According to legend, Ghoetam sat under Avendesora for forty years to gain wisdom. When Rand and Mat arrive at Avendesora, Rand begins to feel the effects of chora trees and can well believe the tale of Ghoetam.[1]
Parallel
This legend is a parallel of Gautama Buddha who sat in meditation underneath the Bodhi Tree for forty-nine days to achieve enlightenment and a knowledge of the Truth.