Moomins are iconic heroes of Scandinavian fairy tales, now known all over the world. Now everyone can have their own personal Moomin at home on a plate, candle, thermos, or vase. Because how can you not love them?
A definition from a popular online encyclopedia describes Moomins as "fictional beings with an anthropomorphic body structure (a type of troll)". It seems that the author of that definition must have been visited by the Groke, otherwise, they would have expressed themselves with more affection about the inhabitants of Moominvalley.
In our opinion, as Moomin lovers, these creatures deserve a much more elaborate description. First and foremost, everyone can see that a Moomin is more like a hippopotamus than a human, so there can be no talk of any "anthropomorphic body structure". Secondly, Moomins far surpass any standard troll in intellect as one only needs to delve into their philosophical musings, which are full of multifaceted considerations on topics certainly alien to any troll. When a Moomin speaks, always look for the hidden meaning!
The sea is a great creature, sometimes in a good mood, sometimes in a bad one, and none of us know why. Because we only see the surface of the water. But for those who love the sea, it doesn't matter… you love it for better or worse.
What Moomins teach us
If by some miracle you don't know the Moomins or have only heard about them from others, it's high time to catch up. However, don't expect a standard children's fairy tale with clear Good and Evil, a plot bursting with unexpected twists, and one-dimensional characters. Start by reading Moomins to your children, and before you know it, this Finnish fairy tale (supposedly for children!) will be keeping you company on the bus, tube, or in the dentist's waiting room.
In Moominvalley, time moves slower. Here, no one rushes; everyone has a moment to chat, sit, or simply be silent. The characters experience various adventures, but the true charm of the Moomin series lies in the description of their daily lives and tribulations, which are essentially no different from what we experience. However, the Moomins and their friends are definitely better at "seizing the day" than 21st-century humans.
You can lie on the bridge and watch the water flow beneath it. Or run and wade in red boots through the swamps. Or curl up in a ball and listen to the rain falling on the roof. It's very easy to have a good time.
In Moominvalley, there is respect for diversity. This is one of the first things that strikes you when you start reading Moomins. Contrary to popular belief, Moominvalley is full of many other non-Moomin creatures and (presumably) humans. The Groke, Hemulen, Sniff, Stinky, Thingumy and Bob, the Ancestor, Little My, Mymble, Snufkin, the Hattifatteners...
Each character has a unique personality; none of them (not even the unimaginative and humourless Hemulen!) is boring to the reader. Colourful personalities clash within the pages of the novel, but disaster never strikes. Even when the terrifying Groke approaches the Moomin house, Moominpappa is ready for confrontation but at the same time gives the monster time to leave. In other fairy tales, there's no mercy for dragons...
In Moominvalley, not everything is black and white. There is no division into good and evil characters here, stories don't always have a clear end, and life in Moominvalley is multi-dimensional and rarely unfolds on a single plane. Even the terrifying Groke turns out to be simply longing for closeness and warmth, even Sniff can say something intelligent, even Hemulen shows signs of imagination. In Moominvalley, only the cycle of the four seasons is certain...
The calm transition from autumn to winter is not an unpleasant period at all. It's a time to secure various things, to gather and store as many provisions as possible. It's nice to collect everything you have, right next to you, as close as possible, to store your warmth and thoughts and hide in a deep hole, right in the middle, where it's safe, where you can defend what is important, precious, and your own.
A few words about the author
Design from Moominvalley
From literature...
Today, the inhabitants of Moominvalley can be found not only within the pages of Tove Jansson's novels. If you're a fan, your bookshelf is just one of many places where you can enjoy meeting the Moomins and their friends. I daresay most of us have at least one Moomin item at home: a keyring, a plush toy, a notebook.
...to pop culture
Banal? Do you feel that the characters of Moominvalley deserve something more? Perhaps even a place in your family life? ;) We have good news for you!
FormAdore collaborates with brands that have transformed the Moomin saga into beautiful collections. You may have caught sight of photos on our social media, where we often showcase new Moomin products – these are some of the most eagerly anticipated new arrivals by our customers. When you spot a Moomin mug or a Little My bowl on our Instagram or Facebook, you can be sure that this little gem comes from the offering of one of three brands: Arabia Finland, Muurla or Stelton.
Moomins from Arabia Finland
Arabia Finland is undoubtedly the most Moomin-centric brand in the FA ranks! Just take a look at their website, and you'll see it's filled top to bottom with offerings featuring the characters from Moominvalley. Mugs, glasses, bowls, plates, cutlery, and even figurines – it seems the designers at Arabia Finland enjoy spending time with the Moomins.
70 years with Moomins
A Moomin mug is Arabia Finland's flagship product, and also one of FormAdore's bestsellers; it's very often chosen as a gift for a loved one. Currently, you'll find almost 30 Moomin mugs with us, featuring not only the characters themselves but also various scenes from their lives. You're sure to find something for yourself – even if you prefer secondary characters like Mymble, Twitchy, the Inspector, or even the Groke (who, believe it or not, has many fans!).
Moomins from Muurla
Beyond the first syllable of the name, the Muurla brand shares much more with the Moomins – including a love for all things retro. Just look at Moominpappa's elegant walking stick, his wooden pipe, and the extraordinary top hat that many an English gentleman would envy. His wife also feels perfectly at home in the vintage aesthetic – her stylish leather handbag and 1950s-patterned apron say it all! The same goes for Snufkin's felt hat, Hemulen's huge magnifying glass, or the charming red tiles on the roof of the Moominhouse.
The Finnish brand Muurla perfectly understands this vibe. It has brought enamelled tableware out of the dusty archives and given it a new lease of life. If looking at their collection gives your heart a nostalgic flutter, and you picture your grandmother making you warm cocoa in a saucepan, it means... everything's perfectly alright with you. That's precisely the point. It's a pleasant feeling, isn't it?
Moomins by Muurla are a little more subtle than their counterparts from Arabia Finland. The colour palette of the enamel mugs, bowls, and plates is pastel and delicate. There's a clear emphasis on the retro character of the tableware. If you're a lover of vintage vibes, Muurla Moomins will be perfect for you!
Moomins from Stelton
There are also Moomins from the Stelton brand, the "youngest" of this group. Their pastel design will appeal to fans of Scandinavian design. As you can see below, Stelton's Moomins differ significantly from their counterparts from Muurla and Arabia Finland.
In Stelton's Moomin range, you'll find thermos mugs and thermal bottles. We hope the designers will soon work on new products adorned with images of the Moominvalley characters! The first attempts have been very successful :)
Moomins just for children?
Definitely not! The whole magic and charm of the Moomins lie in their timeless and universal appeal! Children will find adorable characters (little animals?) who experience colourful adventures and enjoy life, while adults will easily discover deeper meanings, insightful analyses of life and its complexities, conveyed in a light-hearted way by these charming Scandinavian creatures. But of course, various brands release series for children to make growing up more enjoyable, and we fully support that!
