This 12-year-old Kyapo Indian can survive on his own in the wildest jungle. He's no stranger to the big city either, and knows about the world outside the Amazon basin. Ma-Ti is a friend to animals--he has a pet spider monkey named Suchi--and communicates with them verebally and non-verbally. Although he has little formal education, he has an intuitive grasp of ecological principles. Despite being the youngest, he often seems the wisest.
Ma-Ti serves as the Planeteer's emotional link to the earth and humankind. He is also the closest of the group to Gaia, and tries to keep them focused on the spirit of her teachings. Often he acts as a cohesive force, working to promote Planeteer unity.
Ma-Ti's element is heart, which enables him to communicate telepathically with the other Planeteers and with Gaia. He is the essence of caring and concern, always willing to give of himself for the benefit of the whole. His empathic abilities with animals are heightened immensely, allowing him to feel emotions that often produce clues to aid the Planeteers. Nevertheless, Ma-Ti is equally sensitive to evil thoughts and can be mentally "deafened" by the close presence of minds filled with hate and wickedness. |
