The Complete Amateur's Guide to Moomin

[@alexross1816]

I was doing dishes and noticed we had a Moomin measuring cup. I remember asking when we got it and why. My mom said "I don't know. We needed a measuring cup, I found one at the store and it had a cute little creature on it and couldn't pass it up."

[@aztro.99]

thank god she didnt sell her work to disney

[@atomictea21]

Disney could not handle Snufkin alone

[@k.Miles789]

yep. It could've got a bad tv show, and less horror.

[@Bandersnatch41]

They'd find a way to make it lay and gay

[@shirleymaemattthews4862]

​@@Bandersnatch41How could moomin get MORE GAY than hoe it fanbase sets it out to be?!

[@LordValorum]

Amen

[@GandyDaGei]

*If this is an amateur's guide, i can't even imagine what an expert's guide to Moominvalley would be, because this is a 10/10 guide*

[@HenryKathman]

I generally feel like 'expert' is a label to be given by others, not to oneself. Personally, I like the term 'Moomin Scholar' more cause there is always more things to learn.

[@blueotter5954]

What a terrifyingly interesting idea.

[@0ia]

@@HenryKathmanMoominscholar! That's a fun word

[@mercster]

"Expert" is not the opposite of "amateur"; "professional" is. Thus, this title makes no sense, as "professional" in this context doesn't make sense.

[@samiirai]

Expert guide is only given in drunken Finish.

[@youraverageBAMF]

"the books received criticisms about the usage of sarcastic languages" 20 years ago my dad reading me the moomin books for my bedtime stories: "OHHHH That's a great comeback you can try this one on the other kids!"

[@zesc1911]

Dad knows the potential 😂

[@LordValorum]

Based

[@zorantaylor3190]

One can only imagine what those critics thought of early Peanuts comics or Calvin and Hobbes....

[@SilverGamingFI]

What makes the "moominvalley in November's" name a bit more sad is that November in Finnish is "Marraskuu", literally meaning the Month of Death It was poetic to end the series in that time

[@patricvgn]

There was a comic magazine with Moomin and his friends in the early 90s until 2006. I was one of the main writers and Tove's brother Lars was one of the editors until his death. It was a fun and creative period of my life.

[@itsgoose-579]

Thank you for your contribution to Moomin 🫶

[@yalejosie]

Woah!!! So cool that you worked on that. Thanks for your work! ❤

[@BanazirGalpsi1968]

She did illustrations for the Hobbit as well, and they are pretty good.

[@ninnik]

I love that cover!

[@juki3117]

Alice in wonderland also. They are cute!

[@winkie3331]

Tolkien actually saw her illustration of a tall, terrifying Gollum and that’s apparently what made him go back and add that Gollum was short.

[@avivastudios2311]

Snufkin and the invisible girl are the most interesting characters I've ever seen in a children's book.

[@HenryKathman]

I'm glad to see them continue to resonate with people after all of these years.

[@FordiBare]

100% agree! Snufkin was my first crush haha. I always related a lot to little My, turns out I have adhd and I was a misunderstood, angry little energetic child.

[@leespiderpod]

When I was a kid in the 80’s I had the flu and I was pretty delirious, it was snowing outside and my mum had given me a heap of medicine. The strong syrupy stuff. I fell to sleep on the sofa and woke up to the moomin’s playing on the tv. I’ll never forget my 1st moomin experience

[@LuckyLuke_94]

And my first moomin experience was with a frame from the first anime with moomintrol holding a knife

[@rrurangi]

My first moomin interaction was I discover moomin book

[@Grim_Sister]

Me and my brother would watch it while my grandmother took care of her patients. My brother still loves them.

[@guesswilsey]

as a Finn who grew up with the Moomins and continues to love the series to this day, I commend you for creating such a thorough and detailed video about them!

[@glacieractivity]

As a Norwegian cousin growing up in the 70s, amen my friend.

[@kiwitanuki]

Found this video in lieu of sky:cotl's upcoming Moomin season in a week! This was such a beautiful guide, and Im so glad to have experienced this series and its values it upholds❤

[@shawnmckenzie8699]

I found out about Moomin from Sky as well.

