Homily

The Borrower mother who manages the household with borrowed items

Arrietty's mother, a diminutive woman who ingeniously manages the household by borrowing items.

Quotes

  • Borrowing life is all about ingenuity.
  • I dislike insects, but I can do my best for my family.
  • The dollhouse kitchen is a place of dreams.
  • Moving is scary, but we'll start over in a new place.
  • My long-held dream is to see the real ocean.

Trivia

  • Since there are no ready-made clothes in Borrower size, Homily makes them herself by sewing.
  • She dislikes insects and is characterized by exaggerated gestures.
  • Her dream is to see the real ocean, and she has displayed a picture of the sea on a glass window for 3 years.
  • She was captured and confined in a jar but rescued by Arrietty and Sho.
  • For the film production, director Hiromasa Yonebayashi handled character design and direction.

Alternate names

Homily Arrietty's Mother

Tags

Profile

Species
Borrower
Gender
Female
Birth year
Late 1970s

Appearance

Overall appearance
Rich expressions and somewhat exaggerated gestures are characteristic. She is a petite woman typical of Borrowers, wearing clothes made by sewing.
Height
Approximately 10cm
Eye color
Brown
Hair color
Brown
Distinguishing features
  • Expressive face
  • Somewhat exaggerated gestures
  • Borrower size
Iconic items
  • Self-made clothes
  • Ingeniously borrowed tools
  • Aspiration for dollhouse kitchenware
  • Bay leaves and shiso leaves

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Homely
Detailed personality
A reliable and warm-hearted mother who upholds Borrower traditions while skillfully using borrowed items to support her family. She dislikes insects and has a delicate side. Her dream is to see the real ocean.
Keywords
  • Maternal
  • Ingenious
  • Affectionate
  • Delicate
  • Homely
Talents
  • Sewing
  • Household management
  • Resourcefulness in daily life
Skills
  • Utilizing borrowed items
  • Cooking
  • Leadership
Motivation
Protecting her family's safety and happiness. Her dream is to see the real ocean.
Habits
She has rich expressions and sometimes exaggerated gestures.
Favorite foods
Bay leaves, Shiso leaves, Black tea, Herbs, Vegetables
Favorite places
Borrower home, Dollhouse kitchen, Garden
Disliked insects
Insects in general, Especially the bugs

History

Backstory
Arrietty's mother, who has long ingeniously managed a borrowing lifestyle as a Borrower. Since there are no ready-made clothes in her size, she makes her own by sewing. She is characterized by rich expressions and somewhat exaggerated gestures, dislikes insects but strives for her family. Her dream is to see the ocean, and while aspiring to dollhouse kitchenware, she lives cautiously.
Debut date
July 17, 2010
Work title
The Secret World of Arrietty
Media type
Movie

Capture Incident

Significant event
Capture Incident
Description
Captured by the housekeeper Haru and confined in a jar, but rescued with the help of Arrietty and Sho.

Moving Decision

Significant event
Moving Decision
Description
Feeling danger in the house, the family decides to move.

Dream of the Ocean

Significant event
Dream of the Ocean
Description
Her long-held dream is to see the real ocean, and she sets off for a new life with that dream in her heart.

Relationships

Arrietty

Child

Her beloved Borrower daughter whom she protects dearly. As a mother managing the household, she teaches and guides her daughter.

Pod

Spouse

The Borrower father and family's pillar of support. They cooperate to protect the family's safety.

Arrietty

Child

She showers her daughter with love and protects their life together.

Pod

Spouse

Sharing the role of supporting the family.

Borrower Family

Borrower Family: leader

Media appearances

The Secret World of Arrietty

Movie / Supporting

2010 theatrical release

Voice cast and creators

Shinobu Otake

Voice actor
Shinobu Otake
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Theatrical version

Olivia Colman

Voice actor
Olivia Colman
Language
English
Version or series
English dub

Amy Poehler

Voice actor
Amy Poehler
Language
English
Version or series
North American version

Mary Norton

Creator name
Mary Norton
Role
Original author

Hiromasa Yonebayashi

Creator name
Hiromasa Yonebayashi
Role
Character designer

Hayao Miyazaki / Keiko Niwa

Creator name
Hayao Miyazaki / Keiko Niwa
Role
Writer

Studio Ghibli

Creator name
Studio Ghibli
Role
Animation studio

Tokuma Shoten

Creator name
Tokuma Shoten
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Homily Figure

Item name
Homily Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

The Secret World of Arrietty Roman Album

Item name
The Secret World of Arrietty Roman Album
Category
Stationery
Availability
Regular