When Did This Show Get SO REAL?! - Blight Reacts To Moomins [2]

[@BlightVonDrake]

These Moomin videos are getting so many comments, I'm finding it hard to keep up with all of them. I'd love to give every comment a heart, just to let you all know I'm reading every comment and appreciate them so much, and I'd love to be able to always be able to reply to questions and stuff, but it's kind of getting overwhelming. I'm still new to this. But to let you all know, I do read the comments, and I appreciate all the love, support, and information! I intend to cover the full series, up to 78 probably, because that's about where people are telling me I should stop, I intend to react to the movies once the series is over, and perhaps the 2019 series, and may even make a video or two on the books and comics! Thank you all so much for your support!~ ❤

[@carabe197]

If you ever read any moomin books, you should check out the last two books (moominpappa at se and Moominvalley in November). Tove wrote them after her mother passed away and it shows.

[@Takethislife9]

You dont have to heart every comment, infact you dont have to do anything, the 1 1/2 hours ive watched your vids allready made me feel good, i ate two scrumpcious meals while watching your vids in peace

[@BlightVonDrake]

@@Takethislife9 But how can I not show my appreciation for something so sweet? Thank you so much, and I'm so happy to hear you're enjoying, and hope I can keep providing!~ ❤ I do understand though. I know I don't have to, but it's kind of a compulsion. I read a comment and I want them to know I appreciate it. Maybe I'll figure out how to get past it with the knowledge that people are already plenty happy with the video, if they took the time to comment. So, thanks again~

[@cathsaigh2197]

I think all of the 90s series is good. The new series I don't really like, but that's at least in part because I think the original voice cast was much better and it doesn't have the nostalgia factor.

[@geodarian1361]

hey, know where I can find that '"Cinema Of Shades (intro)" Blackforest Frost''? I literally cannot find it anywhere or what it is

[@uncommonman]

Next time you're feeling down, remember that Moomin Mama is everyone's mama so she is your mama too.

[@BlightVonDrake]

Not gunna lie, there are tears. That's such a sweet thought~ ♥ Thank you!~

[@SuperSabin123]

Yep..

[@RabbitShirak]

Myy's advice: ”ignore it” Wow, in Finnish she instructs to bite that person.

[@HarleyQuinn257]

Same as the Norwegian version.

[@dinam3236]

Yeah, the English dub kind of softened things up a little. You hear it several times, usually with My.

[@4rc28]

Interesting, since she basically end up doing that with moomin papa

[@mattilauerma7087]

Little My's solution to literally anything: "Bite it"

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

@@HarleyQuinn257 It seems like Norwegian dub is based on the Finnish dub.

[@creator_zz1742]

Also the fact Ninny follows Stinky so easily and gets trapped in the darkness is another metaphor: If you have been abused once, it is more likely to happen to you again. In addition, Moomins (people who care about her) came to help her to get out of it, but in order to do that she had to find her own voice to shout for help - that's a very strong message

[@RabbitShirak]

She also followed him more easily since he at first helped her to find a good hideout. He appeared nice initially to trap her eventually.

[@myiachanmagicalgirl]

This comment brings me to tears, it's so true and it adds to much depth to the series

[@quinnard9750]

Thanks I was trying to find the meaning of the episode.

[@NixiePixie22]

hoooolyyyyy shait that blew my mind, that's so frickin deep and true, knocked me back into a stun for 5 mins or so 💔

[@The_Jzoli]

I'd like to point out that while these episodes did come out in the 90s, Ninny's story was written in 1962!! It really shows how amazing of a person and writer Tove was.

[@katiem656]

Definitely

[@kraatarin8226]

When Ninny was stuck in the cave, in the finnish dub she yelled like a beast after moomin couldn't hear her whispers : D

[@jere.nurkka]

That would make more sense

[@foxnoxness4989]

Same in Swedish!

[@Lil72722]

Link?

[@90Zata]

@@Lil72722 m.facebook.com/watch/?v=829627260409141&_rdr Here is the Finnish version

[@helmenhjelmen1955]

Same in norwegian😁!!

[@themurmeli88]

People who think "kids' shows don't need to be good or have deeper themes", really need to watch Moomin.

[@Ice_barrage]

Nykypäivän lastenohjelmat on jotain sielutonta massatuotantoa

[@Ice_barrage]

@Naukumaija Mau-mau pakko myöntää etten tiedä nykypäivän lastenohjelmista oikein mitään. mitkä sitten on niitä hyviä?

[@RabbitShirak]

@@Ice_barrage Avatar jo mainittiinkin. Muita hyviä sarjoja (joskaan ei välttämättä lapsille sopivia piirrettyjä) ovat mm. Primal, Samurai Jack, ensimmäiset 8-9 kautta Simpsoneita, 90-luvun Batman-piirretty. Legend of Korrankin voi kerran tai pari katsoa. Juoni on aikas huono enimmäkseen mutta animaatio on jumalaisen kaunista.

[@Ice_barrage]

@@RabbitShirak jep, nää on hyviä mut ei nykypäivän lastenohjelmia

[@RabbitShirak]

@@Ice_barrage Nojuu, nykyään on ehkä erotettu lasten ja ”vanhempien” sarjat liian kauas toisistaan, jolloin lasten viihde on melko mautonta ja persoonatonta. Lapset nimenomaan tykkäävät kun rajoja rikotaan eikä aliarvioida lasten ymmärrystä. Don Bluth parhaimmillaan osasi tehdä tosi hyviä (ja rankkoja!) lastenleffoja, jotka upposivat sekä lapsiin että aikuisiin.

[@onniantikainen2948]

If there is something every Finnish child has in common, it's the terrifying nightmares about the Groke.

[@RabbitShirak]

I honestly had more nightmares from Ginga Nagareboshi Gin's Aka Kabuto. Scariest bear in any fiction. That growl....

[@Jenniii86]

@@RabbitShirak I think for me it's about 50/50 between The Groke and Akakabuto.