[@sashahenriksen]

Im from Iceland and so i grew up with the Moomins as they are really popular here and im glad that american audiences among others are starting to enjoy the moomins. Im most familiar with the 1990 anime which was dubbed in Icelandic and shown on morning television these other adaptations seem really neat. I've not watched the new series but perhaps i should. My mom collects the moomin mugs and i myself have a number of moomin things. Moomins has such a serenity to it. its such a raw reflection of life. This guide was really great and really well researched and definitely showed how the evolution of the moomin stories were a reflection of not only the life of Tove but also the people around her and in some ways the world. Excellent work.

[@Der_Kleine_Mann]

Yup, me too. I always watched the anime as a child in the early 90's here in germany. Loved it so much. And it did age very well, because I re-watched the series a few years ago, and it was just as fantastic as back in the good old days.

[@ilari90]

As a Finn who grew up with the "oldies" in the 90s, I can't watch the new series. It doesn't have the heart with it, for me, and many of the episodes seem too much hassle like an american children's show. Calm pace of the 90s series is much better.

[@rosvlinds]

For some reason, The Moomins are extremely popular in Poland (and have been since I can remember)

[@3xx948]

I live in Canada where the situation is nearly identical to the USA. When it comes to this kind of things like books, anime, movies, and TV shows, we have a strange cultural isolationism that seems odd for first world countries

[@mr.mcnuggies]

As a Canadian, I'm now experiencing Moomin for the first time through this video. This series is really not popular at all in Canada and no one I know has seen it. It looks really cute though!

[@earthwormlen36]

i don't know what it is, but something about this guide was so emotional. there's just something about moomin, something that makes me oddly...sad. but not in a negative way, but more of a bittersweet way. 'bittersweet' maybe isn't the first thing one would think of watching me bawl my eyes out after watching this, but 'bittersweet' describes the feeling perfectly.

[@AshIzDead]

In my experience it really brings on a bittersweet nostalgia, for me it makes me wish for the security of childhood because the show embodies it. Its a gorgeous show and its very comforting.

[@earthwormlen36]

@@AshIzDeadThat’s part of what I feel. Another part of the Moomins (this is something I like) is how sad they are, and I guess that’s why they make me sad, but in a good way

[@demenok1313]

aye got the same feeling whenever the moomins come up. Still cant figure out why it makes me feel like that. Felt like that since i was a kid, watching the show. Even as a kid I always felt somewhat uneasy when watching the moomins. Always the feeling, of something lost forever, yet getting a final glimpse of it, before it is gone, as if too say farewell,

[@florofern6470]

There is definitely a bittersweet vibe to the moomins and I'm never quite sure why

[@josephm5695]

Maybe “melancholy” describes it? I think a lot of children’s books/tv etc that have that feel.

[@Heathen7]

Such is the dilemma when art becomes popular - one puts honesty and perspective into their work, people recognize that and relate to it, share it with others, who share with others, and on and on, and suddenly the genuine, honest nature of the art can becomes lost in consumerism and production. Hence why so many experience artistic burn out when the demand for their work becomes too much, that the reason for the art becomes lost in the need to make more. I've known of the Moomins for a time in my learning about Nordic cultures, but only more recently began researching and understanding the source material better. At it's heart, the Moomins are cute creatures and characters that, in one degree or another, experience life in all it's sadness and beauty, despair and triumph, loneliness and love. Nuance, and having fun with it, I think, is what makes the Moomins so accessible and relatable. Plus, Snufkin is just fun.

[@itschristinamoon]

I have Finnish heritage that I was unfortunately isolated from once my grandparents died. I never got to meet my Finnish grandmother and only fragments of the culture were mixed in with my other immigrant cultural upbringing. I was searching for Finnish culture and came across Moomin. As a queer mixed WOC, this series was a great awakening. It was like finding my lost family. I saw how my own family mirrored Tove's and how much I related to her as an artist myself. Your video essay has been unmatched to others and there is so much love put into it, thank you so much.

[@FireJojoBoy]

The first time I've heard about the moonmins was a story about how my grandpa as a kid got in trouble in school because he drew a moomin on the board and wrote "my teacher is a moomin" on it haha. It feels wholesome now starting to learn about the whole history and community of these

[@GenxAltered]

I just got a Moomin plush as a gift and I still have no idea what it is. Looking forward to this

[@Jay-ln1co]

Snufkin with a rifle: "Sometimes reasonable Moomin must do unreasonable things."

[@HenryKathman]

Amen brother

[@tumbke]

as someone who grew up in SEA, i have never understood Moomin. I only ever seen it in fan art, so fairly just recent. Moomin has a collab with Sky Children of the Light, my favorite game as of recent, so i was very curious where the fascination came from. Thanks for this video! I can understand this now. I know where to start getting into this too.

