For previous posts and future FFF topics check out my Friday Favorite Five page here.
Favorite Five Parental Figures in Fantasy
Fantasy is just full up on orphans, and even when there are parents they always seem to be the scheming type or somehow out to get their kids. What’s with that? Can we just have a nice family for once? Well, these might not all be moms and dads but they’re certainly doing the work of it. Here are some of my favorites. (This was a tough list to come up with!)
1. Aunt Pol in The Belgariad by David Eddings
I LOVE Polgara so much, but enjoy her role as Aunt Pol at the very beginning of The Belgariad series best. I don’t know why but that beginning is what has always stayed with me all these years.
2. Rohan and his wife? from The Dragon Prince trilogy by Melanie Rawn
Do you like epic fantasy that are also family sagas? Look no further than the Dragon Prince series by Melanie Rawn. I’ve waxed on before about Melanie Rawn and why I love her books so much, so just going to say here:Â great books.
3. Burrich and Chade from The Farseer Trilogy by Robin Hobb
The oddest odd couple in the history of odd couples are two of the parental figures that help raise Fitz in the Farseer Trilogy. Granted, Chade and Burrich didn’t raise him together so much…but they’re both parents to Fitz in different ways.
4. The Weasley’s in Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling
I think it’s hard to find two more awesome parents in fantasy than Arthur and Molly Weasley. Sure, their household is a little chaotic, but they have some of the biggest hearts and they’re willing to fight for what’s right and stand up for their kids and their future. Love them!
5. Afra and Damia in The Talent Series by Anne McCaffrey
Well, this series has its flaws and may be slightly dated, but all that being said it’s still a favorite of mine and I love the family saga that it becomes as the series carries on with Damia and Afra’s children. I also think maybe Damia and Afra are slightly better parents than her own were, even though I love The Rowan. 😀
That’s my list for this week, thoughts on my picks? What are some of your favorite parental figures in the fantasy genre? Leave a note in the comments, I’d love to chat!
Way Too Fantasy 
YESSS! I adore the Weasleys too. I’m so glad Harry met Ron and that Ron’s family took him in like he was one of their own.
Yes! I love that they welcomed him to their family. They’re the best. 🙂
I know I’ve read books with good examples of patents (besides HP, which really sets the bar!) But I can’t think of anything at the moment. They are few and far between!
Coming up with this list was a challenge LOL
LOL I think I prefer The Rowan and Jeff to Damia and Afra, personally. Though I can’t back this up with anything more than “because”.
I also really adore Diago and Miquel as fathers to Rafael in Los Nefilim by T. Frohock, though that is a bit different because they’re parents in the story, compared to having a parent in the story.
LOL, I mean, basically same? Hahahah.
I love Diago and Miquel too! I don’t know how I forgot about them.
Before reading your post I tried to think of some good fantasy parental figures and really all I could come up with was The Weasleys! I’m glad they made your list 😀
The Weasley’s really are the gold standard lol. 🙂
Lol, Burrich and Chade! 😀
😀
I could imagine them having a sitcom tbh
Totally agree that Burrich and Chade are father figures to Fitz. Aw man. I like them both.
They’re both so good to him, in their own ways.
No Tam al’Thor? I was so happy to see his arc continue all the way through that series. Of course, I agree with your other five choices, too, and the article isn’t called Friday Favorite Five Plus One, so… but still, no Tam al’Thor?
I haven’t read that series yet!
Ah. Sorry about the mild spoiler. He’s an awesome character, though.
No worries!
I’m really struggling to think of others that I would add to this list. I love the Weasley’s and they’ve totally stolen the show.
What about – nope …. got nothing. The Simpsons.
Lynn 😀
Yeah, it was tough making this list! Fantasy is a tough genre when it comes to parents.
Yup. They’re more often than not notable by their absence. 😄