[@xwillex]

Yeah I went to my mommas bed one time I pictured groke descending from sky in my mind

[@IcarussArtss]

For me it was the Ice Queen rather than the Groke. I mean.. groke is spooky and all, but the Ice Queen was outright terrifying

[@henkkahenrik4183]

i actually never feared the groke. i actually quite liked her. she never did anything explicitly wrong or evil, so i always thought she was just misunderstood. only character i ever really kinda feared/disliked was the Fillyjonk. like she was the type that would judge people and ban them from playing with her kids. she was such an uptight karen....

[@TobiasFangorIsntCis]

My favorite thing about the 90s' version of Ninny's story is that she gets her body back because others cared for her, but she gets her head back because she cared for others.

[@dehistoriapisciumfish7639]

It’s actually because she gets angry. It’s in the book. Little My says (in the book) “you’ll never get your face back before you become angry” or something along those lines

[@UnclePutte]

"By the way, what came of that mean aunt?" "Well, you see, Too-Ticky carries that knife by her side for a reason."

[@creator_zz1742]

As a person who suffers from depression, the way the others were so happy as Ninny "healed" from being invisible (depressed) made my cry. Because that's what actually happens, the "real you" becomes hidden when you suffer from mental illness. When you heal the ones who love you can once again see you. I wish my loved ones could someday be as happy to see me as Moomins were to see Ninny.

[@Ronno2003]

Hope you're doing okay.. stay strong.

[@Tales0fSymphonia]

it honestly hurts to hear that others can relate to the invisible child episodes just as well as i can i wish nobody would have to go through that shit ever

[@Ekami-chan]

Fun facts, original writer of the moomins gave her life-long girlfriend a moomin book with invisible child and wrote "Thank you for making me visible" on the cover. Also Thingumy and Bob's original names were based on author's nickname and her girlfriends, so it's wierd english translation named other one Bob. :'D And Myy asked Tooticky did she punch the aunt in the finnish dub instead of asking did she explain she hurt her feelings. xD

[@RabbitShirak]

Myy has a rather straightforward personality.

[@mullisaukko423]

OH I DIDNT EVEN REMEMBER THAT SFDJSFI WHY DID THEY LEAVE THAT OUT OF THE ENGLISH DUB

[@antsuh.a.h3637]

Also tooticky is basically the personalitaion of her girlfriend. (Other characters are also based on irl people)

[@katiem656]

The second one is called bob because together their names make “thingamabob” which is an English word meaning a small random object

[@autumngalix4616]

Why didn't they make Little My a tad more violent? "Did she punch the aunt?" Just makes so much more sense for her character.

[@JuupelisJaapelis]

When I watched this as a kid I never really understood why the Groke was satisfied with the seashell instead of the Kings Ruby, but seeing this now, I understand. Moomin Mamma says in the books that she believes Groke to be just misunderstood. In truth she is not malicious in any way, she is only really lonely and miserable and it's shown in the way she freezes everything she touches. Who would want to get close to something like that? The seashell Snorkmaiden gave Moomintroll was said to express all the love she has for him and on top of that, it's even shaped like a heart. So, the Groke didn't care about the seashell looking nice, she just yearned for the love it represented. That was why she was so eager and happy to get it. (A lot of characters in moominvalley represent different parts of Tove Jansson and her life or are based on the people she knew. The groke was a character that enbodied her fear and loneliness and the despair she felt about it. The Kings Ruby has meaning, the Hobgoblins obsession about it has meaning, the reason why The Groke is after it has a meaning, honestly I could go on a whole tangent about it here but this comment is long enough already, lol. )

[@BlightVonDrake]

That's honestly incredibly beautiful. I'm so glad I started watching this. It's opened up to me what may be some of the deepest, most gorgeous storytelling I've ever seen!

[@Dahaka-rd6tw]

@@BlightVonDrake Wanna hear something sad? In one of the original books Groke actually gets somewhat happy ending. In original book about that Lighthouse episode. Groke actually visits the lighthouse island every night, making everything gloomy with her presence. At first Moomin comes to see her every night with oil lamp. Groke likes to watch the lamp but because of her nature, can't touch it without killing the flame. One day oil lamp runs out of oil and Moomin can't light it any more BUT he still goes to see Groke in that night. Groke notices he doesn't have a lamp but fact that he still came to see her makes her dance out of hapiness, melting her heart of ice. As a result she no long freezes the ground she walks on. Moomin and Groke them part ways as a friends. However, in this show that doesn't happen and episode where Witch curses Moomin's family to sleep is last time we see Groke, still as cold and lonely as ever

[@Reaper0123]

I remember someone saying that Moominmamma is practically "The Patron Saint of Motherly Love", which I agree with.

[@Judessin]

I did not even know that the Groke was female until i was an adult, because in Finnish language we do not have gender pronouns. So i did not consider the Groke as a person. That, and the fact that she grumbled at every time she was on screen with the Finnish dub, that was nightmare fuel.

[@tendercutg5835]

Ooooh, she was called Groke? I only knew the name Mörkö 😂

[@CaffeineDeprivation]

In English, yeah. Just like in Sweden she's called Mårran

[@HalIOfFamer]

@@CaffeineDeprivation in poland she is buka, and only female names end with a so we kinda knew.

[@mirthkos]

I like especially the fact that showing the emotion that is usually seen as "negative" is the solution in the end.

[@vanyadolly]

That's why I think it's such a pity they've tried to de-angrify the moomins. In the face of unfairness anger is justified and good, and the stories showed that. It's what helps us stand up for ourselves and others.

[@mirthkos]

@@vanyadolly You're right. As a parent I see capability to regonize and show your feelings as safety issue. I can't shelter my kids from the world 4ever so I want them to have a voice. I haven't seen the new moomins(my kids are older than the target group), but it's really a pity if they loose that bohemian artist soul that moomins have(especially the original comics). I grew up in 90's Finland so moomins have always been a big part of the culture for me, but videos like these, the fresh point of view, makes me appreciate them in a new way. I'm really happy youtube recommended this to me.

[@panelledsquid9890]

I've just noticed, if you listen to Moominmama's line "No he's looking at my rose bushes", it's possible to detect a little bit of stress. That's actually kind of relatable since a lot of mothers and fathers may try to mask their stress to not upset their child.

