I'm so glad to see this post. I've been moving and I only have iPhone 3G access.
What a total missed opportunity for Brandon here. All major religions (that I'm aware of) have a mother figure. Tindwyl was a breeder and through her feruchemists live on in this world. I'm sure she wasn't the only one, but she is the only name we know. I would think that with world building this is something that would have been included. I'm curious to hear Peters thoughts on this one.