The relationship between Malificent and Aurora demonstrates the theme of adoptive parental love. Aurora's abandonment by her parents to a home of unqualified fairies can be seen as a transfer to a foster home. Malificent realizes Aurora is not taken care of appropriately and rescues her, eventually becoming a loving, adoptive mother. The love between them is what is determined to be "true love", in contrast to the puppy love that the prince feels for Aurora.