Moominland Midwinter
The sky was almost black, but the snow shone a bright blue in the moonlight.
The sea lay asleep under the ice, and deep down among the roots of the earth all small beasts were sleeping and dreaming of spring. But spring was quite a bit away because the year had only just got a little past New Year.
With these words, Moominland Midwinter begins, Tove Jansson’s story of how Moomintroll wakes up in the middle of his hibernation and can no longer sleep. Because Tove Jansson’s books, illustrations, and stories are a source of inspiration for Moomin by Lovi, we want to highlight a few of Tove’s works that are especially close to our hearts. At the beginning of the new year, it feels right to start with Moominland Midwinter.
The Moomins, as well as a large number of other inhabitants of the Moomin Valley, snuggle in their warm beds as winter approaches and fall into a deep, peaceful hibernation. Fortunately, Moomintroll awakened to a whole new kind of world where there are also those who stay awake.
Moomin Valley, covered with a thick, white snow blanket, feels strange for Moomintroll but is also full of new adventures and opportunities. No Moomin has dipped their paws in that marvelous white called snow before or heard wolves howling far away on a dark winter night. At times, sadness and loneliness take over the mind of the little Moomintroll, but new friends and acquaintances found in the magical winter keep him busy. When the spring sun, with its miraculous power, slowly melts the thick layer of snow and gently awakens the rest of the Moomin family, they are greeted by a new, more adult Moomintroll.
Tove Jansson’s unparalleled skills of illustrating the story with words effortlessly opens the winter in Moomin Valley with its snowy hills and gloomy winter nights in front of the reader’s eyes. The themes of the story are timeless. The lines of Moominland Midwinter talk about longing and loneliness, but also friendship, courage and the skill of living in the moment.
Little My was already standing at the top of the hill, shouting from joy and admiration. She had broken a barrel and fastened two of the staves under her boots.
“Here I come,” she cried. Without a moment’s hesitation Little My set out, straight down the hill. Moomintroll looked up with one eye and saw that she would manage it. Her ferocious little face bore the mark of happy confidence and her legs were stiff as pegs.
Suddenly Moomintroll felt very proud. Little My never shied, she hurtled at breakneck speed close to a pine-trunk, wobbled, caught her balance again, and with a roar of laughter threw herself down in the snow beside Moomintroll.
“She is one of my oldest friends,” he explained to the Fillyjonk.
“I believe you,” replied the Fillyjonk sourly.
As the new year has just started, soft snow covers everything and the frost lies in the darkness, it is easy to get immersed in the atmosphere of Moominland Midwinter. Like Moomintroll, we can feel the fervent anticipation of spring on these days, but at the same time find the joy of winter. Rejoice in the powdered snow, the steaming breath, and the incredible beauty that winter creates around you.
The appearance of the Moomin characters and their lives change over time, but the underlying stories remain unchanged and from one decade to the next are equally relevant, interesting, and beautiful. It is Tove Jansson’s original books and illustrations that form the basis on which Lovi’s Moomin Family is built.
But how in the world do jam jars, serving trays and a squirrel with the marvellous tail really relate to the winter in Moomin Valley? If you don’t know, we think it’s time for you to step into the story of Moominland Midwinter.
Many more Moominous things and information about Lovi Moomins in our post Moomin Characters Accompany Daily Routines of Our Lives.