[@thewannabegamer9]

Snufkin is one of my favorite characters in all of media and more people need to know about him. So thank you for bringing more attention to the Moomins.

[@drunkpekka4284]

Sky: Children of the Light will soon release a Moonmin season and will probably be the first introduction to many in Asia [outside Japan] and in other parts of the world. Thank you for helping us better appreciate the timeless beauty of these stories.

[@HenryKathman]

@@drunkpekka4284 yeah, I’ve been trying out sky in preparation for this next season

[@ilari90]

Hobgoblin character in Finnish is simply "Taikuri", "The Magician". I remember how I was slightly fearful of him as a kid. I was born in 1990 so I saw the series when it came out, got the Moomin and the Comet movie as VHS for my 3rd or 4th christmas present. Recorded almost all the episodes from tv to vhs, too, and watched those tapes till they broke.

[@Shinekage]

I mean he was accompanied by very scary music, sounds and even a jumpscare. By the second appearance children had also been utterly broken by Groke in last couple of episodes.

[@CoClock]

I grew up in England with the 90s Moomins on TV. Enjoyed the fantasy elements and the art style. But being a child, I didn’t know that it was broadcast in other parts of Europe. Then while working in a restaurant in London, on break or sth, I randomly started singing the English version of the ending theme and my Norwegian co worker was like I GREW UP WITH THAT SHOW! And joined in with the Norwegian lyrics to the same melody 😂😂 That was such a cool moment knowing that our childhoods had something really interesting in common. “They love the laughter and they love the living, the MooooMiiiinnnsss!!”

[@Roflmaolinde]

I remember when Moomins removed their ”noses”! Probably one of the most epic and horrifying moments on Swedish television

[@Solinaru]

this really is the complete guide ❤️ the ending was so beautiful as well that I'm tearing up

[@HenryKathman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@liliwater]

Watching this video in order to understand the future Sky CotL season ^^. Thanks a lot for your work.

[@shawnmckenzie8699]

Same. I hope you're enjoying the season!

[@honeywasp7839]

i think all the gods that moomin never became a disney product...

[@dinnerputter8757]

This is such a beautifully constructed video! I've been trying to reconnect with my Finnish side and found out about Moomin, and I've been obsessed. Can't wait to see the next video

[@HenryKathman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@myprofilepictureisafish]

The Invisible Child stuck with me throughout my childhood, I never knew quite why until I rewatched the Moomins recently and was brought to tears by the episode, I related on such a personal level to Ninny and that one singular story has reignited my love for these stories so much that within a month I bought a load of Moomin merch and watched a bunch of the episodes online and I was even to find some old Moomin toys, I’ll always be thankful for Moomins for being such a big part of my childhood

[@Reddotzebra]

Little My is kind of a partially translated unit of measurement joke, in Swedish which was her primary language we refer to the lowercase version of letters as the "little" version, and the lowercase version of the Greek letter Mu, which in Swedish is called My is µ, or Micro. So it's an elaborate short joke, sorry to say.

[@stchiao1209]

The character in Little Witch Academia, Lotte Jansson, is named after Moomin creator Tove Jansson. And Hannah England and Barbara Parker were based on Bill Hanna and you Joe Barbera.

[@noogler-u3f]

I thought moomin did NOT have lore and was just a cute merch

[@ZaneDafliss007]

Same lol... A few days ago i stumbled upon a short video of Moomintroll and Snufkin and thats pretty much how my interest in Moomins began to grow xD

[@teucer915]

I came across "Finn Family Moomintroll" in a used bookstore when I was 8 or so, and fell in love with it, but never found any of the other books. It was only as an adult that I learned this was a sprawling and beloved series.

[@kim_jungkook857]

The fact that you added Good Omens to a Moomin video is very satisfying for me. Two of my favorite shows that have nothing to do with eo in one video. Love it ❤❤❤

[@lolat6052]

Same i was smiling so hard :D

[@melowlw8638]

edit: just like the very first time i watched these videos i wanna cry bc it got me all emotional watching this as a prep for my trip to finland in a bit!! i have watched the videos separately already but i will not get tired of the moomins

[@HenryKathman]

Oh that's neat!

[@Riddle99-v7q]

Happy to have had you here! How was your trip?

