In the pokemon games, the father is only present in Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald. In the series, Ash Ketchum also does not have a father figure present in his life, and relies on his mother for support. What is the reason for the lack of mothers in this franchise? Is this symbolism? Do mothers have something that fathers lack? Fan theories can be introduced in this article, and the writer can create their own analysis on why this is so. This can focus on either the games or anime, although I’ve only noticed this pattern when playing the games.
Edit: Title should read 'lack of father figures' or the impact of a mother. – YsabelGo9 years ago
Ash's mother did mention how his father would be proud in the first couple episodes so that counts. – SpectreWriter9 years ago
The parents never truly provide a significant part due to the fact that the story is supposed to be all about the PLAYER. In the case of Pokemon, you have to remember that the game is strongly marketed towards kids. Kids want to immerse themselves within the world of the game and believe that the adventure is all about them. The games make you care about your rivals and friends because you are supposed to defeat them in the story. Kids can imagine their real life friends in the roles of their in-game friends. Perhaps it's harder for a child to imagine a link between their real parents and their in-game parents? – cdenomme969 years ago
The lack of mothers is not limited in Pokemon. It's everywhere... e.g. Fairy tales and numerous orphan hero epics. – Jill9 years ago
Yes, Jill is right. Peanuts has no adults at all, same with cartoon Ed, Edd and Eddy, – SpectreWriter9 years ago