A Not-So-Complete List of Our Favorite Fictional Moms

How could she not be in position one? Molly Weasley is not only mother to 7 of her own children, but essentially a surrogate mother to Harry throughout the entire Harry Potter series. She also takes in Hermione as well. From keeping her children in line via Howler to knitting every member of her family (plus Harry!) a sweater for Christmas to protecting her daughter with her life, Molly Weasley is, without a doubt, at the top of our list of favorite moms!

Catelyn Stark is a strong character in George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Fire and Ice. Her incredible strength seems to come from her loyalty to her family. She’s violent, vengeful and prudently cautious in all the right ways to protect her children and her family. Even after the death of the man she loves beyond anything, she manages to keep a clear head for her legacy- gotta protect those kids!

Described as a tall thin woman with a rigid conscience, Marilla Cuthbert has a hidden sense of humor. She was expecting a boy to help around the farm but received red-headed orphan Anne instead. Marilla was excellent at keeping her cool and hiding her emotions. In the beginning of the novel, she’s portrayed as a severe and sharp woman but her kind and fair treatment of Anne reveals her love time and time again.

Mother to Starr and Sekani and stepmother to Seven, Lisa is a nurse who comes off as strict. However, as the novel progresses, her compassion and loving manner help teach her children the importance of forgiveness and second chances. She is a fierce protector and reminds her husband to let their children be children while they can. A more modern, more relatable mother; she definitely deserves her presence on this list!

Beginning the novel as a patient and caring teacher, Miss Honey ends up becoming Matilda’s adoptive mother. Was there anyone who read this book (or watched this movie) and didn’t wish to know someone like Miss Honey? Her consistent support, love and kindness are a balm to Matilda who’s suffering through intense emotional turmoil. Her encouragement is what leads to Matilda’s growth, hence her presence as a great maternal figure on this list!

Despite earning two doctorates with a Nobel Prize and her career as a microbiologist, Kate Murry is usually referred to as Mrs. Murry. She stands out on this list as an example of a woman with an incredible career in the STEM field while also managing to be a loving single mother (due to the mysterious disappearance of her husband). She is deeply loved by her children and an inspiration to moms everywhere.

Charlotte A. Cavatica is the titular character of E. B. White’s Charlotte’s Web for good reason. Her peerless wisdom, kindness and patience save the life of Wilbur the pig. She chastises others when they hurt Wilbur’s feelings and provides salvation for him. Thanks to  her encouragement, Wilbur is awarded a special prize by judges at the county fair. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter, she passes away from natural causes but allows Wilbur, her “first” child, to take her egg sac back to the farm with him. Her children, and the generations that follow, keep Wilbur company in subsequent years.

These two aunts are major characters in Rules of Magic, but are seen in the guardian capacity in Practical Magic. They are wonderful sisters, but truly great caretakers for Sally and Gillian after the passing of their parents. They take on the task of raising the two girls with gusto, training them in magic and in the importance of love. They are excellent adoptive parents, which is why Sally returns to them with her own daughters after the death of her husband. These women are always there for the girls, even when it requires tough love.