11 of the most influential mothers in the Marvel universe

Ah, mothers. What would we do without them, am I right?

They carry us for 9 months (or 6, as it was my case with my own twins), and they teach us how to eat, how to talk, how to walk, how to dress ourselves. They constantly sacrifice their own hobbies and careers to raise us (in the still very misogynistic world we live in, but that's an entirely different topic). They allow their bodies to be changed permanently to bring us to life and then must deal with society's norms and views on how they should look and live after they give birth. Mothers are truly the glue keeping us as a species together and, at the same time, aren't recognized or respected enough as individuals.

From experience, even with all of the above, being a mother is extraordinary, and I'm very thankful I walk this path of no return. I'm raising a pair of identical twin girls who are very much little nerds and who surprise me every day with new knowledge or creative ideas. And, much like superhero moms, I'd do anything to keep them safe above all.

But motherhood doesn't just apply to us in real life - there are a lot of mothers in the world of Marvel who don't get enough credit for splitting their time between being a superhero and raising their kids. Are they perfect? Just like us mothers in the real world, absolutely not. But they do what they need to do in order to protect their own while protecting us all.

Let's take a look at eleven mothers from the Marvel universe who deserve a lot more credit than they're given.

Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)

1. Frigga

Queen of Asgard and mother of Thor and Loki (adoptive), is a cornerstone of regality and maternal warmth in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Renowned for her mastery of magic and wisdom, she plays a pivotal role in both governance and spiritual life in Asgard. Her adeptness in mystical arts not only establishes her as a formidable figure but also as a mentor, particularly to Loki, whom she teaches to harness his magical abilities. Her guidance serves as a moral center for her sons, with her sage advice steering them towards righteous actions. Frigga's strategic acumen and bravery are prominently displayed in Thor: The Dark World, where her tragic death acts as a catalytic moment for Thor and Loki, profoundly influencing their paths and decisions. Her legacy continues to resonate, embodying an ideal blend of strength and nurturing, and establishing her as an iconic maternal figure in the MCU.

2. Wanda Maximoff / Scarlet Witch

Ah, my personal favorite and the one I relate to the most. Red hair, mother of twins, highly emotional, months apart... All I'm saying is, you haven't seen us in the same room together yet.

Wanda Maximoff has been through some shenanigans. Known for her incredible powers, Wanda uses them in a uniquely heartfelt - and heart-wrenching - way. After having experienced the loss of her parents in an explosion, her brother during the fight against Ultron, and her great love, Vision, as she watched Thanos kill him by ripping the Mind Stone from his head, she conjures an entire sitcom-style reality in the quiet town of Westview, where she magically creates a set of adorable twin boys, Billy and Tommy. These boys are every bit as spirited as their mom, with powers of their own starting to bubble up. But here's the tear-jerker part: their existence is tied to the very fabric of Wanda's created reality, meaning they can only exist within it or, as we see in Multiverse of Madness, in other timelines. In those moments of despair and urgent need to be with her boys, she not only shows how much she loves her children but also how she truly wants to be a mother to them. Wanda's journey through motherhood, filled with love, magic, and loss, tugs at the heartstrings and adds a profound layer to her character in the MCU.

3. Maria Stark

Maria Stark, the mother of Tony Stark (Iron Man), casts a long, lingering shadow over her son's life, despite her relatively brief appearances in the MCU. A figure of elegance and warmth, Maria's tragic death alongside Tony's father, Howard Stark, in a staged car accident - which is later revealed to have been orchestrated by the Winter Soldier - creates a deep and abiding wound in Tony's heart. This loss not only fuels Tony's drive to protect others but also adds a layer of vulnerability to the invincible Iron Man persona. Tony’s yearning to make his parents proud and his ongoing struggle with unresolved feelings about their death are key elements that shape his journey from a carefree billionaire playboy into a central, self-sacrificing figure in the Avengers. Maria Stark's influence extends beyond her life, profoundly affecting Tony's decisions, his approach to friendships and leadership, and his most personal battles, making her an enduring presence in his story.

4. Peggy Carter

In the imaginative corners of Marvel lore, we get a peek at an alternate timeline where Peggy Carter isn't just a kick-butt agent but also gets a chance at a cozy domestic life with none other than Steve Rogers (America's Ass, Captain America). In this otherworldly scenario, it's been confirmed that Peggy and Steve take their dreamy wartime romance into peacetime, building a family together. While the movies and shows keep the details about their kids pretty hush-hush, the confirmation alone sparks the imagination. Just picture it: little supersoldier toddlers running around with perhaps a tiny shield or two, under the watchful eyes of their heroic parents. It’s a sweet glimpse into what life could be for the star-crossed lovers in an alternate timeline, turning their brief dance into a lifelong duet.

5. Janet van Dyne

Janet van Dyne, the original Wasp, has a pretty wild ride in the MCU. She spends decades lost in the Quantum Realm, a mysterious and microscopic dimension beyond normal understanding. This isn't just a quick timeout; it's a life-altering event that changes her in profound ways. When she finally makes her way back to the real world in Ant-Man and the Wasp, her family reunion is heartwarming and a big relief. But, in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, things take a bit of a nosedive. Janet's character doesn't quite shine as we hoped. Her actions and decisions feel a bit off, leaving fans scratching their heads. It's like seeing one of your favorite superheroes fumble - everyone has an off day, right? Even so, she remains an integral part of the Wasp legacy, balancing her heroics with the complexities of her Quantum Realm experiences.

