The Fantomaya

The Fantomaya, or the Sisters of the Fantomaya , are three mysterious women in Abarat who possess magical abilities. They are the first characters introduced in the books, their mission being the central aspect of the prologue. Their names are Diamanda, Joephi, and Mespa. They presides on the Twenty-Fifth Hour, the Time Out Of Time.

Diamanda
Diamanda, previously known as Diamanda Murkitt, is the eldest of the Sisters. She has long, white braided hair, and lines on her face. Though she appears old, Candy notes that her face has a lot of energy, which Candy associates with lightning.

Joephi
Joephi is the youngest of the three, and has a wild look in her eyes. She has short, cropped black hair.

Mespa
Mespa is described as having dark skin, hair with many bright colors, and eyes the color of the night sky.

In Abarat
In Abarat, the Fantomaya are the center of the prologue. They are on a small red ship being chased by a storm. With them they carry a "precious cargo" in the form of a small box that carries the hope of the Abarat. All three are anxious about getting caught from their leave from the Palace of Bowers. They are debating whether or not they should be doing their holy mission, which relates to the death of a young girl. A falling star hits their sail as they duck for cover. They suspect the star, and the storm, was meant for them. Mespa notices a fifty-foot mantizac, a type of sea serpent, has been following them. When it lunges out of the water, it nearly bites Diamanda. They decide their dire situation calls for some "moon-magic" and begin to pray to Lady Moon. Veins of energy leap from Diamanda's fingers and move skyward. Mespa says Lady Moon heard, and the clouds part with the power of moonlight. The light covers the boat and fixes its damages. The light fades away, and the Fantomaya sail on towards a place called the Hereafter.

Quotes About The Fantomaya
"Though I have heard the name Fantomaya associated with the place, I have no idea what it means."

     - Samuel Hastrim Klepp the Fifth, talking about the Twenty-Fifth Hour.