She was only 21 years old when she died in England, but during her short life she went by four different names.

Dr. Zack Deal will discuss, “Who Was Matoaka?” in two presentations at Lake Prince Woods retirement community on Monday, March 9 and Monday, March 16, at 7 p.m.

The woman most Americans know as Pocahontas was jokingly given that name by her father. Her real name was Amonute. Her mother, and perhaps her first husband, knew her secret name, Matoaka. The English called her Lady Rebecca.

Before her untimely death, she had converted to Christianity, married an English widower, crossed an ocean and re-invented herself as an Englishwoman.

Who was Matoaka? What was her personality like? How did she behave as Lady Rebecca? Why do modern stories about her involve her in love affairs with men other than her two husbands? How does the real story of Matoaka’s life differ from the myths about Pocahontas?

The presentation will analyze literature and films to describe the Pocahontas myths. A review of contemporary accounts and scholarly literature will help make clear Matoaka’s most important decisions and actions.

The cost for the two presentations is $25. For more information, call Denise Brown, resident services director, at 923-5513.

Lake Prince Woods is located at 100 Anna Goode Way.