[@dannmcdan2185]

Man i cried. As a finn i grew up on Moomins. My first movie was Moomins and the comet, i red the books, i watched the show, my home was/is full of Moomin mugs, toys, sheets and plates. I learned to love nature, to love art and to be kind to myself and others from the Moomins. Its a part of my soul now and my dream as an artist is to someday make something that would impact someone as much as Moomins impacted me.

[@anjaolesen3479]

I watched Moomin the first time when I was 4 or 5 years old. Now, 30+ years later, I still return to the series, whenever I'm ill. With the music you played, I could tell about scenes takingplais alongside the music. I never noticed or thought about the storry of the invisible chield, but now I get it. After seing a loved one disapear or lose herself in a mentaly abusive relationship, and seing the struggle for my loved one to finde herself on the other side of that relationship... I now see Nini in a new light. Thankyou

[@pietrabraz4756]

Me and my boyfriend were watching the 3 parts when you uploaded this video compiled and we're laughing a lot here because it was right when we started haha but we loved it! Your organization and edition is superB! I'm Brazilian and I met Moomins for the first time when I was a little child wih a random toy which is ... a mystery for me, because I searched and it appears Moomins weren't popular here in Brazil, the animation series wasn't aired here and I think only one of the books were translated when I was a kid... But now, with the boom in popularity, I'm finally reading the books and comics (also want to watch later!) and I'm loving the series. Not sure quite why, it's just a very comforting read. But I think something caught my attention in your video essay: The way Tove wrote about mental illness. I won't go further in details because it's very personal, but the Invisible Child is a way of talking abuse that is so... I don't have words, it's just great. I'm going through therapy and learning to be more assertive, be angry, show and find more of myself because I kind of lost "myself" in the way of the abuse I suffered. I bet when I reach this story in the books I'll probably cry a lot. Honestly, I wish I had these stories available for me when I was a kid, but I'm glad now Moomins are gaining more and more translations, so more children (and even adults) can access stories like these, because they help much more than others may think.

[@HenryKathman]

Thank you for sharing. Though to your point of mental illness: while I find the pursuit of 'comforting' and 'cozy' media an understandable and vital pursuit, I also think it is crucial that people have the means to explore specific uncomfortable topics within the relatively safe confines of fiction, which I think is something that the Moomin stories do well for young children. That said, I once again would want to recommend any adult Moomin fans to check out Jansson's other novels like "The Summer Novel" or "The True Deceiver" as they are able to similarly explore those topics from an adult lens.

[@MossyMozart]

@pietrabraz4756 - I am sorry for the pain you had to endure, physical, verbal, emotional. I hope your therapy and the Moomins are helping you. Virtual hugs and chocolate.

[@snusmumricken]

Trolkarl is just what we call wizards, pun is a strong word for it.

[@Decembirth]

Thanks for the work. I've been seeing these little, what I called, "Marshmallow People" over the years but could never get a read on them.

[@Furore2323]

This is a genuine treasure. Thank you.

[@HenryKathman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Uberdude6666]

The 90's cartoon is always going to be the "definitive" moomin-story for me, because its the one I grew up on... Its a bit scary that we are apparently in a "Moomin renessanse" though, someone is going to steal my fanfiction-idea at this rate

[@MrsFurbalicious]

Did you write it?

[@Uberdude6666]

@@MrsFurbalicious partly

[@varoonnone7159]

Renaissance* The Japanese did a great job

[@deadwcat6681]

When Tove Jansson was pretty particular about adaptations of her work, I wonder how 2 soviet ones came to be?..

[@ll-bz8re]

I've been wanting to get into Moomin for a long time now. I think this video is going to finally make me go for it.

[@HenryKathman]

I'm glad! Let me know which parts of the series you get started with!

[@_Nova_2009_]

Thank you so much for this, it was great! I’m from Australia and had never heard of the Moomins until I watched Eurovision this year and saw them in an interval act

[@celebrityguest.9530]

incredible video

[@HenryKathman]

As I said, stories like this should be motivation to help make more places in the world like Moominvalley. I believe we can get there, but I does mean learning from the history of people like Tove and collectively engaging with the issues we face today.