[@cinder_x3]

They reeeeally toned down Myy's violent tendencies in the english dub, in the finnish version she's much more chaotic and always suggesting beating up someone :D the Groke was also so traumatic to me as a child, I remember being in a Moomin theatre and starting to cry when she came to the stage haha good times

[@Lil72722]

Of course there was a moomin theatre in Finland ;-;

[@RandomGuy-ll9uz]

"in the goddamn 90s" The book the invisible child story is based on was actually originally published in 1962 which is impressive as hell. I grew up on Moomins (I'm Finnish) but I've only recently realized how good they are.

[@aleksisuuronen5969]

What's impressive is how it's conveyed in a childrens story in such a clever way, simplistic way to show something deep. People weren't dumb back in the day so I don't think times as much a factor as people sometimes gives meaning to it. Like the movie Taxi Driver is from 76 and goes thru multiple really hard subjects in terms of mental health effortlessly. You know, it's not like people didn't feel invicible or whatever let's say 100 years ago and felt a need to put it into a painting, song or into some other form of art. In art just the taboo parts are usually hidden in metaphors back in the day whatever wasn't ok in which time in which place, it can be seen from like books for so many decades.

[@TheRasitusvamma]

I grew up watching the Moomin, and the Groke was the source of basically all my nightmares.

[@themurmeli88]

It's seems they removed her terrifying groans and whatnot in the English version. :/

[@nofigroke6110]

Lol! I still get nightmares of the groke

[@Judessin]

Same,i had reaccurring nightmare for years where Mörkö/Groke would just slooowly walk on our houses pathway to the door and i tried to close it, but it would not close.....

[@Novice9241]

@@Judessin You too? I also had too many nightmares where I turn around a corner and there it freaking is!

[@randomgrmlin]

@@Judessin I had those same nightmares too! I would always be outside at night and the groke would start chasing me. I was either too slow at getting inside or the door just wouldn’t close.

[@MLG_s3npa1]

I remember many moments from my childhood when my father would use the groke to keep us inside during the dark winter. The one time i remember very clearly was this one time when i was playing on a pile of snow near the forests edge woth my bro. It was late evening, dark as hell. My father came to call us inside to sauna. Of course, we didn't oblige. After a moment of silence, he yelled "watch out! I saw groke looking at you from the forest behind you!" I believe i've never screamed so much in my whole life, or run so fast.

[@raymondkertezc364]

holy fucking shit!! D: My parents never intentionally scared me with it (I can't recall at least) and I've still had nightmares of it!!

[@MLG_s3npa1]

@@raymondkertezc364 tell me about it. I watched the ring and the grudge movies, and oddly enough the groke is the only one still making me uncomfortable. I mean, just imagine that thing coming through when you're walking alone in the woods, just staring at you amidst the trees. NOPE!

[@Logitah]

Kiitos kun kerroit tämän!

[@Roxsor]

This is the most Finnish thing ever!

[@Punkkis90]

Holy shit!?! That's so awful and yet so brilliant way to make kids obey at the same!

[@dukeaccent]

I love how this show doesn't underestimate children. Kids can handle complex plots and scary stuff if it's presented right.

[@irinore]

The Groke is probably one of my favourite characters. It's kinda heavily implied that she's just very lonely, since everything she touches freezes over and everyone's afraid of her. That's why she takes the heart shaped shell, because it makes her feel loved. She's also great contrast to a later character that appears. A lot of people say that they were traumatized by the Groke, but I just feel for her tragic character. Not as a kid though. As a kid I just found her cool as hell.

[@maryammakinen1284]

I had a moomim comic as a kid, it was the one where a great forestfire broke out. Groke rushed the flames with hope in her heart. She kept roaming the burning forest, trying to get warm, while thinking about all the friends she would make once she was warm. She put out the whole forest, but she remained freezing to the touch.

[@BlightVonDrake]

I found her rather interesting, honestly. She did seem imposing, but when it came right down to it, on fair grounds, she seemed almost pitiable, frightened, maybe even self-loathing. I'd love to know more, and I intend to look into the books and comics when I'm done with the series. Also, so good to see comments from you dude~ :3 Of course, please don't feel pressured to comment, I just like seeing your input~

[@irinore]

@@BlightVonDrake I really want to reread the books as well, it's been ages since I did. I found a copy of Who Will Comfort Toffle, which was the first book I have any memory of having read to me. Unlike the main books that one's like a full blown seuss-style children's book, but it still resonated a lot. Also featuring the Groke. My first litterature memory is of the Groke. And don't worry dude, I've planned to comment that since the full reaction was uploaded on ko-fi, I just try to keep the ko-fi stuff mostly highlight oriented if an edited version is going to come up anyway.

[@BlightVonDrake]

@@irinore I'm interested to give them a look when I can!~ And I get you! Glad to hear! ♥

[@HimeCookie]

Here im Finland, they make the groke A male. So HE was so scary with very scary roar and voice....🥶 the groke is my biggest fear.....

[@Haamu]

Its even more nice to think that Ninni became a character 1960s so the message was even older than the 90s.

[@Northflowo]

Fun fact: the original swedish name for the Mymble characters (which I think is actually just the same word but pronounced differently) was slang for people who sleep around :D Also. I noticed that the English dub softened the countdown part a little by making Moominpapa say "nine and a half" after nine, to make it clear the he would not have wanted to shoot the Groke. In The Finnish version the Groke leaves after nine, leaving the whole interaction more ambiguous. ALSO ALSO, in the part where Ninny shouts "louder than she's ever shouted in her life", I was maybe a tiny bit disappointed in the English dub because in the Finnish one she actually screams from the top of her lungs the time that they hear her? In this one it seems like her voice barely changed

[@RabbitShirak]

xD Well, it fits her mom.

[@Northflowo]

@@RabbitShirak Yeah isn't it canon that all those children have different fathers or something? :D

[@RabbitShirak]

@@Northflowo Possible? Atleast Myy and Snufkin have different fathers.

[@Logitah]

Yup! "Mymla" is a really soft word for sex. What I love about that is the fact that Tove made a motherly character who quite obviously likes sex. This is rare even in grown-up media!

