Materese the Healer is a character in one of the ancient stories in Thom Merrilin's repertoire that date to the First Age. She is also known as the "Mother of the Wondrous Ind".[1] The story of Materese represents the legend of a real person that has gradually evolved away from the truth and faded into myth. This is common for all stories that transcend multiple ages as the Wheel of Time turns.
Parallels[]
Materese is a hidden reference to Mother Teresa and the Wondrous Ind is a reference to India, where she ministered.