The Disney princess based on a real person is Pocahontas. She stands out among the other princesses because she is the only one who is inspired by a historical figure. The real Pocahontas was born in the late 1500s and was a Native American woman belonging to the Powhatan tribe. Her real name was Matoaka, but she was later given the nickname Pocahontas, which means “playful one” or “mischievous one.”
Pocahontas’ story has been romanticized and popularized through various retellings, including Disney’s animated film released in 1995. The movie depicts her encounter with English settlers in Jamestown, Virginia, and her relationship with Captain John Smith.
It is interesting to see Disney take on a historical figure and create a princess based on her. This adds a different dimension to the character and brings a certain level of authenticity to the story. However, it is important to note that Disney’s portrayal of Pocahontas is not entirely accurate and has been criticized for its cultural misrepresentation and whitewashing of history.
Moving on to another point, it is worth mentioning that when The Little Mermaid was released in 1989, Ariel became the first Disney princess in 30 years. This marked a significant moment for Disney and its princess franchise. Ariel’s popularity soared, and she became an iconic character in the Disney Princess lineup.
The gap of 30 years between the release of the previous princess, Aurora from Sleeping Beauty in 1959, and Ariel’s debut can be attributed to various factors. During this time, Disney was focusing on other types of animated films and exploring different storytelling avenues. However, the success of The Little Mermaid revitalized the princess genre and paved the way for the creation of more beloved princess characters in the years to come.
Pocahontas is the only Disney princess based on a real person, with her story drawing inspiration from the life of the historical figure Pocahontas. Her inclusion in the lineup adds a unique historical and cultural aspect to the Disney Princess franchise. Additionally, the release of The Little Mermaid in 1989 marked a significant moment in Disney princess history, as Ariel became the first princess in 30 years, revitalizing the princess genre and setting the stage for the creation of more beloved princess characters.