Who are the Moomins (or Moomins)?

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Muumimaailma, or Moomin’ s World

The Moomins, fictional characters, are among the best-known and loved Finnish icons. Their popularity exceeds certainly not that of Santa Claus, however, they are classified as the second most popular in Finland. Founded in 1940 by the famous Finnish writer, illustrator, and painter Tove Jansson, who is of swedish expression, the Moomins (in Finnish the say “Muumi” and in Swedish “Mumintroll”) are an adorable family of trolls that look strangely like hippopotamuses snow.

After initially achieved success through comic books and albums, the Moomins have become a global phenomenon becoming known as puppets as well as Japanese-style cartoons. The nice family – consisting of Moomin Papa, Mama Moomin, Moomin the son – they live in an imaginary valley in the Gulf of Finland. A peaceful place where everything is beauty and where the Moomins welcome guests in their magical garden under the summer sun which is almost continuous. But some of their stories happen sometimes away from this enchanted world.
Each member of this family is staged, particularly the son, who is experiencing a growing fascination for the unknown, for the other. The key message from these immortal characters is both their positive state of mind and their innocence facing hardships imposed by nature.
On the occasion of the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tove Jansson, the Unesco organized from November 17th, an exhibition entitled “Tove Jansson 100 – Art, Literature and Moomines at the UNESCO House” . This exhibition presents books and Moomin illustrations and the creative journey of the author. You can, until November 21st, 2014 and upon presentation of identification card, discover the magical world of Moomins.
For more information: The UNESCO House – 125 avenue de Suffren, Paris 7th.

By Aissatou KOUROUMA.