The Moomins are the central characters in a series of books by Tove Jansson. They are a family of trolls who are white and furry with large snouts. The family members are Moominmama, Moominpapa and Moomintroll. They live in their Moomin house in Moomin Valley somewhere on the coast of Finland.
Moominmama is the perfect mother who very rarely gets cross and takes even the most distressing circumstances (such as the arrival of a comet, or being washed away by a flood) in her stride. She is never without her handbag.
Moominpapa is a somewhat restless soul who was adventurous in his youth but has now settled down determined to be a responsible father to his family.
Moomintroll is their son, with a keen sense of adventure and fun, and a generous spirit.
The books in the series are (English titles in alphabetical order):
- Comet in Moominland
- Finn family Moomintroll
- Moominpapa at Sea
- Moominsummer Madness
- Moominland Midwinter (which doesn't feature the Moomins !)
- Moominvalley in November
- Tales from Moominvalley
- The Exploits of Moominpapa
In addition to the Moomin family, the following characters appear in many of the books:
- The Groke - a fearsome and frigid creature
- Little My - a very small, fearlessly independent Mymble
- Muskrat - a philosopher
- Sniff - Moomintroll's sidekick
- Snork Maiden - Moomintroll's girlfriend
- Snork - Snork Maiden's brother
- Snufkin - Moomintroll's great friend (who goes south every winter and returns in the spring)
There are other characters who appear from time to time.
The books have been translated from their original Swedish into many languages. There is a spin-off TV cartoon series and a large merchandising industry !