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CULTURE

2025 May 16, 17

Level: High

Why the World Can’t Get Enough of the Moomins

by Christine Bedwell

Finland’s favorite cartoon creatures have captured hearts around the world

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Frightened and depressed by the sights and sounds of World War II, Finnish artist and author Tove Jansson created her own world to escape into. Her colorful, whimsical world, Moominvalley, became a place of happy endings — a home for Moomintroll and his friends, who live at one with nature and treat others with kindness and acceptance.

  These white, rounded trolls with hippo-like noses are Finland’s answer to Disney’s Mickey Mouse and have been delighting both Finnish children and adults for over three generations. Today, 80 years later, the Moomin characters are adored, not only in Finland but also across the globe and particularly in Japan. So beloved are the Moomins and their creator that every August 9, on Tove Jansson’s birthday, Finland observes Tove Jansson Day/Finnish Art Day.

  Deemed classics by many, the Moomin books have been translated into about 60 languages.  The Moomins have appeared across various media, from novels, picture books and newspaper cartoons to TV shows, video games, theater and dance. There are even two magical theme parks: Moominworld in Finland and Moominvalley Park in Japan. Staying true to Jansson’s vision of Moominvalley, these parks offer opportunities for visitors to enjoy the natural surroundings, explore their own creativity and interact with their favorite Moomin characters.