| “ | Is that absolutely necessary? Does our revolution begin by making the Farm more of a prison than ever before? And all this killing without trials... | „ |
| ~ Mama Bear to Goldilocks, Fables #8 — "The Pirates of Upstate New York: Part Three of Animal Farm" |
Mama Bear is one of the Three Bears, an animal Fable family who lives on the Farm in Upstate New York. She debuts in Fables #6 — "Road Trip: Part One of Animal Farm."
History
The exodus
Mama Bear and her family are from King Cole's kingdom and are among the many Fable creatures who hid for many days and nights in an abandoned mine during the Adversary's invasion. They are eventually joined by King Cole himself. Cole puts the welfare of his people before himself and makes sure all of them eat first, even if it means he does not eat at all. When the King succumbs to delirium from hunger, the animals take it upon themselves to steal food from a nearby farm. They skillfully concoct a savory stew for King Cole, with Mama Bear graciously serving the meal on the Dish, and using the Spoon to feed him.[1]
Eventually, the small community is able to escape the Homelands and settle in Fabletown, a secret Fable community in the mundane world, where Cole is elected mayor. Unfortunately, with the ever-expanding mundane population around them, King Cole is eventually left with no option but to exile all non-human Fables to the Farm in order to maintain the secrecy of Fabletown from the mundys.[1]
Goldilocks' revolution
The Three Bears are present at a gathering of Fable creatures discussing whether they should take up arms against the Adversary. Coincidentally, Snow White arrives at the Farm just as she does twice a year to check on the Fable community there, and walks in on them. The animals are shocked when they notice her sudden presence in the room.[7]
The following day, Mama Bear and Papa Bear are busy digging a deep hole in the woods for Goldilocks to bury the remains of Colin Pig, who was executed by Goldilocks' revolutionaries. Once the hole is deep enough, Mama Bear states that they just need Boo Bear to arrive with the remainder of the pig (Colin's head), so they can complete this unpleasant task. Mama Bear questions the necessity of showing off Colin's severed head, like Goldilocks did; nonetheless, Goldilocks insists it was necessary to make such a bold move in order to show their readiness to start the revolution. Mama Bear questions the bloodiness and public display of the act, but Goldilocks argues that it will send a clear message and compel others to choose a side or face repercussions. Goldilocks tells Mama Bear that the inspiration for mounting a head on a pole came from a book she read at the library, meaning Lord of the Flies. She points out that they've been stranded for too long on "this island" and any violent behavior is a result of their unjust confinement.[2]
Mama Bear reminds Goldilocks that she is not trapped in this place; as a human, she has the freedom to go down to Fabletown whenever she pleases. However, Goldilocks declares that when one of them is imprisoned, they are all held captive, and she has chosen to stand by her fellow Fables here. As they bury the pig, Reynard the Fox suddenly reveals himself, having been secretly watching the burial. Mama Bear questions why he is there, and he confesses that he followed the scent of freshly slaughtered pork. However, Reynard manages to escape before Goldilocks gets the chance to shoot him.[2]
Goldilocks and her forces search for Reynard all night, but have failed to find the fox as dawn breaks. Mama Bear expresses concern that Goldilocks is making the Farm more like a prison than it was before, but Goldilocks tells her not to lose her nerve. The bears are present when Snow White is apprehended in a cave.[4]
The Three Bears stand among the many animal Fables gathered in the Farm square as Dun speaks to the crowd, announcing that the time has come to make a move on Fabletown in New York City. Unexpectedly, Snow White emerges, declaring that their self-proclaimed revolution has come to an end, and compels the surrender of the group through the intimidation of the three giant brothers, and the dragon Clara. Mama Bear is swiftly handcuffed.[8]
As a result of their involvement in the rebellion, all three bears are sentenced to 100 years of hard labor at the Farm.[9]
Battle of Fabletown
The Three Bears traveling to Fabletown to take part in the battle