6. Ramonda

Ramonda, portrayed with regal grace by Angela Bassett in the Black Panther movies, is not just any queen mother - she's a pillar of strength and wisdom in Wakanda. As the mother of T'Challa, the Black Panther himself, and his brilliant sister Shuri, Ramonda faces her share of royal challenges and family drama with a majestic calm that's truly queenly. Whether she's guiding T'Challa through the intricacies of kingship or offering Shuri advice on balancing her genius with youthful exuberance, Ramonda's influence is felt throughout the kingdom. Her leadership extends beyond the royal family - she's a symbol of maternal strength and governance, leading her people through crises with a compassionate yet firm hand. In every scene she graces, Ramonda exemplifies the profound impact a mother's love and wisdom can have, not just on her children but on an entire nation.

Marvel Comics

1. Sue Storm / Invisible Woman

Sue Storm, better known as the Invisible Woman, isn't just a powerhouse when it comes to her superhero duties; she's also a super mom to her two kids, Franklin and Valeria Richards. As a member of the Fantastic Four, she's not only busy saving the world but also juggling the everyday challenges of parenting. Franklin and Valeria aren't your average kids - they're super-gifted, which means Sue has to deal with everything from temper tantrums with telekinetic twists to bedtime stories about quantum physics. Sue's role as a mom is central in many Fantastic Four storylines, showcasing her balancing act between her invisible force-field powers and her visible force of nurturing. Her parenting style is a blend of firm but fair, always encouraging her kids to use their extraordinary abilities wisely while navigating the tricky waters of growing up super.

2. Mystique

Mystique, the shapeshifting blue-skinned femme fatale of the X-Men universe, is not just a master of disguise - she's also got quite the complicated family tree. As the biological mom of the teleporting blue demon-looking (but totally lovable) Nightcrawler, and the adoptive mom of the power-absorbing Rogue, Mystique’s motherhood journey is anything but typical. She's got all the usual parenting woes, like dealing with her kids' unique powers and the typical teen angst, but throw in the fact that she’s often on the opposite side of the law from her kids, and you’ve got some serious family drama. Her relationship with Nightcrawler is especially tangled because he was raised by Gypsies after she abandoned him at birth due to his demonic appearance. As for Rogue, Mystique took her in and raised her as a villain, until Rogue switched sides to join the X-Men. Mystique’s story is a wild ride of redemption, betrayal, and trying to connect with her kids against the backdrop of mutant mayhem. It’s family dynamics with a superpowered twist.

3. Madelyne Pryor

Madelyne Pryor's story in the Marvel Universe is like a wild rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns. She lives a pretty normal life until she finds out she is actually a clone of the X-Men's telepathic superstar, Jean Grey. Created by the villain Mr. Sinister to be a perfect match for Cyclops (Scott Summers), she ends up marrying him and they even have a son named Nathan, who grows up to be the time-traveling superhero Cable. But when Jean Grey comes back to life (because comic book characters have a hard time staying dead), Cyclops leaves Madelyne, and that's when things go really south. Madelyne Pryor’s story isn’t just about her dramatic villainous turns, though - she also had moments where she shone as a dedicated mother. Despite the chaos swirling around her life, Madelyne genuinely loved her son. In the brief time she got to be a mom before the madness of her situation took over, she showed real affection and care for Nathan. Her desire to protect him was evident, even amidst her own struggles and transformations. This maternal bond adds a giant layer to her character, making her moments of tenderness amidst the storms of her life even more touching. Her love for Nathan highlights her complexity - not just as a clone or a villain, but as a mother trying to hold onto something pure in a world that keeps pulling her towards darkness.

4. May Parker

Aunt May Parker isn't just Peter Parker's sweet aunt - she's practically his superhero behind the scenes. Though she may not swing through skyscrapers or battle baddies, May plays the all-important role of Spider-Man's moral compass and emotional anchor. After Peter lost his parents and then his Uncle Ben, May stepped up as his sole guardian, instilling in him the values and courage that would shape both the student and the costumed crusader he became. Whether she's patching up a scrape or doling out a dose of tough love, May’s influence on Peter is as powerful as any of Spider-Man's gadgets. She’s the unsung hero of Peter's world, proving that you don't need superpowers to make a super impact.

5. Mantis

In the colorful pages of Marvel Comics, Mantis's journey as a mom is as quirky and unexpected as she is. After her cosmic adventures with the Guardians of the Galaxy, Mantis ends up becoming the mother to a little sapling named Sequoia, affectionately nicknamed "Sprout." This isn't your typical toddler - I'm talking about a celestial sapling with powers that could shake up the universe. Mantis, with her empathic abilities and deep connection to the cosmos, faces a unique set of challenges as she navigates motherhood. Imagine trying to teach a tiny tree about life, while also managing its budding superpowers. Girl, how do you do it?! Her parenting adventure is filled with heartfelt moments, cosmic chaos, and a dash of intergalactic gardening tips, making her story a truly out-of-this-world maternal saga.

And there you have it - a lineup of some of Marvel’s mightiest mamas!

Whether they're ruling kingdoms, swinging through the quantum realm, or just trying to keep their super-kids from tearing up the universe, these mothers all have one thing in common: a fierce love for their families that can inspire even the mightiest heroes.

So this Mother’s Day, let’s give a superhero salute to all the moms out there - whether they wield magic hammers or... just the remote control.