahontas” reveal the depth and care taken in the making of the film, showcasing Disney’s commitment to crafting a story that blends historical elements with artistic creativity.

An American Legend

From its groundbreaking use of digital techniques to its sensitive approach to cultural representation and its memorable musical score, “Pocahontas” stands out as a bold and ambitious project. The film’s commitment to authenticity, coupled with the artistic liberties taken to weave a compelling narrative, highlights the complex interplay between history and storytelling in animation.

While “Pocahontas” sparked conversations about historical accuracy and representation, it also opened doors for more diverse narratives in the world of animation. As we close this chapter, we are reminded of the film’s enduring message about understanding, respect for nature, and the power of looking at the world through someone else’s eyes.