Who is Thom Merrilin from The Eye of the World and what is their importance?

Thom is a gleeman, once a Master Bard in the Royal Court of Caemlyn. He left when he learned his nephew was in trouble with Aes Sedai, earning the ire of the Queen. When he returned, he had to flee again before he could be imprisoned or executed. He is in Emond's Field in time for Winternight and the Trolloc attack. When he learns that Moiraine's group is leaving he joins them, seeking safety in numbers. During the journey, he proves to possess a great deal of knowledge from his repertoire of historic tales and songs, offering bits of trivia and important details for the Emond's Fielders. He is skilled with daggers, making him an able fighter and he helps to keep Rand and Mat alive when they are separated from the others.