[@NixiePixie22]

yeah, Finnish Moominpappa is not cowardly 💪🏻🤘🏻 SISU!!

[@snorkfyren]

for every moomin mug with the invisible girl that is sold some amount is donated to save the children. they were made to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the UN convention for childrens rights

[@FarFarAwayTonight]

I feel so bad for laughing when I heard Grooke saying "I'll be back" 😅 After getting used to the older version from Finland

[@-mokerly-5984]

M i n ä p a l a a n

[@Punkkis90]

Sama täällä, kun kuulin sen ekan kerran... :'D Joskus oli semmonen vertailuvideokin just vanhasta suomidubista ja tästä enkkudubista Mörön äänelle, ja siinä videon lopussa oli vielä teksti "Can you guess which one I started to laught at?" xDD

[@randomgrmlin]

I grow up the Swedish version and laughed at hearing the English version.

[@Logitah]

Btw, Thingumy and Bob are supposed to be a same-sex couple. Their original names are Tofslan and Vifslan and they are based on Tove herself and Vivica Bandler who was her partner at the time. The ruby they are hiding from the scary Groke is pretty obvious symbolism... God I love these stories!

[@apet6752]

i wonder where the names came from in the english version lol. in the finnish version they're called Tiuhti & Viuhti (which is so cute!!) :D interesting to see that in swedish their names also rime :) lmao how did they even come up with Thingumy and B o b ??

[@Logitah]

@@apet6752 Kyllähän minä sen tiedän kun olen suomalainen. :D I think they came up with it, because the word "thingumybob" sounds funny.

[@apet6752]

oh! someone said in the comments that the other one's named Bob bcs their names together sound like Thingamabob aka a random little thing! Lmao ok

[@minskii1234]

@Logitah nice comment! I'd like to add that Too-Ticky was an exact copy of Tove Jansson's girlfriend (Tuulikki Pietilä) who was the love of Jansson's life till the end.

[@Punkkis90]

@@apet6752 Oh, I didn't know about that about their english names! I always thought Bob was so weird, too! You really can learn something new every day. :D

[@gurdimeikenskjaldi5060]

"Moomin-mama, bring out the anti-tank rifle!" That was the best line, it killed me xD

[@Ekami-chan]

Oh, english groke is quiet...Listen to multilanguage of it sometimes, it growls in other languages (especially japanese is wtf) and "i'll be back.." is slow and deep, that music still sends shivers down my spine.

[@tuomaseronen6782]

Finish is best i my opinion. I wonder why?

[@Ekami-chan]

@@tuomaseronen6782 it triggers some primordial fear

[@HORRIOR1]

@@tuomaseronen6782 Probably because it has the most threatening "I'll be back."

[@tuomaseronen6782]

@@HORRIOR1 brobably

[@Veryfreshveryflourish24]

Finnish groke is the best

[@SK-nw4ig]

"Somebody punch the kiwi!" xD Shout out from Finland - where moomins are EVERYWERE. The writer, Tove Jansson, was born in Finland 1914. She started drawing and writing about moomins already as a child. So these stories are old (much older than nineties you mention) and current.

[@Hallasammal]

oh and fun fact! when i was around 5, my mom took me to the Moomin World Theme Park- i don't remember much of it, other than that Stinky stole my hat! Later he was caught and i got my hat back, and Stinky went to jail haha

[@goblincat]

That's so cute! Reminds me of the time I visited Moominworld as a kid and Little My was slapping people's bums with a flyswatter. Good times.

[@Tomi-oe5mz]

Fun fact: The actor playing Stinky gets extra pay for all the kicks and hits from the kids.

[@RabbitShirak]

I remember biting Sniff's tail. I was so disappointed he didn't notice it :’(

[@silverior968]

Hey, I remember when I was smaller Moomintroll borrowed my hat :D

[@tsyykis]

You should watch the moomin movie Comet in Moominland. It's a prequel to the show, though it might be hard to find in english. I'm pretty sure the moomin fans in reddit should have a link to it in english.

[@vanyadolly]

Pikkuleipiä tässä tilanteessa?!

[@Ice_barrage]

@@vanyadolly no ehkä yksi

[@nionnen]

@@Ice_barrage Typerä nainen, ei siivoaminen mitään auta.

[@tuures.5167]

@@nionnen Tuhon aika on tullut! Onnettomuus on täällä - ei sillä että sillä olisi enää mitään merkitystä...

[@mikledon]

@@tuures.5167 -"Oivoi, kompassin neula pyörii." -"Vaihda paristo!"

[@whade62000]

It's an interesting choice to me as an adult is that she turns back when she gets angry. All the positive feelings can't fully achieve it until she lets her anger out as well. And I had trouble interpreting that as a child, because it seemed to encourage doing negative things, getting mad and assaulting our loved ones, but in hindsight it really hammers the point home that you can't be a healthy person if you bottle up your sadness and anger and how it is therapeutic for someone who's been bottling up their emotions about abuse to express those feelings.

[@LaukkuPaukku]

40:04 Moominmamma is THE motherly archetype, I'm somewhat surprised she isn't more legendary.

[@ACruelPicture]

Ah, now you will finally know the horror that is THE GROKE.

[@sasys8n]

But they don’t because they have gotten rid of it’s growl!

[@kerttu2097]

Thingamawhatnow and BOB is the worst translation I could imagine. In swedish its Tofslan and Vifslan, in finnish Tiuhti and Viuhti. Those were the nicknames of Tove (the author) and her girlfriend at the time. The ruby symbolized their love i think, cause they had to hide it (being a same-sex couple). And btw I absolutely adore these videos. There is something so pleasant about your reactions. So glad I found your videos!

[@suomineito04]

näin on kerttu, oon samaa mieltä :D

[@BlightVonDrake]

I think the thinking at the time was more "accessibility" than accuracy with English dubs, like making Usagi "Serena" in Sailor Moon. And thank you so much!~

[@MadToxin2876]

Wait they were a couple? I always remembered them as, like, siblings or something. Then again, last time I watched the show was over 10 years ago

[@RabbitShirak]

@@MadToxin2876 Sarja ei ikinä täsmennä Tiuhdin ja Viuhdin välistä suhdetta. En itsekään lapsena ikinä ajatellut heidän olevan pariskunta.

