Written by Sara Landaverde
My father didn’t tell me how to live. He lived and let me watch him do it. – Clarence Budington Kelland
In the United States, Father’s Day falls on June 17th this year, so, in the spirit of celebrating all the amazing fathers out there, here are eight of the greatest fathers in literature!
1. Ned Stark
A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
Perhaps one of the most honourable, decent, and kind fathers in all of literature, Ned Stark definitely deserves to be on this list. Like all fathers, he has some flaws and he makes some poor choices, but everything Ned Stark does is always motivated by his love for his children and family.
2. Hans Hubermann
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
The relationship between Liesel and her adopted father, Hans, is the one of the focal points of the book. Hans dotes on Liesel and teaches her to read; thus, providing her a means of escapism in the midst of the horrors she sees as she lives through the events of World War II. His love and kindness provide a stark contrast to the terrible circumstances surrounding them.
3. Arthur Weasley
Harry Potter by JK Rowling
Arthur Weasley is everything a good dad should be. He’s interested and involved in the lives of his children. He loves the world he lives in and continually seeks to learn more about it. He’s undeniably devoted to his wife, children, friends, and the causes he believes in and helps everyone around him live their best life.
4. Jo Gargery
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Pip’s brother-in-law, Jo Gargery, is one of the most caring father-figures in all of literature. He has unending patience and remains devoted to Pip throughout Pip’s ups and downs as he matures into a grown man.
5. Marko
Saga by Brian K. Vaughan
Marko from Saga is the father of a daughter born from a relationship between two individuals from opposing sides of an ongoing space war. As a father, Marko is funny and loving, although sometimes reckless in his decision-making. But, whatever the circumstances, he demonstrates over and over his willingness to go the ends of the galaxy to protect his daughter.vcx
6. The Father
The Road by Cormac McCarthy
The Road is a book about a father and a son wandering through a post-apocalyptic America. In this terrifying world, The Father does everything in his power to protect and keep his son alive. The Father continually shows a willingness to sacrifice himself for the good of his son.
7. Jamie Fraser
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
As a father, Jamie Fraser is exactly as he is in other areas of his life; he’s stubborn, demanding, and holds those around him to high standards. However, even though some of these qualities can cause him to come across as aggressive or abrasive, he is always willing to fight anyone who threatens the safety of his wife or children.
8. Atticus Finch
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Atticus Finch is, perhaps, the most well-known and admired fictional father. He sets the bar that all fathers should strive to meet. He is honourable, dignified, intelligent, sympathetic, and kind. He does not shy away from discussing difficult topics with his children; instead, he finds a way to discuss those difficult topics with his children on their level. He encourages his children to try to see the world from other people’s perspectives and his love and guidance provide his children with a reliable moral compass to help them navigate through life.
As we celebrate Father’s Day this year and honour the great fathers of this world, let’s take inspiration from the fathers we know and love, both in the real world and in the books we read.
