Top 5 Wednesday: Father’s Day

This blogging prompt is hosted by the Goodreads Top 5 Wednesday group

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Today’s T5W prompt is Father’s Day

Father’s Day is this weekend! This week, look for your favorite dads (or at least parents) from books.

Tam Al’Thor rendered by artist Ariel Burgess

1. Tam Al’Thor (The Wheel of Time Series by Robert Jordan)

Tam is one of my favorite dads in the book world. He is steady, strong of heart and will, and cares for his son. He would do just about anything for him. He is also a great leader and skilled with the bow, which are both plusses in my mind! Someone I could look up to as if he were my own dad 🙂

Arthur (left) and Linus (right) as drawn by twitter user @keyofheartless

2. Arthur Parnassus (The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune)

While Arthur is not technically the children’s parent, I believe he still qualifies. He raises them and teaches them right from wrong. And not only that, he also shows them that they are worthwhile; that they are more than the legends and stories people tell about them. He shows them that they can be whoever they want to be, regardless of the circumstances life thrusted upon them. If only we could all be so lucky to have an Arthur in our lives.

Ned Stark as played by Sean Bean in the TV Series, “Game of Thrones”

3. Ned Stark (A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin)

The TV series did a pretty good imitation of the Ned (Eddard) from the first book of Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. Ned is depicted as wise, compassionate, and above-all, a man loyal to a fault. I admire him, even if it didn’t end up so great for him.

Bilbo Baggins as played by Ian Holm in the LOTR movies

4. Bilbo Baggins (The Lord of the Rings series by J.R.R. Tolkien)

Following the Sean Bean namedrop, this brings me to Bilbo from LOTR (Sean Bean played Boromir in the movies). Now, I know he is not technically Frodo’s father, but he still had a hand in raising Frodo and I just love the quirky little dude. He’s adorable, and funny, and strives to be everything I want to be. Although he may be tainted by the One Ring, he still does his best by Frodo.

Kelsier as can be found at https://hero.fandom.com/wiki/Kelsier

5. Kelsier (Mistborn series by Brandon Sanderson)

Now, hear me out. I know that Kelsier is not a father, nor was he even related to Vin. BUT he did really help raise her–literally, out of poverty and an awful “home” situation. I can see him as a more mentor-type figure, but I decided he was parent/guardian enough to warrant a place in the Father’s Day list 🙂 He looks after Vin and helps her to become not only comfortable with herself, but powerful as well.

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Which books showcase your favorite dads/parents/guardians? What qualities do you look for in strong paternal characters?

Let me know in the comments below 🙂