[@kitsunefromfinland4145]

I still remember when I was year ago in the Finnish Defence Forces there is this tradition that before the new officer students come from Hamina to lead the new recruits, the sergeants would play Groke theme song some nights after everyone is sleeping. First time that happened to me and we were like what the hell is this and the scary music would come closer to our room and then the sergeants would yell "HAMINASTA TUULEE" in English: "IT WINDS FROM HAMINA". Meaning that the new officers are coming and we should be scared. Btw so it's completely dark becose everybody is sleeping and usually the sergeants would take flashlights and dress up in gas masks and run around playing the music so it actually was very scary looking. After I became a officer I also got to do this to the new recruits :)

[@MentalEdge]

Hah! During my conscription, some of the guys whose service terms (mine was still continuing) were ending, the night before the day they'd get to go home, they were stalking around the corridors, covered in sheets and playing the Groke theme on bluetooth speakers.

[@warhammerguy]

The Groke gave an entire generation of european kids nightmares for years and it was awesome.

[@13.7BYITM]

Put an (s) after generation

[@epicfunnylife2791]

Him pausing so we all see the Groke for 3 minutes straight, my childhood traumas because of the Groke: “it’s just a show, it’s just a show, it’s just- *starts crying*”

[@BlightVonDrake]

Gosh, I'm so sorry, I didn't realize it was that bad! You're not the only one that has mentioned this. She was a very prominent presence in the episode, so I thought it would be appropriate to have her featured in the still during my discussion of the episode.

[@epicfunnylife2791]

@@BlightVonDrake Haha it was more of a joke, but everyone who grew up watching The moomins 1990 basically had nightmares because of the groke. There are actual reports if I remember correctly or if it was just a rumer about groke giving kids nightterrors. But I can speak from my own experiance and MANY others that she haunted our nightmares as kids. Still to this day me and others can't really shake of the fear from her. Btw this is the english version, in the english version in this first episode she appears she doesn't make any noise. But if you watch like the swedish version or other versions, she growls. Making scary ass sounds. Here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3Slc5h9g7OYjbM If you click the link and go to the last minutes of the episodes, you'll see why we hated her as kids. It makes it 100% more terryfing.

[@papercut89]

When Stinky shut Ninny in the cave, in the Japanese version he actually was about to just leave her there. No mentioning of letting her go out of there or anything. "Righty on! Now no one will find you here." which I found really disturbing. When he met Ninny the first time he made her upset by claiming that she wouldn't become visible ever and that everyone was lying. She'll just stay that way. It is really heartbreaking to think how Ninny felt after all that.

[@sonjah2750]

Same in the Finnish version if I remember correctly!

[@papercut89]

@@sonjah2750 actually in the Finnish dub Stinky was just teasing her that her name was stupid and that she would be a good bankrobber if she stayed invisible. Then he shut her in the cave so they could rob the bank next day when she was invisible again.

[@ShyGuyXXL]

Wow, the groke is a lot quieter in the english dub. In german she would always groan in a deep echoey voice when talked to.

[@yli386]

yeah in finnish groke sounds almost like thunder

[@raymondkertezc364]

german dub isn't mentioned often enough!

[@MrRanosama]

@@yli386 that dry ethereal growl... I always felt a special kind of heavy terror when I heard it

[@chryssalidbait8765]

@@MrRanosama Absolutely, especially the part where she was yelling that she'd return, it was actually somewhat difficult to make out the words 'Minä palaan' from how much it sounded like some kind of beast just roaring it's rage at the sky in the distance.

[@blllklbn4055]

Polish groke's voice is the best! Type on youtube "Groke multilanque"

[@ZealSeraph]

The Thingumy and Bob-story is directly influenced by Tove Jansson, the creator of Moomins, being bisexual during the times when same sex-relationships were illegal in Finland. Suddenly the big secret they carry around in their suitcase, as well as the terrifying being with an icy touch chasing them, have a whole lot more meaning. And the fact that the two are willing to share the secret with the Moomin family tells a lot about how open-minded and kind the Moomins are. No matter who you are, the Moomin house will never be closed for you.

[@sabby3767]

I'm half norwegian half finnish, and Moominvalley was a huge part of my childhood. The Groke scared me so much that I remember literally running to my parents bedroom and hiding under their bed whenever she appeared on screen. (Honestly the sounds that let the viewer know she's coming was the scariest part, you need to listen to it in other languages cause it's way scarier). I had this nightmare that was just like the scene where Moomin tries to run away from her but just can't, and in the dream she took me to a cave and put me in her soup and ate me. Good times lol However, watching as an adult today it's obvious that she was just lonely and depressed, and craved warmth and friendship (everything she touches turns to ice which makes her sad). That's why she took the heart-shaped shell instead of the ruby ow my hearttt. This show is truly genius in the way it portrays mental health and more serious topics, while it stays an adorable kids show. It will always have a special place in my heart

[@JuupelisJaapelis]

When skies turned into a purple hue and you could feel an incoming storm in the air, me and my brother always said that it was Mörköilma, "Groke weather" :'D

[@Punkkis90]

I still remember very alive when I first time saw the Groke on a screen, and I was maybe 2-3 y.o.! I immediately jumped behing my aunt's back, who was sitting on a couch next to me, covering my ears with me hands because the music was so terrifying and my eyes closed. I still get shivers when I hear the Grokes theme... (I'm finnish.)

[@Nakiimushi]

As a kid I was always afraid of the Groke, but growing up and especially now when im an adult I just feel for her. She is lonely, and it broke my heart watching this episode, I literally cried. I just love the moomins

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

I truly agree with you.

[@pixiedust1977]

in the finnish version the groke has a very deep and masculine voice (and finnish doesn't have gendered pronouns) so i thought she was a man up until 7th grade :D the english dub is certainly way more clear about her being a woman

[@Nakiimushi]

Same!