[@celebrityguest.9530]

@@HenryKathman it can be hard sometimes but i appreciate you spreading that message-- thank you for making this

[@Nicolas-we1ji]

Thank you for this guide. I'm in the making of a presentation for my university design class about Tove and now I' ve seen the point behind her and the Moomins. I didn't know much about them, I just saw the Augsburger Puppenkiste play, (I'm from Germany) when I was a child. It was a bit eerie and strange for me. Then I saw the growing popularity for Snufkin on social media and at last the Moomin comics in comic stores. Now, with the choice of making a presentation about Tove, I had the chance the dive in this world I've seen so much and also so little of. Thanks again, I will recommand this video in my presentation, maybe someone will give you a click ;)

[@HenryKathman]

Thank you very much! I don’t know what kind of citation style your university uses, but if you use MLA, here’s a citation to use: Kathman, Henry, “The Complete Amateur’s Guide to Moomin” KZbin. June 26, 2023. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIOmq6B4mZqjqassi=wIIdyj8ck85ZOzAI Always cite your sources, kids!

[@sillyzelda]

admittedly- watching this video made me cry. i just started my final year of high school today, and recently got into the moomins. particularly, the part about growing up got to me. i am very scared to be honest, but this series is a pillar of comfort for me. thank you for the wonderful video :]

[@raybradbury2954]

Moomin is the Adventure Time of the 20th century

[@optiquemusic6204]

I'm also sensing some parallels to another series of children's books: one whose first was published in 1945, second in '46 and third in '48. They also started out as Modern Fairy Tales, but got more complex as time wore on. They slowly gained an international following and a niche, understated fan base, despite being a very British product, just like how the Moomins are very Scandanavian. Final hint: it's about trains. 😉

[@glacieractivity]

This "little" documentary is why I love YT. Thanks, Henry.

[@unloosegoose4766]

Bro every time I hear that someone doesn’t like musicals my brain automatically goes to Starkid’s musical “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals.” God I love that musical

[@birdelicious-hd]

Moomins were such a big part of my childhood, having born in 2008. I loved the anime adaptation, and of course, the infamous felt moomins always remind me of when i was 5-6 years old. I live in Estonia, and there was even a moomin magazine published here until about 2015. I collected them, and still look through them now. Moomins will always stay in my mind as the characters that raised me the most. I am so thankful to Tove Jannson for creating them.

[@kristerpedersen1645]

I’m a Norwegian born in 2004, and actually the Midwinter story is the one I’ve had the most relationship to growing up. I remember reading and watching different adaptations of the story, always making me scared, but also hungry for more! ❤

[@CherriBeetle]

I have just been getting into the Moomin franchise, funny enough from all the art I saw of The Joxter. But even though I now know that The Joxter is barely a character in the Moomin universe. I can say I’m still very intrigued with the whole world. I know I’ve so far barely scratched the surface, I can tell I’m already going to severely deep dive into this and never come back out.

[@capraspastica8925]

It's wonderful that so many people love these characters and hold them close to them. In a way they end up loving sides of the people that inspired them to be. People dear to Tove Jansson keep living in other's hearts

[@MarkFaldborg]

I did not know about shonen snuffkin with a gun. Amazing

[@FeeshUnofficial]

The 90s show has given me great memories and horrible nightmares. Idk much about any other show or movie but I love that show specifically

[@Lekuster93]

Wow, this was a great update for the three episodes which I've rewatched multiple times. As a Finn growing up with the 90s Moomin series was the best time of my life and I still love Moomin with all my heart and am glad that my daughter also gets to enjoy them. Also: goodness gracious, I didn't know you could sing so beautifully. Gave me goosebumps when you started singing during outro 😁❤️👍

[@somebodyelse5820]

15:05 Holy Hell that is a big smile. A little uncanny too.

[@Shroomiedoobie]

i discovered the moomins through eco-terrorism, that's the greatest testament to the the universality of jansson's work

[@MossyMozart]

What?

[@Zarnubius]

@@MossyMozart there was a guy hu chained himself 2 a tree 2 save the big AL, but his dumb ass gat squiched and befre he died he yelled "READ M@@mIN"

[@AsdfGhjkl-bd5mh]

Terrorism is awful.

[@Footwater]

I went nearly an hour watching and being in awe at how beautifully this story was told. This video captures so much and does it in a classy way. Thank you

[@HenryKathman]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Vipzy1]

Just as the ones you uploaded before, I found my new calming go-to video. Thank you very much!

[@HenryKathman]

To be honest, I had some hesitancy reuploading these in a single collection like this, but I am glad that people are able to enjoy my work like this more easily.

