So I got an email from Disney entitled, “Celebrate Mother’s Day the Disney Way.” I was surprised that the picture they used was for Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. My wife and I got to talking about it about Disney’s lack of maternal figures, (yes a strange conversation topic, but I'm strange). Cinderella and Snow White’s mother were evil queens and Jasmine, Nemo, Belle, Ariel, Pinocchio, Pocahontas, and a host of other characters had only fathers. But, we realized that there were also some pretty strong female role models. This is list I came up with. See if you have any to add.
Helen Parr, Elastagirl-The
Incredibles
She can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and catch burglars on put them in the can. Mrs. Incredible Nee ElastaGirl has the whole package. In addition to her powers, Helen is also an experienced jet pilot (coming from having a close friend who flew her around the world when she was a Super). Her sharp wit and superb espionage skills, as well as her experience as a superhero, make her an excellent tactician and leader. I haven’t even got to the fact that her super suit is designed to stretch as far as she can and still retain its shape, is virtually indestructible “yet it breathes like Egyptian cotton."
Incredibles
She can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan, and catch burglars on put them in the can. Mrs. Incredible Nee ElastaGirl has the whole package. In addition to her powers, Helen is also an experienced jet pilot (coming from having a close friend who flew her around the world when she was a Super). Her sharp wit and superb espionage skills, as well as her experience as a superhero, make her an excellent tactician and leader. I haven’t even got to the fact that her super suit is designed to stretch as far as she can and still retain its shape, is virtually indestructible “yet it breathes like Egyptian cotton."
Eudora/Mamma Ode--Princess and the Frog
Although Tiana’s father, James, is given the credit for his daughter’s strong work ethic, we cannot forget her mother Eudora
(voiced by Oprah Winfrey), who helped raise the Frog Princess.
And while Eudora only gets one real scene, her supportive nature
certainly comes through. Plus, if you have Oprah in your corner, how can you lose? Now, if only she would endorse Sky Girl.
I also list Mama Odie, voiced by Jennifer Lewis,because she is at least as relevant as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. “Open up de windows/bring in de light!”
Although Tiana’s father, James, is given the credit for his daughter’s strong work ethic, we cannot forget her mother Eudora
(voiced by Oprah Winfrey), who helped raise the Frog Princess.
And while Eudora only gets one real scene, her supportive nature
certainly comes through. Plus, if you have Oprah in your corner, how can you lose? Now, if only she would endorse Sky Girl.
I also list Mama Odie, voiced by Jennifer Lewis,because she is at least as relevant as Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother. “Open up de windows/bring in de light!”
Kala--Tarzan
No list would be complete without Kala (voiced by Glenn Close), Tarzan's adopted
mother who found and raised him after losing her last biological son to Sabor. It wasn’t easy being Tarzan’s mother. Kala proves that genetics are not necessary to create a maternal bond. She protects him until the day he is strong enough to protect himself. Her anthem is Phil Collins, “You’ll be in my heart”, which won both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best Song in 1999.
No list would be complete without Kala (voiced by Glenn Close), Tarzan's adopted
mother who found and raised him after losing her last biological son to Sabor. It wasn’t easy being Tarzan’s mother. Kala proves that genetics are not necessary to create a maternal bond. She protects him until the day he is strong enough to protect himself. Her anthem is Phil Collins, “You’ll be in my heart”, which won both the Oscar and the Golden Globe for best Song in 1999.
Mrs. Jumbo—Dumbo
Speaking of protective mother, Mrs. Jumbo get so angry at a group of boys for making fun of her son, she loses her temper and is locked up and deemed mad. But, we see from the look in her eyes that she would do it again when Timothy Mouse takes Dumbo (Jumbo Jr) to see her. “Plus she gets to sing a great Oscar Award winning song, “Baby Mine.” (It won in 1941 if you are keeping track). Mrs. Jumbo was voiced by Verna Felton, who was uncredited.
Speaking of protective mother, Mrs. Jumbo get so angry at a group of boys for making fun of her son, she loses her temper and is locked up and deemed mad. But, we see from the look in her eyes that she would do it again when Timothy Mouse takes Dumbo (Jumbo Jr) to see her. “Plus she gets to sing a great Oscar Award winning song, “Baby Mine.” (It won in 1941 if you are keeping track). Mrs. Jumbo was voiced by Verna Felton, who was uncredited.