[@-mokerly-5984]

Also Finnish. I was surprised to find she had a gender at all, somehow never thought about it. Somehow. Oli kiire täristä sohvan takana

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

Oh my. I didn't notice your comment before writing mine about the same fact.

[@pixiedust1977]

@@madsceptictrooper6803 nah no problem! I was specifically looking if someone had commented about this before I did but good to know someone else was thinking about this too!

[@mapppkyc6698]

I'm 33 and finding that out just now.

[@timomastosalo]

The topic of the Invisible Friend is so important that there's a organization in Finland named (in Finnish) after this character. I think it's aiming its workly mainly on students, or youth, who need counceling in these issues. Talk about bringing important issues to the table through children's bools (originally), which is whereupon these cartoons were later made.

[@BlightVonDrake]

That makes me so happy to hear!

[@timomastosalo]

@@BlightVonDrake ❤

[@MalevolentFae]

A Character named "Stinky" is a hateable character? Well ain't that a surprise.

[@emmamemma4162]

Stinky has only appeared in comic strips, and in one book that hasn't been translated to English. Though he was used in the animated series to shake things up and move the plot along.

[@arrtttuurri]

Its probably been 13 years since I watched this show. Did not expect it to be this emotionally rich. Actually cried at the end there. Might have to start watching the moomins again.

[@RabbitShirak]

Anna mennä vaan. Loistava sarja

[@LuRawen]

1. It's so weird that Groke is completely silent in the english version (in the finnish dub she growls like an angry animal) 2. When you called Stinky a kiwi, I just lost it laughing! XD Omg, can't unsee now! 3. I'm so sad and angry on your behalf that you've had similar experiences as Ninny. :( You're gonna find new ways to become visible, don't give up! The best revenge is to become happy. 4. I really enjoy these videos, can't wait for the next one! :)

[@BlightVonDrake]

I'm glad to hear!~ And no worries, I may still feel invisible where I'm living, but I think I'm finding a different kind of visibility now, if that makes sense~

[@Dorafjol]

@@BlightVonDrake We can see you! Thank you for this series. I always come back to Moomin.

[@blllklbn4055]

Groke sounds the best in Polish version!

[@petskington7182]

Glad i grew with good names to them in finland: Tiuhti and Viuhti

[@gootitibu2334]

In Estonia their names are Tutsik & Lipsik :d

[@toxicluna8879]

In Norway their names are Tufsla and Vifsla😅

[@eemeli1744]

@@toxicluna8879 what's stinky's name in norwegian?

[@toxicluna8879]

@@eemeli1744 Stinky is the same in norwegian. So it's just Stinky😅

[@eemeli1744]

@@toxicluna8879 oh, in finnish its Haisuli

[@hiccup_cure]

I was a little uncomfortable the first time I saw episodes 9 and 10 bc it hit a little too close to home and it isn't something I love thinking about, but the topic is handled with such care and respect that i could enjoy the story and find comfort in it without it crossing any lines. Ive found that most media tries to be shocking or super explicit with portrayals of trauma, so it was nice to have just a comforting story about recovery

[@Markmeister1989]

That first episode with the Groke scared me for life when I was a kid. But damn the music in this show is on another level. ❤️

[@Sentou91]

Also, if Moomin mamma is in your Top 3 moms of all time now, shes gonna probably climb to to the top when episodes featuring mainly her appear, if not before with her being so kind, helpful and resourceful to everyone. THE Best Mom, in my humble opinion. Even count her among Best Animated Women just in general

[@xanzusx]

Definitely! She is a fantastic character, I love how sweet she is but how she never hesitates to use her strength when needed

[@emmamemma4162]

I have one complaint and that is how she never stands up to Moominpapa. As I understand it this was also the case with Toves' own parents.

[@kapelski104]

The way Sniff dismissed Snorkmaiden's issue with her new eyes is how he acts all the time in the old comics. His character is way more friendly in the animation.

[@reptillicus4753]

This series is making me happy. You have a sweet and calming voice and it’s nice to vibe with you to Moomin Valley when I can’t sleep.

[@BlightVonDrake]

Oh my gosh, that is so nice of you to say! That's so flattering! I'm always a bit worried about my voice, personally, but I'm glad to hear you like it!

[@MentalEdge]

@@BlightVonDrake Dude. I'm loving watching this so much! I've seen every episode multiple times, but that's all back in my pre-teens. I've got great recall, so I never rewatch or reread most media. I can see every plot point coming a mile away, but rediscovering the show along with your first watch is letting me see this core part of my childhood in a new light. Kid me didn't think too deeply into Ninnys charachter, or any of the arcs in the show. But seeing you get hit in the feels is allowing me to get hit too, in ways the show never could have done for kid me, or if I rewatched it alone.

[@BlightVonDrake]

@@MentalEdge That makes me happy to hear! I love it when I can give someone a new level of appreciation for something they were already familiar with~ ❤

[@lucario1189]

This show hits me in all the places

[@mattilauerma7087]

In the japanese (original) version, The Hobgoblin said that The Groke was looking for the Ruby at his request, and was gonna give it to him, so Thingumy and Bob essentially stole the Ruby from The Hobgoblin. Also, the Japanese accidentally sent visually darker versions of the episodes to Finland, so the Groke's first appearance was much creepier there.

[@irinore]

How so?

[@HK23783]

@@irinore In the japanese version, you can actually see Groke quite clearly. In the finnish version, you see just her mouth and eyes which is super creepy.

[@sasys8n]

@@HK23783 so much better!

[@lastburning]

I remember finding this episode kind of distressing as a child. Ninni getting trapped inside that hole and getting bullied by Stinky making her invisible again.

[@anukoo87]

Awww, your reaction to Ninni was so adorable! Having empathy is the greatest trait one can have in my opinion, and you seem to really have it, be proud of that. You seem like a good person. I always related to her also, I was bullied as a child and even now as a 34 year old woman this still makes me emotional. Such a good story.

[@anukoo87]

Also I still remember the FEELING when Stinky put Ninni in the cave, I never were afraid of Groke, but that cave scene....*shivers One of the first experiences propably about the fact that not all people are nice.

