The True Story of Pocahontas according to Mattaponi oral tradition.
Epilogue:
Many myths surrounding Matoaka had been created by other written accounts embellishing in her story, such as her apparent famous saving of John Smith, which was not recorded in Smith’s journals at the date that it had happened, but recounted only years after the fact. Matoaka also could not have been there since his ceremony in becoming a Werowance lasted four days, and excluded children such as Matoaka. She also could not have brought the Jamestown settlers food or have warned Smith about an oncoming attack as rumors would have it, as she was guarded always by a troup of Warriors, and Jamestown was twelve miles away & across the river, quite a feat for a ten year old girl to make on her own.
While Matoaka’s exact birthdate is unknown, it was likely 1595-1598, and she died before the age of 23.
Wahunseneca blamed himself for her death and his own health decreased at the time of her abduction, deeming him unfit to make wise decisions, and he abdicated his role to his brother Opechancanough; Wahunseneca felt as if he failed his wife, whose last words to him were, “take care of my child for me”.
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