Who is Massasoit from Mayflower and what is their importance?

Massasoit was the sachem, or leader, of the Pokanokets and the father of Philip and Alexander. When the Pilgrims arrived in Plymouth, Massasoit was leading a group devastated by disease and trying to avoid humiliation from his neighboring enemies, the Narragansetts. He was the first sachem to reach agreement with the English and his relationship with them would both hinder and help him in the coming years. The Pokanokets, including Massasoit, celebrated the first Thanksgiving with the Pilgrims and his group helped the Pilgrims learn how to plant corn and other native crops. Without Massasoit's help, the Pilgrims would probably have died in the New World.