Fa Li and Grandmother Fa—Mulan
Mulan’s mother and grandmother want what’s best
for her. Of course that doesn’t
necessarily align with Mulan’s goals, but that’s what family is all about.
Mulan’s mother and grandmother want what’s best
for her. Of course that doesn’t
necessarily align with Mulan’s goals, but that’s what family is all about.
Mrs. Davis–Toy Story
Andy’s mother is a single mom raising two
kids. And although she really
doesn’t have a huge role in the films, she has a big presence.
Admit it, you bawled like a baby when she had to send her child Andy off to school. As a parent, I can
relate.
As long as we are on the subject of Toy Story, honorable mention goes to Mrs. Potato Head, who, along with her husband, adopted the three green aliens.
Andy’s mother is a single mom raising two
kids. And although she really
doesn’t have a huge role in the films, she has a big presence.
Admit it, you bawled like a baby when she had to send her child Andy off to school. As a parent, I can
relate.
As long as we are on the subject of Toy Story, honorable mention goes to Mrs. Potato Head, who, along with her husband, adopted the three green aliens.
Sarabi—TheLion King
Nala—The Lion King
2, Simba's Pride
Sarabi -The venerable wife of Mufasa, queen of the Pride Lands, mother of Simba. During the Lion King Simba ends up with Nala , who gives birth to
Kiara. Sarabi and Nala are instrumental to both stories.
Nala—The Lion King
2, Simba's Pride
Sarabi -The venerable wife of Mufasa, queen of the Pride Lands, mother of Simba. During the Lion King Simba ends up with Nala , who gives birth to
Kiara. Sarabi and Nala are instrumental to both stories.
Nani--Lilo
Nani (voiced by Tia Carrere) is technically Lilo’s sister. But, as in many Disney stories, Lilo and her sister are orphans. So, Nani has to step up and teach her sister that Ohana mean family. And family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten.
Nani (voiced by Tia Carrere) is technically Lilo’s sister. But, as in many Disney stories, Lilo and her sister are orphans. So, Nani has to step up and teach her sister that Ohana mean family. And family means nobody gets left behind, or forgotten.
Perdita--101 Dalmatians
Perdita is the deuteragonist from the film 101 Dalmatians. She is the pet of Anita, wife of Pongo, and the mother of fifteen Dalmatian puppies as well
as adoptive mother of other eighty-four puppies. Perdita along with Pongo goes on the heroic journey to rescue the puppies. Did you know that are 6,469,952 spots on the Dalmations? Pongo has 72 spots, Perdita has 68, and each puppy has 32.
Perdita is the deuteragonist from the film 101 Dalmatians. She is the pet of Anita, wife of Pongo, and the mother of fifteen Dalmatian puppies as well
as adoptive mother of other eighty-four puppies. Perdita along with Pongo goes on the heroic journey to rescue the puppies. Did you know that are 6,469,952 spots on the Dalmations? Pongo has 72 spots, Perdita has 68, and each puppy has 32.
Ariel--Little Mermaid II, Return to the Sea
I’m not sure if you have seen the Little Mermaid II, Return to the Sea, but it’s a fine tale of mother/daughter relationships
(and Eric gets to be more than furniture). Ariel’s daughter is Melody, by the way.
I’m not sure if you have seen the Little Mermaid II, Return to the Sea, but it’s a fine tale of mother/daughter relationships
(and Eric gets to be more than furniture). Ariel’s daughter is Melody, by the way.
Bambi’s Mother--Bambi
I end with Bambi’s Mother.
Bambi’s mother is never given a name in either the movie or the book. (Fans affectionately refer to her as Fawn). But, not having a name is the least of her problems. If this scene doesn’t get you—you have no heart.
I end with Bambi’s Mother.
Bambi’s mother is never given a name in either the movie or the book. (Fans affectionately refer to her as Fawn). But, not having a name is the least of her problems. If this scene doesn’t get you—you have no heart.
Did I miss anyone?
Happy Mother's Day!
Happy Mother's Day!
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