[@BlightVonDrake]

That is so nice of you to say, oh my goodness~ ♥ Thank you~

[@moviez159]

After fear and "submitting to cruelty" made her turn invisible, she finally gained enough courage to stand up to a bully, to raise her voice at (what she saw as) injustice and cruelty, and became visible 😭😭 I have watched moomins since I was a little kid but that’ll never stop hitting me straight in the heart

[@JokeriPokeri17]

For Tove, it was important to represent her and her partner Vivica as small and fragile creatures who could defeat the nightmarish and malevolent Groke that represented the biased hate towards homosexuality at that era. "Mårra" (Groke is called Mårran in swedish) was words invited by Tove and Vivica to describe hatred and violence towards homosexuals.

[@raymondkertezc364]

The little guests' names, Thingumy and Bob, are play on the word "thingamabob". Their suitcase just makes me think of Pulp Fiction. Too-Ticky is based on author's same-sex partner. Character's name is play on her name "Tuulikki".

[@tsogobauggi8721]

"Ei muumitaloa lukita yöksi, hei muumit! Kun hämärä hiipuu jo tähtien vyöksi, hei muumit! Karkeloi kansa ja kunnailla soi, muumeilta elämää oppia voi. Hei muumit! Hei muumit! Hei muumit..." :)

[@NixiePixie22]

(haven't watched the vid just yet so sorry if this was already known info) fun fact: the film rolls on their way to Finland from Japan got slightly corrupted / darkened the spot EXACTLY where Groke appears, making her even darker & nightmare-y =] just check out google like 'Groke Japan vs Finland' on image search, the difference is MASSIVE ='D

[@RabbitShirak]

Shame that they fixed it in the dvds

[@quantum_nekomancer]

I heard it was a bad attemp to censore her. Corrupted film makes more sense, but isn't anywhere near as fun.

[@madsceptictrooper6803]

I did find out the color difference between the versions but it's nice to finally know the reason behind it.

[@NixiePixie22]

@@RabbitShirak they did? awh =/

[@Punkkis90]

@@RabbitShirak I have a DVD where is the Groke's first appearance, but there it's still as dark as before in VHS. But that's YLE's version, maybe they changed it in MTV's?

[@susannakuisma6123]

Ninny as "The invisible child" has become some sort of mascot for the children that falls through Finnish child protective services. Either the survive good enough not to have anyone helping them or they get help too late. It is really sad in a way, but like Ninny in the series there is always hope. Have seen Ninny tattooed on so many people who have had problems in their childhood or people who are working with "troubled" children.

[@EonWhite]

Moomin mama: [Exists] Blight: [Happy noises]

[@nanar_]

i think it speaks a lot for the brilliance of the moomin series, that even though people were more or less traumatised as kids by some of the events and characters in the series (even to the point of having nightmares), it was and still is universally loved by kids and adults alike. i mean, those same kids are now here, as grown ups, praising the show while simultaneously sharing how afraid they were at times.

[@petskington7182]

Stinky is going to get lot better, i always crack at his things after these episodes

[@myiachanmagicalgirl]

I love that she became visible after standing up for someone.

[@TheLatokuivaaja]

It's so weird that the Groke isn't groaning all the time O.o Like yeah, the groaning was scary but it gave her so much character???

[@Sentou91]

I'm slightly bothered by the lack of emotion in the dub Magician's (Hobgoblin's finnish name) voice. I remember him sounding so frustrated when he couldn't get the ruby and so awed/grateful when Thingyma and Bob wished him to have the same ruby. Anyway, great fun to listen your analysis and opinions on the events and characters. Glad you are enjoying this show that had such an impact on so many kids and adults alike :)

[@Xalerdane]

The Swedish word for ‘magician’ is ‘Trollkarl’, which literally means ‘troll man’. The translator saw ‘troll man’, and decided ‘Hobgoblin’ would communicate the idea of ‘guy who is a spooky magical creature’ to the audience with minimal confusion.

[@Sentou91]

@@Xalerdane Ah, I see. similar things have happened in other translated media. Thank you for explaining ( ^v^)b

[@KAI_MAISTER]

As far as I remember the reason the Groke wants the Ruby is cause its a symbol of thingamy and bobs love for eachother, which is why the seashell is the only good trade as it was given to moomin out of love, aka the most beautiful thing in the world

[@WillyWONT]

*"you can't get away, sTiNKY."* It's funny that Snufkin only appeared once in this episode and it was to say THAT

[@watata1t]

The helsinki riot police has a big ass armored minibuss jokingly called "The Groke-Buss" ( Mörkö Bussi)

[@Tirahvi]

Also funfact about Thingamy and Bob...they are a lesbian couple. Orginal names were Tofsland and Vifslan these two names were the pet names the author Tove and her partner Vivian gave each other. How sweet right

[@BlightVonDrake]

SUPER sweet!~ ♥

[@sanians5685]

yess finally someone's talking about this!!

[@Paolur]

Oh dear gods the Groke still gives me chills after all these years. That bitch made me scared of the dark! The character is designed so ingeniously because thats the kinda shape/outline you can easily see everywhere when its dark! I also love the show for its blunt explanation of things, for example not trying to sugarcoat the reality of what led to Ninny's invisibility. They could have just as easily been vague about it like "Oh bad things happened to her, people were mean etc" but for kids I think it's much better to be direct since they don't yet have the experience to understand such things when only hinted at. Tl;dr this show is fucking genious!

[@BlightVonDrake]

I highly agree!~

[@Veryfreshveryflourish24]

Please keep this up. I love this since this show was my childhood so revisiting it from perspective of newcomer and adult is wonderful.

[@BlightVonDrake]

I fully intend to!~

[@Veryfreshveryflourish24]

@@BlightVonDrake wonderful. Can't wait till you to get to one episode that can AND WILL make Moominmama top 1 mom for you.

[@sinivuokko3004]

Ah, moomins were so close to me through my entire childhood. I wouldn’t even eat cottage cheese or mozzarella as a child because my brother had told me that those were moomin meat. I seriously thought for years that cottage cheese was moomin ground beef and mozzarella was moomin tenderloin😂

[@mullisaukko423]

Speaking of the Moomins, I just turned 18 today and got the 8th Moomin mug to my collection :D

[@mullisaukko423]

Why am I so happy about getting 4 likes??

