squanto (or tisquantum, 1580? – november 1622) was a native american who helped the pilgrims survive in the new world. he learned to speak english and was hired as a guide and interpreter. he taught the pilgrims to plant corn. squanto had much power among the native americans and the pilgrims. he abused it, and barely escaped an indian execution. he died in 1622 while making a trip around cape cod.