Celebrating Mythological Mothers

This Mother’s Day, we honour the incredible mothers in our lives—and in mythology! Across cultures, mother figures have been symbols of love, protection, and strength. From nurturing the earth to guiding their children to greatness, these magnificent mums have shaped the world in their own unique ways.

Let’s celebrate five powerful mother figures from the world of classical mythology:

Demeter – The Devoted Mother (Greek Mythology)

Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, is the ultimate symbol of a mother’s love. When her daughter, Persephone, was taken to the Underworld, Demeter’s grief caused the earth to wither, bringing about winter. Her determination to reunite with Persephone led to the changing of the seasons, reminding us of the deep, unbreakable bond between mothers and their children.

Gaia – The Mother of All Life (Greek Mythology)

Gaia, or Mother Earth, is one of the earliest and most powerful mother figures from mythology. She gave birth to the Titans, the gods, and all of nature. As the foundation of life, she represents the nurturing, protective, and enduring power of motherhood—always providing, even in times of hardship.

Hera – The Queen and Protector (Greek Mythology)

As the queen of the gods, Hera is often remembered as Zeus’s wife, but she was also a mother figure who fiercely protected her children. Despite her struggles, she was a powerful goddess of marriage and family, representing the strength and resilience of motherhood in the face of challenges.

Frigg – The Wise and Loving Mother (Norse Mythology)

Frigg, the Norse goddess of motherhood, wisdom, and foresight, was deeply devoted to her son, Balder. Knowing he was destined for tragedy, she tried to protect him by making everything in the world swear not to harm him—except for mistletoe. Her story reflects a mother’s desire to shield her child from harm, even when fate has other plans.

Isis – The Protective Mother (Egyptian Mythology)

Isis, one of the most revered Egyptian goddesses, was known for her fierce devotion to her son, Horus. After her husband Osiris was killed, she protected and guided Horus so he could reclaim his rightful place as King. Isis symbolises a mother’s strength, wisdom, and the enduring power of love.

Honouring the Mothers in Our Lives

These mythological mothers teach us about love, sacrifice, and resilience. This Mother’s Day, let’s celebrate the real-life mothers, grandmothers, and caregivers who protect, nurture, and guide us—just like the legendary mothers of mythology.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible mums out there!

Each of the goddesses mentioned above can be found in our book series, check out our titles here.