[@magda1347]

Thank you for this very comprehensive guide. Your mellow voice perfectly complements the melancholy feeling of the series. I have discovered the Moomin universe last month in Oulu airport when I visited Finland for the first time. I proceeded to spent a lot of money on Moomin merch for my daughter and also tried to find there the books in English but was not successful. We have been watching all the Moomin episodes that we could find on youtube ever since. I grew up in Romania and as far as I know, we never had anything related to the Moomins here.

[@MossyMozart]

My introduction to the Mommins was at about age 10 in the public library's child section, Hudson River Valley, NY. I found "Moominland Midwinter" and sat right on the floor in the stacks until I finished the book. I love them through today. I will eventually paint their portraits on my walker when it comes to that. (I always related especially to Little My.)

[@stilettobrunette9]

Wow, this was such an enjoyable watch! I only recently started watching the 90s animated adaptation of the Moomin stories, and the way you put everything into context makes me appreciate the characters and themes so much more. I also liked the added perspective of why Moomin resonates with younger audiences today. Thank you for making this!

[@stilettobrunette9]

Also pls don't judge my username I made it in like middle school 🥲

[@johmlemon532]

Moomins has dedicated fans from literally everywhere in the world. If you look at the comments on the 90s Moomins adaptation (the videos posted on youtube) there are always a bunch of people from nepal begging for a version dubbed in Nepali, or with Nepali subtitles! Moomins is super popular in Nepal, Iceland, the UK, Scandinavia (and for that matter, all of Europe,) Japan, (and I'm sure other countries in asia as well, besides japan and nepal), it's finally reaching the US, and I'm writing this as a dedicated Canadian fan! :) I actually think South America is the only continent moomins has yet to gain popularity in, though I'm sure they have fans living in South America, lol. But I have never heard anything about it being popular there, and I don't think there are any spanish or portugese adaptations of the show. (Those, of course, being a few of the most prominent languages in South America)

[@davidking8744]

The "from viewers like you, thank you" bit me in the nostalgia bone hard.

[@Forest_korok]

I think the part about people liking snufkin bc he’s an angsty tall white guy is funny, because he is very much 4 feet tall

[@HenryKathman]

If anything, Bill Cipher has shown that physical reality doesn’t preclude becoming a tall angsty white guy for some folks

[@Forest_korok]

@@HenryKathman lmao so true

[@sket179]

Thank you for making this. I'm s Finn who grew up on the 90's anime and I was able to learn so much from this. As the 90's series being my mother's milk, I cringed so hard when seeing some of the new anime shows a couple of years ago. I couldn't watch it for long. The one character I was missing when watching this was Stinky. He is one of my favourites along with little My, who kept bringing discord to the Moomin valley. The episode of stinky and the invisible girl is one of the most memorable to me, where Moomin, while previously having entertained or endured Stinky's troubles, becomes so upset at him for bullying Ninni. As a someone who was ostracized and bullied at school, this hit me so hard at the time. I'm not the first one to do this, but at the naming celebration of my child, I read the bit about Snufkin giving a name Teety-Woo to this small adulating creature. It's also a great commentary of Snufkin's compassion and simultaneous disdain for adulation, saying it so nicely that one should not worship someone whom they do not really know. A couple of hints on pronunciation: Tove is said somewhat like this: Tuu-veh. Number 2 in swedish is said: twoh ("två" has a swedish oh). I am so glad for your compassionate take on curating this, what seems to be a "neutral" look at the evolution of Moomin. Like you pointed out, many of the tv adaptations, notably the first and last anime ones, wanted to cater it to some specific purpose, without staying true to the original books and comics. While I understand this, and I am happy that people can find them through this medium, I hope that it helps them discover the books and original art, which has the most profound effects on the emotional themes that Tove so bravely brought forward. I think these books are so great because both adults can get so much from them, while they are reading them as bedside stories to their young children.

[@alexanderfloyd5099]

I’ve never heard of the Moomins. Now I’ll be diving in!

[@LittleMissLounge]

Despite living overseas as a kid and liking non-American media, I somehow managed to miss out on the Moomins until maybe my late teens or early adulthood. I saw people use them as avatars and was like, "What is that marshmallow hippopotamus thing?" I proceeded to find out while learning what a cool person TJ was. This is a great introduction/recap of the Moomins! I'm glad it randomly came up in my recommendations. Now I really wish I had grown up with them.

[@ilari90]

@1:17:15 there were some small scale moomin games in 90s in Finland, like the Magicians Hat and others. Windows 95 type games. I have always wanted to make a Moomin platformer with the Tove draw style. Snuffkin game looks interesting! EDIT: Ending brought tears to my eyes, good tears.

