Wednesday, January 4, 2012

4099. Pocahontas


Pocahontas is one of the main characters of Disney's 1995, thirty-third animated feature, Pocahontas, and its direct-to-video sequel, Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World. She, as well as the events she goes through, are very loosely based on the actual historical figure Matoaka, who is more popularly known by the nickname Pocahontas.
Though Pocahontas does not come from or marry into any monarchy like other Disney princesses such as Snow White, Cinderella and Princess Aurora, she is still included as an official Disney Princess because she is the daughter of a Native American chief. This makes Pocahontas the first American Disney Princess. Pocahontas is also the first (and only) Disney Princess to have two love interests. However, most media, including the Disney Princess franchise, keep John Smith and Pocahontas as an official couple, completely ignoring John Rolfe.
She is voiced by and modeled after Native American actress Irene Bedard and her singing vocals were performed by Broadway singer Judy Kuhn in both films. Kuhn also reprises the role of Pocahontas in the Disney Princesses' single and music video, "If You Can Dream" and the original Disney Princess songs "These Moments We Share", "Silver and Gold" and "Christmas Is Coming!".

Pocahontas' name means "Little Mischief" or the "naughty one" She is based on the real historical figure, and was born into a highly sophisticated Native American culture that had some knowledge of Europeans.
Pocahontas is displayed as a noble, free-spirited and highly spiritual young woman. She expresses wisdom beyond her years and offers kindness and guidance to those around her. She loves adventure and nature. In the film, she appears to have shamanic powers since she was able to commune with nature, talk to spirits, empathize with animals, and understand unknown languages.
In the sequel, Pocahontas seems to have grown after thinking that John Smith had died. She keeps her independent spirit and playfulness, but is much more mature and self assured than she was in the first film. During her stay in England, she nearly loses herself in the hustle and bustle of this new world and is turned into someone she is not. However, in the end, she bravely intends to sacrifice herself for her people's safety and returns to her homeland, finding herself, and love, once again.

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