[@irinore]

@@mullisaukko423 HAVE MORE LIKES

[@mullisaukko423]

@@irinore IHSIfFAFA THATS SO SWEET THANK YOU C:

[@Punkkis90]

Which one did you get? :D

[@mullisaukko423]

@@Punkkis90 Fillyjonk!!! I love the mug but hate the character XD

[@jannika-7674]

I'll never get over Groke's voice in English dub X'D it sounds so silly. Also all the smaller growling from her was left out, it's weird. Amazing commentary, btw, I can't wait for the next episode! You have a good balance between serious comments and humour.

[@hxpnxs]

Groke is the saddest character in my opinion. She is so lonely and depressed that she is turning everything cold and freezing... she is not evil.

[@TaskuPallero]

me sees the english version of the groke: LOL that aint nearly as scary as the finnish one! here she sounds like she got some helium in her lungs, also why she so silent during the episode? like in finnish version she would make this scary noise thing b4 she leaves and claims to come back with the scary voice

[@RabbitShirak]

Her voice in finnish kind of resembles ice cracking to me.

[@hanasan322]

In the books Thingumy and Bob have their own language only Hemulen can understand. They represent Tove and her lover Vivica Bandler, Thingumys original name is derived from Tove (Tofslan) and Bobs from Vivica (Vifslan). Tooticki is modeled after Toves life partner Tuutikki Pietilä. Love your commentary! It's interesting to see how you react to what was essentially my whole childhood 😍

[@Fycoren]

i never know what to comment so I rarely do, but I really want you to know how much I love your reactions. I watched moomins all my childhood, living n Finland. but watching the show again with you is an amazing way to appreciate the series even more than I already did, honestly. I'll be very excited to see more

[@BlightVonDrake]

That makes me so happy to hear~ ♥

[@tuomaseronen6782]

All my age People still memembers croke and shiwering when they hear that theme song

[@Sancyria]

I had my last Groke-nightmare when I was 24

[@mullisaukko423]

for some reason I never was afraid of the Groke. I either never saw that episode as a kid or I was just extremely fearless.

[@iceskaterprotainasxp8276]

@@Sancyria damit, i was hoping these would end when i would grow older ,i guess there goes that plan, im 14 and they are still nowhere near over

[@gootitibu2334]

I was more scared of the ice princess or whatever the hell her name is, the one in the winter episode

[@mullisaukko423]

@@gootitibu2334 Lady of the Cold

[@sneakaboo3486]

Invisible Friend is my absolute favorite episode and that’s saying a lot because I adore this series, I always watch it whenever I feel down because moominmama precious

[@unwholesome4254]

i used to love moomins as a child, but i never really understood the meaning of Ninnys character (obviously 'cause i was like 6-7) but watching this now makes me feel so much empathy for her. The episodes made me also understand myself better. It's just so horrible how many people can relate to her (including me) and the way Ninnys body and head started to be not invisible again was just so touching. Anyways grate video and i loved the commentary!

[@buttersstotch7981]

All Moomin characters are originally pure white but animators got a permission from Tove Janson (The creator of Moomins) to give each of them different color scheme so it is easier for kids to identify them. Spoiler alert (Which actually aren´t coming in this 90s series but in novel books.) Even tough Little My is the smallest children character in show she is possibly the oldest of the all children characters. Her small size is result by the fact that she was absolutely microscopic when she was born. And her name also comes from that (My = Mi = Micro- = 10−6) Also Little My and Snufkin are siblings from different fathers.

[@kattahj]

And the Snorks originally change colours like a mood ring, which would have been even more confusing!

[@Anonymouthful]

It means so much to me see someone discovering this show for the first time and loving it this much.

[@utes5532]

I fairly recently re-watched the Moomins in Finnish out of nostalgia, and I'm really interested to see someone foreign go into it blindly (and also to see the differences in the English dub). Can't wait for the next video about this :)

[@zikkeboi]

Oh the poor kids that had years of nightmares because of the Groke... Poor me indeed...

[@zikkeboi]

also, the Groke sounded so much more scary in the Finnish dub.

[@Thunker147]

I really relate to Ninni because I too have been in toxic almost abusive relationship with my friendgroup. I'm not going to go detail but the way they did invisible child episode was briliant. The whole concept of neglet and how you start hiding your true self because of all the toxicty in your life. It felt so real. How you finally learn to stand up for yourself and move on. You still have that trauma but you are healing. I also liked that they didn't show Ninni's abuser/aunt because it really highlights that this is HER story and her abuser has no longer power over her

[@xKuukkelix]

Imagine watching this shit when you were 4. I didn't sleep for a week after seeing the groke for the first time

[@Shinekage]

That groke nightmare is LITERALLY my every nightmare. She literally was the very embodiment of fear for me as a child and even deep into teens. Eng dub missed out on Grokes terrifying groan but leaving her silent worked relatively well.

[@Ingri9]

This show was incredibly important to me growing up, and still is, and these reaction videos just make me feel like I'm watching them again with a friend that gets to experience it for the first time, and something about that wholesome vibe was just something I really needed these days, so thank you for making these! The invisible friend episodes were such a heavy topic but made me feel so good when I was a child due to how much the moomin family wanted to help Ninny become visible again. When she was invisible, I actually remember seeing myself in her place very vividly. For me it was school that was the cause of distress, rather than homelife, and, especially, Stinky seemed like a picture of how cruel some kids can be

[@cerene11]

Just to point, Snorks have "hair" on top of their heads, while Moomins never do.

[@Darkpaint84]

«You better break out the frying pan, Mama!» - favorite line of moominpapa in the small guests episode 🤣

[@Holidayflowergirl]

Damn, in the Swedish dub, most of his lines aren’t nearly as hilarious as in this xD

[@Darkpaint84]

@@Holidayflowergirl that goes for the norwegian dub as well, which i grew up with. I personally think english mooninpappa is the best moominpappa :)

[@vanyadolly]

Snorkmaiden is a little yandere. 😂 It doesn't come up often, but she has a temper.