J.M. Barrie’s Peter Pan is a timeless classic, and among its memorable characters is Nana, the Darling children’s nurse. But Nana isn’t just any nanny; she’s a Newfoundland dog, a breed renowned for its gentle nature and nurturing instincts. This “Peter Pan Dog” has captivated audiences for generations, both in the book and in numerous adaptations of the story.
The inspiration for Nana came from Barrie’s own Newfoundland, Luath. Barrie and his wife, Mary Ansell, owned Luath, a black and white Newfoundland named after a dog in Sir Edwin Landseer’s painting Twa Dogs. Luath’s demeanor and characteristics heavily influenced the portrayal of Nana. Arthur Lupino, who first played Nana on stage, even studied Luath at Barrie’s home to accurately capture the dog’s movements and behaviors, incorporating details like a paw bang into his performance. This real-life Newfoundland provided the authentic blueprint for the fictional “peter pan dog”.
Mary Ansell, Barrie’s wife, further cemented the connection between Luath and Nana in her book Dogs and Men. She noted that while their Saint Bernard, Porthos, wouldn’t have fit the role, Luath was a natural “Nana”. She wrote that Luath possessed the very qualities of a nurturing nurse, perfectly suited to the domestic duties depicted in the play. This insight highlights how deeply Barrie understood and appreciated the Newfoundland breed’s inherent caregiving traits when creating his famous “peter pan dog”.
Nana’s role in Peter Pan is that of a capable and devoted nursemaid to Wendy, John, and Michael Darling. Despite Mr. Darling’s occasional embarrassment about employing a dog, Nana proves invaluable. The original stage directions even humorously suggest Nana be played by a boy, emphasizing her human-like caretaking abilities while retaining her canine nature. Whether portrayed by a person in a dog suit, as in early stage productions and the 1924 silent film, or animated on screen, Nana embodies the Newfoundland’s reputation as a gentle, watchful guardian. This “peter pan dog” is more than just a pet; she is an integral part of the Darling family and the magic of Neverland.
Long before Mary Poppins became a household name, Nana, the “prim Newfoundland dog,” was celebrated as an exceptional nurse. Claire Jackson in Country Life aptly described Nana as a “treasure of a nurse,” highlighting her competence and preparedness. Nana’s dedication extended to carrying an umbrella for rainy days and having her kennel situated right in the nursery. Even when temporarily banished outside by Mr. Darling, her place within the nursery and the family was ultimately restored. Nana’s enduring presence in the nursery until a ripe old age reinforces the image of the Newfoundland as a steadfast, loving, and reliable companion, forever remembered as the quintessential “peter pan dog”.
