The Mara

The Mara is a being of pure hatred, greed and evil, and requires the fear of its victims to survive. It lives in the minds of its victims and transmits itself telepathically, although it is able to manifest itself in the form of a giant snake. It is so evil that it cannot bear the sight of its own reflection.

The Mara was born on the planet Manussa, turning the Manussan empire into the Sumaran empire. However, it was defeated by a Manussan and sent to the Dark Places of the Inside, yet it survived.

Character History
On the planet Deva Loka, the Mara entered the mind of one of the Doctor's companions, Tegan. It left her and possessed a native named Aris, who used the other Kinda tribespeople to attack an expedition group that were on Deva Loka. The Doctor managed to trap the Mara in a circle of mirrors, sending it into the Dark Places of the Inside.

The Mara lived on in Tegan. who once possessed took the TARDIS to Manussa. Possessing both Tegan and a young Manussan, Lon, the Mara sought to obtain the great crystal which would restore its true form. The Doctor performed a ritual that allowed him to touch the great crystal, breaking its hold over the possessed and presumably destroying it.

The Mara was however, only trapped in the Dark Places of the Inside, where it sought its return. It was able to enter the mind of a maniac, Baines, who was confined in an asylum. Using Baines as a vessel, it transferred its essence into the doctors at the asylum. It then possessed Jess, the Doctor's companion. The Doctor was able to enter the Dark Places of the Inside, but was not able to stop the Mara from manifesting. Using mirrors, the Doctor and Burrell managed to send the Mara to the Dark Places of the Inside.

Physical Appearance
When possessed by the Mara, its victim's eyes may glow red in some way. During its attempt to manifest in the asylum, its victims' faces took on a demonic look. In its true form, the Mara looks like a giant snake of varying colours.

Powers and abilities
The Mara is able to transfer from mind to mind and possesses the victim in question.

Season 1 (2015-2016)

 * 1) The Fanged Worshippers (Possessed Victims)
 * 2) Lair of the Mara