Your complete guide to all the must-know Moomin characters

It’s incredible to think that Moomins, the beloved creatures drawn by Finnish artist Tove Jansson in 1945, have already spread their joy for 80 years. Treasured by adults and children alike, the round, hippo-like trolls have carved out a particularly special place in Nordic hearts, where the childhood of many Finns and Swedes included immersing themselves in the Moomin comics, books, and later, the hit 1990s animated TV series.

Decades on, the Moomins remain as resonant as ever – a cheerful legacy with a vibrant future that Vogue Scandinavia explores in the cover story of our latest, October-November issue.

Found yourself dusting off the corners of your memory to recall the main characters of the Moomins, or perhaps you’re completely new to them and their adventures in the Moominvalley? Or maybe you’re here to simply bask in those gilded childhood memories. Either way, below, discover a comprehensive guide to all the key Moomin characters and how they connect to one another.

Related: 80 years of Moomin magic: Inside Tove Jansson's timeless universe

Like mother figures tend to be, Moominmamma is kind and caring, the soul of the Moomin family. She’s the partner of Moominpappa and biological mum of Moomintroll, and she always carries her black handbag that rivals Mary Poppins’ purse – seemingly bottomless and housing anything one might need. Moominmamma might have peculiar housekeeping habits, think dishes washed in the rain, but she takes the utmost care of her family and home, and revels in gardening. For Moominmamma, everyone is welcome just as they are.

As you might have figured out, Moominpappa is the partner of Moominmamma and the father of Moomintroll. You won’t catch him without his top hat and walking cane, and in true dad fashion, Moominpappa is convinced he’s a great thinker and a storyteller – and his family totally supports that notion. Moominpappa loves travelling and adventures; some might even call him a little restless, but ultimately, he is a loving father.

Related: We took high fashion to Moominvalley – here’s what happened

Moomintroll, the son of Moominpappa and Moominmamma, is a true blend of his parents: kind, compassionate, adventurous, lover of nature and loyal friend. He sets an excellent example for the rest of us: Moomintroll always tries to look on the bright side of things, embracing every experience as it comes. Being a sensitive soul, he can get anxious about not offending others sometimes, but he’ll always muster the courage he needs when it matters.

That friend who doesn’t care for materialistic things, who’s a firm believer in the school of life and escapes to hot, far-flung locales come winter to nurture their free-spirited soul – that’s Snufkin. A philosopher and wanderer, Snufkin takes great pleasure in his humble, daily life: fishing, playing his harmonica or strolling through Moominvalley alone at night. An untamed drifter with a quiet confidence, he disappears to sunny climes as the cold season approaches, only to return in the spring to share his wisdom with his good friend, Moomintroll.

Related: We took high fashion to Moominvalley – here’s what happened

Sniff was adopted by the Moomin family at a young age, and he has become a great friend and almost like a younger sibling to Moomintroll. Much like Moomintroll, he’s good-natured and loving, yet slightly reserved at times. Sniff is eager to join any adventure, although his courage might waver when things get serious. Like a magpie, he’s drawn to anything shiny, sparkly and valuable, often daydreaming about a life of luxury.

Moomintroll and Snorkmaiden first cross paths in the 1946 book Comet in Moominland, when Moomintroll rescues her from a poisonous bush, and the duo become instant friends. Although she looks like a Moomin, she’s actually a snork, whose special trait is changing colour according to her emotions. Snorkmaiden is a quick-witted, creative dreamer with a knack for escaping the trickiest situations. Her blonde fringe is always perfectly coiffed, she loves playing the damsel in distress around Moomintroll – though she has also saved him several times.

If Mrs Fillyjonk had a star sign, she’d be a Virgo. Fillyjonks love routine, order and cleanliness, and keeping their home perfect and spotless. Mrs Fillyjonk, the most well-known fillyjonk in the Moominvalley, always wears her red dress, with her handbag and umbrella in tow (just in case it starts to rain), and a neat to-do list to go through. Fillyjonks’ greatest fears – aside from a cluttered, messy home – are insects of any kind.

Related: 8 of Scandinavia’s most eminent female writers to know

Stinky, the small and fuzzy creature with antennae-like ears, is usually up to no good, causing trouble for the rest of the Moominvalley inhabitants. This little villain, whose mischievous plans often fail, can be pretty selfish, though he’s known to offer a helping hand now and then, especially when someone from the Moomin family asks. Stinky also eats about anything that comes his way, often preferring to munch on random objects rather than actual treats. There has been some recent controversy surrounding the character, but Stinky remains part of the official Moomin cast and a resident of Moominvalley.

Among the most mysterious characters in Moominvalley, the Hattifatteners are ghost-like creatures that grow from little white seeds – but only if they’ve been planted on Midsummer Eve. During lightning storms, the Hattifatteners can become charged with electricity. They travel in silent groups, and while they might look spooky, they are harmless: the Hattifatteners’ only motivation in life is to keep moving forward towards the horizon.

Another enigmatic figure in Moominvalley, the Hobgoblin resides atop a mountain at the very end of the world. His home is filled with precious stones, which he collects during his skyborne journeys on his flying panther. The Hobgoblin is particularly obsessed with rubies and is on a mission to find the biggest ruby in the world. He also boasts magic powers and can transform into anything. Although the Moomins are initially scared of him, they later learn that he is wickedly kind-hearted.

Related: This Moomin Mug coffee table book – like the mugs themselves – is a must-have for any Scandinavian home

Mention The Groke to any adult or child who has watched or read the Moomins, and chances are, you’ll send shivers down their spine. Maybe it’s the eerie music that announces her arrival, or the frozen ground that she leaves behind as she ominously glides along, but she is the most terrifying character in Moominvalley. But the truth is, she’s just lonely, forever searching for companionship and warmth.

Little My might be petite in size, but she packs a real punch in character. Fiery and stubbornly independent, Little My is known for her cheeky nature, which often gets her into trouble. She has a biting wit and is not scared to speak her mind. However, underneath that mischievous rascal who fears nothing is a kind and loving girl, especially protective of her older sister, the Mymble. Little My lives with the Moomin family, who treasure her greatly. Fun fact: Snufkin is her half-sibling.

The hemulens are a bit like the Fillyjonks – they love order and having everything just so. They enjoy collecting objects, whether stamps, plants or insects, and study their collections meticulously. Among the residents of the Moominvalley, the hemulens are more stiff and serious – there’s no room for rule-breaking or mischief here. They can even be a little grumpy and bossy sometimes, but Moominvalley also needs those who keep everything in check.

Did you know that Jansson’s partner, Tuulikki Pietilä, inspired the warm and loving Too-ticky? Too-ticky loves the cold and can even sense the approaching chill with her nose. She is a deep-thinker and lives in harmony with the world around her. During the winter, she resides in Moominpappa’s bathing house. Too-ticky keeps her thoughts to herself, happy in her own solitude – she won't tell anyone how to live their life. Other Moominvalley residents can count on Too-ticky for her sharp problem-solving skills, and she’s always willing to help anyone in need.

Related: The Artek and Moomin collaboration brings doodles of beloved characters to design icons

The Mymble is Little My’s big sister, and the calmer one. Though there is a dramatic side to her, and an innate talent for words. She crafts gripping tales, often only for her own entertainment. While her sister resides with the Moomin family, the Mymble enjoys her independent existence in Moominvalley, relishing the little things in life.

No, it’s not the Loch Ness monster, but Edward the Booble, who happens to be the world’s largest animal – after his brother, that is. Despite his gigantic size, he is a gentle, dragon-like creature (without wings), who occasionally enjoys spending time on dry land, too.