[@margareeta1369]

Muumit ja taikatalvi was such a good game

[@RaccoonLex]

12:02 My favorite character from the Movie Moomin and the comet referring to the Philosopher that lives under the bridge (keeps saying "not that it really matter anyways" and "nothing really matters") MoominMom asks does he want to come in for some tea and cookies? And he answers " cookies? at the time like this? Maybe just one."

[@ArcticonComp]

It's really nice to see this resurgence in interest in Jansson and her work. I do have to note that the surname Jansson is not pronounced like this. The letter o in the name is pronounced like o in oligarch. In the video, you pronounce the name like that of a Danish variant Janssen. Also for advanced fans: the o in Tove is not pronounced the same way, but somewhat like the word "to" or "Moomin" (more like the vowel u) but with stress and therefore elongated slightly.

[@LoganMccullar]

As someone who speaks Danish, I agree, though he can’t pronounce the “E” correctly because it’s pronounced as an “Ø”

[@LoganMccullar]

Which is a foreign almost incomprehensible letter to most English speakers

[@tylerc5021]

"Jansoon"?

[@supme7558]

Like tovelo

[@MaiaAranel]

This brought me so much joy! I watched the Moomins as a kid growing up in Mexico. I love seeing more people become acquainted with the characters and stories I still love so much 🥰

[@Ros4.87]

I had no idea kids all the way in Mexico were watching moomins growing up, that’s so cool! I’m finnish and the series was a huge part of my childhood as you can probably imagine. For some reason I always thought that only people in Finland knew of it’s existence lol

[@CherryNah]

@@Ros4.87 And everyone thought they were hippos all the time hahaha They were broadcasted by a public television channel (canal 11), spanish dubbed and in a children bar. I used to watch it after school and I loved their sweet colors and mostly peaceful pacing. We also had the Moomin in the Rivera on cinemas for about a month and the new CGI series in the new children only channel of Canal 11, both spanish dubbed! Not a big fandom but they are beloved here.

[@ZiaRez]

​@@CherryNahYes! The fact that it was available on a public channel meant that anyone with access to a TV at that time had a chance to fall in love with the darling world of Moomins. I have a friend that moved to Finland from Mexico and it filled me with such joy to see her collect different Moomin items that we didn't have access to where we are.

[@yuyii-y1l]

my russian mom used to read moomins to me before bed when i was a child... before the franchise became popular on the internet, i had no idea that cartoons and comics exist

[@saidas505]

I am from Finland and for us I feel like the Moomins are a part of our culture already. Everyone knows them, has watched the tv-series and perhaps read a book or two, and most importantly everyone owns a Moomin mug! Thank you for this very well-made video!

[@majaburg6105]

I saw the "Fuzzy Felt" Mumins as a kid. My first episode was the one where the Groke chases Mumin into the house and brings the winter to the summerly garden. I was so in fear AND loved the story so much. It's what Astrid Lindgren also does in her books: Nodd, if a kid says, the world can be very scary: It is. And you will be allright, my love.

[@HenryKathman]

A lot of fans have told me how the Groke acted as an entry point for the Moomins as well, maybe there's something about a spooky ice creature that get's people attached to these trolls.

[@poyitjdr]

I’ve never seen or read a Moomin story, but I did draw fan art of Snufkin years ago for a friend. I think it’s my turn to explore this wonderful valley. Thank you for making such an informative and compassionate video on it. I know I’ll need to take special care of myself during a certain storyline because of you. I greatly appreciate that. Also, this made me tear up. The end was such a great touch btw- it definitely helped lift some of the heaviness of it all, just enough so that my depression goblin is content to stay asleep. I hope that one day I can inspire the world like Tove. Thank you for introducing me to such a remarkable person!

[@maidenhare]

this is one of my favorite videos, i come back to rewatch all the time :) the moomins and tove are so special, its obvious you put a lot of care into this

[@senescenceaquasonic]

Oh wow, loved your fionna and cake video when it first came out and then I now got into the moomins and found this, nice xD

[@JimmyMouthwashing]

it's funny that my favorite character out of all is the groke even though she barely shows up

[@petrihukka915]

In finnish translation Hobgoblin is Taikuri which translates to Magician. Not sure if anyone is interested, but I wanted to mention.