The Three Bears join the fight against the wooden soldiers in Fabletown in an attempt to gain back trust and alleviate their sentence. Accompanied by Weyland Smith and a group of animal Fables, they arrive in the city by truck. Upon their arrival, they and the other recruits assemble outside in the street and listen attentively as Snow White gives them a briefing.[9]
In the intense battle between the Wooden Soldiers and the Fables, Boo Bear meets his demise through a hail of gunfire. To prevent the blazing wooden soldiers from igniting the buildings, Mama Bear and Papa Bear use a water hose to douse their enemies. Mama Bear yells that this is for Boo Bear, while Papa Bear is also hit by gunfire.[10]
In the aftermath of the battle, Mama Bear and Papa Bear join the mournful gathering to honor the fallen citizens, and watch as their bodies are surrendered to the depths of the Witching Well. Mama Bear sheds tears as she bids her son a final farewell.[11]
Not long after, as they fondly remember their beloved Boo Bear, Mama Bear breaks the news to Papa Bear that she is expecting a baby.[11]
New neighbors
Mama Bear and Papa Bear are later observed waiting in line to cast their vote at the Farm during the election for Fabletown's new mayor.[12]
By the time Snow White moves to the Farm, Mama Bear has given birth to her son,[3] who is also named Boo Bear.[5] This is because killed Fables often get magically replaced by new versions of the same Fables.[13] As Snow White settles into the Farm with her newborn cubs, Mama Bear and Papa Bear appear holding their own baby, and join the crowd of animal Fables gathered in the town square to welcome their newest neighbor. Mama Bear excitedly announces that part of Snow White's welcome party will involve a fun game of bobbing for apples.[3]
Following the mysterious demise of Mary's Little Lamb, Mama Bear holds baby Boo close to her as she and Papa Bear watch in silence while Doctor Swineheart meticulously examines the lifeless body lying in the center of the Farm square.[14]
Fabletown-Imperial war
The Three Bears are seen with a collection of animal Fables as they come across a notice posted on the Farm, summoning them to a crucial gathering in the Farm square at midday. Mama Bear becomes frustrated as Chicken Little has yet another one of its typical episodes of panic.[15]
It appears that Mama Bear and Papa Bear joined the war between Fabletown and the Empire, as they are spotted at Fort Bravo, listening to Sinbad convey the news of Prince Charming's death in combat to Rose Red.[16]
The bears later attend Prince Charming's funeral.[17]
Threat of Mister Dark
All three bears attend a gathering where Jack Horner, pretending to be a resurrected Boy Blue, addresses the Fables in the Farm square. Mama Bear and Boo Bear are wearing blue scarfs, indicating that they have joined Brock's cult.[18]
Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Boo Bear II can be seen among the Fables gathered outside the Farm's main building as Rose Red, the leader of the Farm, addresses her fellow Fables after finally overcoming her long depression.[19]
The glamour crusade
Mister Sunflower rallies the non-human Fables to speak up and demand the glamours that Prince Charming had promised them when he was elected mayor. Mama Bear, Papa Bear, Boo Bear and many other Fable creatures join him as he leads a raucous protest in the center of the Farm. They shout for their glamours and hold up signs as they make their voices heard.[20]
Shortly afterward, the Three Bears attend a gathering in the Farm square, where King Cole and Rose Red announce that the 13th Floor magicians will create a handful of glamours that can be shared between animals, giving them all a chance to experience life outside their usual surroundings for a brief time.[21]
Later, Boo Bear eagerly offers to volunteer for Bonny Lamb's super team, but Mama Bear reminds him not to forget about their scheduled tea time.[22]
The Three Bears are subsequently one of the numerous enthusiastic animal Fables present when the victors of the Lottery for glamours are declared, and when the spells are cast upon them on Glamour Day.[23]
Appearances
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Original source
Mama Bear is based on the character from the fairy tale of "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." In this classic tale, a young and innocent, blonde girl named Goldilocks wanders into the forest and stumbles upon the home of a family of three bears; Mama Bear, Papa Bear and Baby Bear. Finding no one home, she helps herself to their porridge, sits on their chairs and breaks one, before settling into one of their beds for a nap. When the bears return and find her asleep, she quickly leaps out the window and is never seen again.
References