5. Sarah Bishop

Technically, she’s an aunt—but let’s be honest, Sarah Bishop is Diana’s mom in every way that counts. In A Discovery of Witches, Sarah raises Diana from the age of seven, guiding her with that no-nonsense, stubborn, fiery kind of love only a true witch (and mom) can give. She worries, she meddles, she reacts emotionally and unapologetically—and she always thinks she knows best. Sound familiar?

Sarah’s eccentric nature, deep ties to magic, and unfiltered opinions make her unforgettable. She doesn’t pretend to be perfect—far from it. Her sharp tongue and blunt honesty can rub people the wrong way, but at the heart of it all is a fierce, unwavering love. Sarah reminds us that loving fiercely sometimes means being disliked, and protecting your people doesn’t always look pretty.

If you’re someone who struggles with people-pleasing or biting your tongue too often, spend some time with the Bishop Coven. Sarah and Diana will take you on a magical, emotional journey that reminds you family isn’t just about blood—it’s about showing up, flaws and all.

4. Piper Halliwell

How could I write about fantasy moms and not include the original witchy matriarch of my childhood? Piper Halliwell from Charmed is the OG mom of magic, and one of those strong female fantasy characters that had a profound impact on how I viewed adulthood as an adolescent.

Piper was a mother long before she had kids—always taking care of her sisters, often putting their needs above her own. As the middle child turned de facto eldest after Prue's death, she stepped into the role of protector with grace and grit. When motherhood officially arrived, Piper was tasked with raising children who had destinies far beyond her comprehension. Yet she never backed down.

She showed us what it means to sacrifice for the greater good—but also that even moms have limits. Piper knew when to put her foot down, when to say, “Enough.” If you’re wrestling with finding balance between sacrifice and self-preservation, go rewatch Charmed. Let Piper Halliwell lend you a little of her mom-strength.

3. June Osborne

If you know, you know. And yes, dystopian fiction absolutely counts as fantasy. June Osborne, the indomitable heart of The Handmaid’s Tale, is a different kind of fantasy mother—a mother forged in fire.

Trapped in the brutal, patriarchal regime of Gilead, June fights back not only for her freedom, but for her daughter. She refuses to abandon those she loves, even when escape is possible. Every step she takes is drenched in danger and sacrifice—but she never lets go of hope.

June's journey is not for the faint of heart. The show—and the book by Margaret Atwood—is harrowing. It deals with sexual violence and psychological trauma that are often difficult to watch. But at the core is a mother’s love that is defiant, raw, and unforgettable.

If you’ve ever questioned what you'd do for your child—what you’d risk, what you’d endure—June Osborne gives you the most powerful answer.

2. Lilith Sorrengail

Yes, you read that right—Lilith Sorrengail from The Empyrean series by Rebecca Yarros. She might not be the main character, and she doesn’t get as much page time as her daughter Violet, but Lilith’s presence is felt. Hard. She’s a war general, a widow, and a mother who’s made impossible choices—and it shows.

What makes her stand out to me isn’t just her strength or strategy, but the emotional complexity of her relationship with Violet. There’s a political and personal tension that mirrors many real-life family dynamics, especially when ideologies clash. I grew up in a politically diverse household, and those conversations—those deeply felt disagreements can lead to fraught family dinners and a deep divide among each other. With the Sorrengails, we see that play out on an epic scale.

Lilith may not be warm and fuzzy, but her motivation is crystal clear: protect her children at all costs. As the series unfolds, I suspect we’ll uncover more of her layers. But for now, I respect the hell out of a woman who’s made herself the villain in her child’s eyes if it means keeping them alive.

1. Claire Fraser

Claire Fraser tops this list for being everything: a healer, a time traveler, a mother, a fighter, and a romantic. From Outlander’s very first page (or episode), Claire pulls you into her world with unflinching bravery and deep humanity.

Whether you’ve read Diana Gabaldon’s nine-book saga or watched the Starz adaptation (with a prequel on the way in 2026!), you know that Claire’s journey spans over two centuries. We meet her as a young World War II nurse and follow her into a world of magic, conflict, and love that never quits. As she grows older, becomes a mother and grandmother, her passion, intelligence, and resilience only deepen.

What I love most is how real she is. Claire makes mistakes. She doesn’t always choose the easiest path. But she loves with every fiber of her being—and she never stops fighting for her family, even when time and war try to tear them apart.

If you’re craving a story with strong women, sweeping romance, historical adventure, and yes, time-traveling standing stones—then trust me: the Frasers are waiting for you.

Did I miss your favorite fantasy mom? Let me know in the comments! Fantasy is full of fierce, complex mothers who deserve their moment in the spotlight, and I’m always down to discover new legends!

~The Fantasy Mom