Moomin

Moomin, an animated television series that aired from 1990 to 1992, is based on the beloved children’s books and comic strips by Finnish author Tove Jansson. This captivating and quirky series remains an iconic part of television thanks to its unique, memorable characters, scenic landscapes, and life-relevant storylines.

The series takes place in a charming, magical world inhabited by the Moomins, a family of white, round fairy tale creatures who resemble somewhat rotund hippos. The central protagonist is Moomin Troll, an adventurous, curious, but particularly carefree and loveable character. He lives in Moomin Valley, an idyllic, peaceful place full of strange creatures and mysterious places, with his parents Moominmama and Moominpapa. His parents’ supportive, laid-back approach to raising their son, and their unfailing calm, reflects Scandinavian philosophies to parenthood and provides a sense of grounding in the show.

Moomins are often accompanied by a rich array of characters, each with their own unique personality. These characters include Sniff, a timid and self-centred creature; Snufkin, a bohemian vagabond who is Moomin's best friend; Little My, a tough, independent, and sometimes abrasive tomboy; and the Snork Maiden, who becomes Moomin's love interest. Other characters pop in and out of episodes, including the mischievous, ghost-like Hattifatteners, and the enigmatic, lone inhabitant of the lighthouse, The Groke.

The charm of Moomin lies not only with its magical setting and whimsical characters but also within its smart and thoughtful storytelling that adopts a range of different themes, from friendship and family to fear, loneliness, and acceptance. Throughout its episodes, Moomin added surprising emotional depth to its narratives, often dealing with universal mortal concerns and philosophical dilemmas. Adventures revolve around both mundane activities like picnics and parties, and unusual incidents like comets threatening Moominvalley or a magical hat dramatically changing the environment.

Brimming with wisdom and at times demonstrating a melancholic, introspective tone, Moomin engages viewers on multiple levels, appealing to both children and adults. While the show entertains the younger audiences with tales of Moomin's adventures and intriguing crime mysteries, it subtly probes into deeper issues of life, death, and love that resonates with the older audience.

The animation style of the show carries an old-fashioned, pastel storybook aesthetic, which creates an enchanting and calming atmosphere fitting for the magical world of the Moomins. Though technologically simple by today's standards, the hand-drawn animation adds to the charm, with considerable attention paid to minor details in the show, like the enchanting flora and fauna of Moominvalley.

The show's music, composed of harmonicas, accordions, and banjos, imbibe in the audience a sense of tranquillity and comfort, adding further to the unique charm of the series. Occasionally, the music shifts to haunting tunes that perfectly capture the sombre and eerie moments of the show.

In a nutshell, Moomin is a timeless, classic show reflecting a piece of Scandinavian culture that still lingers in the hearts of many. It successfully creates an enchanting world that balances innocent charm with profound themes, adventurous plots, memorable music, and a distinctive sense of humour. With its abundance of valuable lessons on life and relationships that transcend age and cultural boundaries, it will keep captivating new generations, making it a perfect watch for the whole family.