Moomins

Meet the Moomins: Classic Characters and Enduring Tales

The Moomins: A Quirky Journey Through Animation History

This classic from Finland takes us back in time a little, and it still has strong merchandise sales.

The Moomins is a much-loved and incredibly long-lasting animated series created by Finnish author Tove Jansson. It has charmed audiences for decades with its enchanting world and gentle humour. The Moomins have come to life through various adaptations across generations with their timeless stories of love, friendship, and adventure. This article delves into the history, characters, and enduring legacy of The Moomins, highlighting their significant impact on popular culture and, of course, their financial success.

The History of The Moomins

The Moomins' journey in animation began in 1969 with Moomin, a Japanese animated television series based loosely on Jansson's original works. Produced by Tokyo Movie Shinsha, this series introduced viewers to the Moomin family’s adventures in Moomin Valley. Though liberties were taken with the source material, the series brought Jansson’s delightful creatures to life for the first time and was warmly received by audiences worldwide.

In 1990, another series, Tanoshii Moomin Ikka (or Delightful Moomin Family), emerged, co-produced by Telescreen Japan and the Finnish company Moomin Characters. This version, consisting of 104 episodes, adhered more closely to Jansson’s original vision, capturing her stories' philosophical tone and beauty. Featuring voice talents such as Minami Takayama as Moomintroll and Rei Sakuma as Little My, the show quickly gained a loyal fanbase. It became an international success, airing in over 120 countries.

The show’s enduring popularity led to a reboot in 2019 called Moominvalley, produced by Gutsy Animations in Finland. This adaptation utilised CGI technology, bringing a fresh aesthetic to the characters while preserving the timeless feel of the original series. With a talented English voice cast, including Rosamund Pike as Moominmamma and Taron Egerton as Moomintroll, Moominvalley reintroduced the Moomin family to a new generation of viewers and garnered critical acclaim for its visual style and heartfelt storytelling.

The Characters

The Moomin family lies at the heart of the series, each character embodying traits that endear them to audiences. Moomintroll, the curious and optimistic protagonist, is known for his love of adventure and loyalty to his friends and family. Moominmamma, the nurturing matriarch, is celebrated for her kindness and calm demeanour and always has advice and a pot of homemade jam on hand.

Moominpappa, the philosophical father, adds depth to the family with his reflections on life and past escapades. A fan favourite, Little My is fiery and fearless, bringing humour and mischief to every episode. Snufkin, the wandering musician and Moomintroll’s closest friend, symbolises the open road’s freedom and provides wise counsel. Supporting characters like Snorkmaiden, Hemulen, and others add unique flavours to the series, making The Moomins relatable and endlessly enjoyable.

The Plotlines

The Moomins revolves around the everyday lives and adventures of Moomintroll and his friends in the idyllic setting of Moominvalley. Plotlines often centre on themes of friendship, self-discovery, and the wonders of nature. Episodes such as Moomin Builds a House and The Midsummer Bonfire showcase the Moomins’ love for exploration, creativity, and community spirit. Beyond simple stories, the series subtly explores deeper topics, including loneliness, courage, and acceptance, all wrapped in a gentle, humorous style that appeals to viewers of all ages.

Famous People

The Moomins have fascinated notable admirers from various creative fields. British writer Philip Pullman has praised the world of the Moomins, and Icelandic musician Björk has spoken fondly of the series, crediting it as a source of inspiration.

Popular Culture

The Moomins have significantly impacted popular culture, particularly in Scandinavia and Japan. Moomin characters have appeared in numerous media forms, and their stories have evolved to reflect changing societal values. The 2019 Moominvalley embraced modern animation techniques and a broader message of inclusivity, illustrating the Moomins’ enduring relevance. Moomin-themed cafes in Japan allow fans to immerse themselves in Moomin-inspired meals, while the Moomin Museum in Tampere, Finland, continues to draw international visitors.

Advertising

The Moomins have featured in several advertising campaigns, especially in Finland and Japan, where they enjoy near-iconic status. In the 1990s, a memorable campaign with the Finnish dairy brand Valio saw Moomin characters on milk cartons across Finland. More recently, the Moomins were used in advertising campaigns for Visit Finland, encouraging people to explore the Finnish countryside, mirroring Moomintroll’s adventures in Moominvalley.

Spin-Offs and Related Work

The Moomins have inspired various spin-offs and related merchandise. In 1977, a Polish stop-motion series titled Moomin was produced, offering a unique interpretation of Jansson’s creations. In addition to television adaptations, the Moomins have ventured into cinema. Moomins on the Riviera (2014) was a feature-length film that brought Jansson’s characters to a broader audience.

Moomin-themed merchandise remains highly popular, from figurines and plush toys to clothing and homeware. The brand’s merchandise has grown to encompass collaborations with iconic brands, such as Moomin-themed Converse trainers and Scandinavian design items inspired by the aesthetic of Moominvalley.

Financials

The Moomins have proven financially successful, particularly in merchandise and licensing. The Moomin brand generates over £700 million in global retail sales annually, with Japan and Europe contributing significantly. The Moominvalley reboot has also contributed to renewed financial interest, with expanded licensing deals and distribution in the United States, United Kingdom, and beyond.

Legacy

The Moomins have left a lasting legacy in animation, literature, and popular culture. Tove Jansson’s original books remain widely read, while animated adaptations have introduced new generations to her characters, ensuring the Moomins’ values and stories remain relevant. The Moomins’ influence extends to cultural tourism, with locations such as the Moomin Museum in Tampere and Moomin-themed amusement parks in Japan and Finland drawing visitors worldwide.

Fun Facts

1. Tove Jansson initially created the Moomin design as a personal cartoon, intending to create an “ugly” character, but it eventually became the adorable Moomin we know today.

2. With her fierce independence, Little My reflects aspects of Jansson’s personality.

3. The 2019 Moominvalley series became one of Finland’s most expensive TV productions, with each episode reportedly costing around £500,000.

Summing it all up

From its origins in the 1960s to the CGI reboot of today, The Moomins have delighted fans with gentle humour, philosophical themes, and universal appeal. Through charming characters, compelling storylines, and a significant cultural impact, the Moomins have proven that some tales stand the test of time. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to the series, Moominvalley offers a comforting, joyful space that celebrates curiosity, kindness, and imagination.

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