The Moomin Phenomenon

It’s now time for the fifth and final episode of the podcast series about the Moomin phenomenon. And it’s finally time to focus on the creator: Tove Jansson. In this series, we’ve been discussing the Moomin phenomenon. Fans have told us how the Moomin world has absorbed them to the extent that they can even imagine tattooing the characters onto their bodies. We’ve also examined if there is such a thing as Moomin philosophy, and we’ve met many people who have been inspired by both Moomin ethics and aesthetics. We’ve also inundated ourselves with Moomin...

This is the fourth episode of the podcast about the Moomin phenomenon, and this time we’ll be looking at the commercialisation of Moomin. Why is there so much Moomin STUFF in the world? Is it simply because it’s an easy way to feel closer to the world of Moomin? Do you, dear listener, have any Moomin merchandise or collectables in your home? Perhaps a fridge magnet? Or a plush toy? Have you tasted the Fillyjonk fizzy soft drink? Or, as we discussed in the last episode, Moomin whiskey? A Moomin mug was sold for 25 thousand pounds on auct...

Now is the time to hear people who have been deeply influenced by the Moomins, from London, through Helsinki all the way to Tokyo. What does a theater director, an author of children’s books and a philosopher have in common? Well, they might just all be drawing their inspiration from Moominvalley. In fact, imagine all the people around the world influenced by the gentle Moomins, the hysterically dutiful Fillyjonk, the orderly Hemulens, or the free-spirited Snufkin. Imagine the righteous anger of Little My encouraging one person to take up a worthwhile cause, and pushing another to finally tell th...

In this episode, we’ll be taking a deep dive into the true meaning of the thing they call "Moomin Philosophy" and try to figure out what the Moomins are all about between the lines. As we delve into Moomin philosophy in this episode, we’ll be speaking with academics and philosophers such as Sanna Tirkkonen and Björn Sundmark about their studies of the deeper aspects of the Moomins. Many people around the world have different Moomin characters as role models, despite (or maybe because of) the flaws and quirks that both children and adults can identify with. What...

The first episode is about the fans – why do they love or identify with the Moomins? Unbeknownst to many, there is an entire subculture built around the unique and curious creatures and characters from Moominvalley. In this episode, we travel to the North of Sweden to a tattoo studio to meet a fan ready to eternalise Moominmamma right onto human flesh. We also travel to Japan to visit a Moominpark where we meet Moomin-crazed fans. We search for the very first Moomin troll on an island in Finland, and find it on the wall of an outside loo. In Lo...

In this episode, actress and producer Lily Collins introduces both the podcast and the Moomins. This guide will plunge you into a Scandinavian literary sensation that has charmed generations of readers, including Collins.

You will hear how Lily Collins discovered the Moomins, which character she identifies with – but also about the special Moomin connection she shares with her husband.

Haven’t heard about the Moomins? Not to worry, you’ll be treated to a crash course into the quirky and life-affirming philosophy of the fantastical creatures of Moominvalley and get a glimpse of the inspiring life of aut...

Join us on a five-part journey through all things Moomin. Part one about the fans, part two about Moomin philosophy, part three about Moomin as inspiration, part four about Moomin, the brand, and part five, our finale, will be all about Tove Jansson herself.