[@chriswatson6231]

Im from Tasmania and born in 1971. Every library, big or small had all the books including "The Summer Book". From Finland to a library "must have" in Tasmania; every school and every public library, in the exact opposite southern geographic spot on the globe, in the 70s. This says something. These books were the first paperback length books i read as a grade 3 student. As an adult i read every book over and over, and what i realised was that Tove increases the maturity of the books as the reader developes in their own age and maturity in proportion to the publishing dates. This is first seen in 'Midwinter', and compare 'Exploits of papa' to 'lighthouse papa'. The same applies to the illustrations. In grade 3 i thought "good, its got pictures". As an adult every illustration has a deep emotion feel, from light hearted resting on hobgoblin ridable clouds, to the dark house at the start of "Midwinter". One masterpiece is Fillyjonk's house among the dark pines in "Autumn". Autumn had a big effect on me as an adult. The contented privacy of the lone Toft, and you the euthanasia allmost decision by Granpa Grumble to 'go to sleep'. I hope Tove's legacy is properly managed and copywrite licensed, in light of some very shallow cutsie pie exploitation i have seen regarding a brand of Asian cosmetics

[@BlindGardener]

Thank you for the hard work. I just wanted a quick insight but this was so much more.

[@HenryKathman]

Glad to have provided

[@NeroStreetArt]

Genuinely an amazing video. Thank you so much for making it. I'm a more recent Moomin fan. Just ordered the collection of comics. I simply can't wait!

[@KossolaxtheForesworn]

I do like that the 90s show is becoming multigenerational at this point. some 30 year olds have their own kids now and they can watch moomins together with them.

[@tyuninforlove]

When I was a kid our national television broadcasted moomin on the TV translated into the local language. I loooveed the series so much. I used to get home from school and without even changing my uniform just plop in front of the TV to watch moomin. This is really one of my favorite and clearest childhood memories. Must be 22-23 years ago now. I believe they showed it every Saturday morning with reruns on Wednesday evenings.

[@tyrannosaurusrhett]

I actually saw the 90s Moomin adaptation when I was very young. Totally forgot about it since it really didn't make much impact in the States at the time, but then I made friends with some Swedes. Every so often now I just dive back into the Moomins, watching old adaptations and reading the books.

[@leicean]

THE AO3 SCREENSHOT MADE ME WHEEZE

[@reneenoriega4524]

Sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do (make your own canon) 😔

[@Bbyowls1]

This was fantastic! Thank you for such a well thought out and accurate explanation of not only The Moomins, but also of Tove. ❤

[@ctochtli2964]

The Moomins are very popular in America since 1990, I grew up watching the Moomins Anime adaptation in public TV in México. (America is a continent and not a country).

[@HenryKathman]

Fair enough, apologies from a silly yankee

[@nigtmaredark8875]

I’m from Mexico, and I love Moominvalley and i really happy that the serie is being translate to spanish :)

[@dragonbear2467]

Hello Sky Players who are here because of the recent collab of Sky X Moomin ^^

[@HenryKathman]

I've always enjoyed thatgamecompany's work, but never gave Sky a shot. Perhaps I should give it a try when it comes out

[@uyagraph]

Hello fellow sky kid 😂

[@uyagraph]

​@HenryKathman thank you so much for the in-depth explanation!

[@LlamaWarrior101]

I've been called out

[@shawnmckenzie8699]

I'm here from Sky as well.

[@m00nvale.]

watching this in prepration of Sky:cotl's upcoming collaboration with moomin, and i say this is pretty neat

[@Abbscrom]

This guide has calm me and make me see how much moomin is a safe place for me because this is the sencod time hearing the whole thing after a anxiety meltown, also I love your soothing voice.

[@mike_dunno]

Amazing video! For a while I actually lived in a building in Helsinki that had paintings in the corridor walls made by Tove Jansson in the 50s :-)

[@HenryKathman]

Rad!

[@GameBoyPL1991]

51:50 The king was lazy enough to be corrupted into Moomin's way of life.

[@HenryKathman]

Honestly one of the best ways that a story like that could have ended. Highly recommend giving it a watch if you haven't

[@zepherxion]

I learned about Moomin when I was living in Japan. They really are so popular out there, despite never hearing about them when I was growing up in the U.S. Everyone in Japan seems to love Moomin.

[@mcloudyoutube]

Omg this was so well produced! Thank you for this- I had no idea about Tove’s life story and it makes me feel all the more attached to this series

[@HenryKathman]

Glad you enjoyed it!