What is the name of the fictional dog in J. M. Barrie’s Peter Pan? The answer is Nana. Nana is the Newfoundland dog who serves as the Darling family’s nursemaid in Barrie’s story.
In Peter Pan, Nana looks after Wendy, John, and Michael Darling in the nursery. She is treated as a responsible member of the household, even though the children’s parents employ her in a domestic role. Her efforts to protect the children are often undercut by the adults, who regard her behavior as that of an animal rather than recognizing her loyalty and intelligence.
Nana’s most important role comes before the children fly away to Neverland. She senses that something is wrong with Peter Pan and attempts to restrain him, but is confined outside the nursery. This allows Peter and Tinker Bell to enter and helps set the central adventure in motion. Nana also represents the safety and order of home, contrasting with the dangers of Neverland.
Nana is sometimes confused with Toto from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Lassie, or Snoopy, but those dogs belong to different stories. Nana is not Peter Pan’s pet; she is the Darling children’s devoted nursemaid and guardian.