Who is your favourite fictional mother figure?

[DontTellMama]

Something I’ve been working on in therapy for a long time is what makes a good (enough) mother. And I’ve realised I don’t have any real life role models of good mothers (aunts and uncles on one side of the family are childless, and on the other side are estranged), so I’m looking to fiction for some help!

Who would you say is the best/your favourite fictional mother figure?

If we are allowed to mention dads, Danny’s very loving single father in Danny the Champion of the Workd.

Sigourney Weaver as Ripley in Alien 11. She risks her life to protect Newt and kicks the alien into shape to boot.

Mary Berry - kind, fab clothes and amazing food 😍

Agree - Joyce getting off with Giles in Bandy Candy was one of the best Buffy watches. Great mother and knew how to handle Spike who acted like she was his mother instead of killing her.

Oh sorry! Ignore me! missed the fictional bit ... but yes Marmie too x

I recently read a book called the Book Eaters by Sunyi Dean. The protagonist is a great mum even though she has to leave a child behind in order to save her other child. But I do hope there will be a sequel so the mum can be re united with both DC.
I also like June Osborne from the Handmaid's Tale up to Season 3/4.

I think what I like about their mother role is that they are unconventional in their society's and not afraid to go to dark places for their children. It's that unconventional love that makes a mum / dad a great parent.

I always loved the idea of having Daniel (Mrs Doubfire) as a Dad, he went to pretty great lengths to see his children! And I have a soft spot for Robin Williams, a great loss - he seemed an amazing person with amazing talent.

Mrs Holly in South Riding. Mrs Hubbard, Murder on the Orient Express. Betsey Trotwood, David Copperfield.

Ma Larkin (Pam Ferris era) 🥰

Can I count Charlotte from Charlotte's Web? She became a mother post mortem, but she was an excellent mother figure to Wilbur.
Also Fly, the sheepdog, in The Sheep Pig/Babe.
Raksa, the she-wolf in Jungle Book.

Marmie is sickeningly pious, can't be arsed.

Marilla becomes wonderful, it's a heartwarming journey to go on with her. 'Ma' in Room is so resourceful and loving in a terrifying situation.

Kevin's mother in Home Alone. Yes, he got left behind in the craziness but she tried absolutely everything to get back to her son.

Kanga in Winnie The Pooh takes on Tigger in a heartbeat, as well as Roo.

Like many others on here my first thought was Marilla Cuthbert - for me the Anne With an E version, played by the wonderful Geraldine James. To my shame I have never read Anne of Green Gables!

Also, Miss Honey in Matilda.

Mrs Wheeler in the final series of Stranger Things .

Angelina Jolie's Maleficent.

Ma Larkin in the books by H.E. Bates.

Oh nooo reminds me of teachers of home economics ( nippy edge to them) if you got something wrong they were not maternal at all and I was hopeless!
Another vote for Lois in The middle, the youngest Brick obvs had additional needs but it was only alluded to, she treated him just same as the others and tried her best.

I know this is a bit sentimental; but my mum is writing a series of books. There is a mother figure in the books and she’s based off my mum. I love my mum so so much and it’s that character. It’s her. 🥹

I loved how she got to deliver the final blow! Winona Ryder was really great in that role.

Me too re Molly Weasley.

I’ve just read it so I’m going to say Circe in Madeline Miller’s Circe. She really would do anything to protect her son.

(See also Joyce and Mrs Wheeler)

And me

Edina monsoon

Oh I love Lady Montdore, she's wonderful! But the only other mother I actually like is The Bolter, Fanny's mother.

Jill Crewe's mother in the 'Jill' books.

Mummy Pig from Peppa

I'd go for Mrs Grey from Monica Edwards books. She worries about them, but doesn't let that stop her supporting what they're doing, and welcomes all Tamsin's friends at all times even though you know they're pretty poor.

Or possibly Madge from the Chalet School. Joey would be a nightmare parent, prying into your business and totally embarrassing.

Dads I'd go for Mr Sterling - Peter's Dad from Lone Pine series. He quietly supports her, while keeping to what he knows to be right.

Mrs Wheeler was Nancy and Mike's Mum, Winona Ryder was Mrs Byers.