Filifjonkan, (Fillyjonk in English) is a character from the Moomin tales, created by Tove Jansson. The Fillyjonk looks like a sort of cross between a rodent and a human and has a desire for freedom from worries and to not have to be tied down to anything. We meet Filifjonkan when she accompanies Snorkmaiden on a trip to a wishing well, where we learn of her preoccupation with disaster. She believes strongly in tradition and due to the fact that she clings to these sorts of thoughts, she is unable to experience the freedom or happiness that the Moomin family have.
I've loved this character ever since I heard my boyfriend's sister in law call her tiny little daughter (the cutest little girl in the world) 'Filifjonkan' whilst affectionately tickling her. The name always reminds me of that little girls delightful squeals :)
Whilst Filifjonkan is a relatively minor character, I think that in terms of psychology she is one that many of us can relate to. The ties we have to our own minds and the thoughts that prevent true freedom are something that is explored within this character. I think we're all secretly striving for the happiness and freedom of thought found within the Moomin family.
I've been looking forward to writing this post for such a long time! Today I’m going to introduce you to the Moomins!
The Moomins were created by Tove Jansson, a Swedish speaking Finn. They live in Moomin Valley and have been very popular ever since they were created in 1945. I would like to introduce you to each of my favourite characters and tell you a little bit about them.
Mumintrollet (Moomintroll) is the very adventurous main character. His best friend is Snusmumriken (Snufkin) and it is quite clear that he is in love with Snorkfröken (Snorkmaiden). Moomintroll loves to collect things and is fascinated by nature. Curious and brave, Moomintroll is also very sensitive and enjoys being with his friends and family.
Snorkfröken (Snorkmaiden) is very girly and dreamy and often flirts with Moomintroll. People find her irritating because she is fickle, but she is my favourite character of all. She is pretty and looks after herself and, being a slightly different species from the Moomins, changes colour according to her mood.
Snusmumriken (Snufkin) is a very curious character, always out exploring and enjoying the journeys that he takes himself on. He has a warm heart and is loved by the other characters, however, it seems that he prefers to travel alone. He is usually seen fishing, playing the harmonica or walking around in the moonlight.
Lilla My (Little My) is Snufkin’s half sister and is so tiny that she sometimes sleeps in his pocket! She lives in the Moomin house and loves going on adventures with them. She can be very irritable but is never intentionally mean. She is realistic and reliable, often helping the others to see the bigger picture and bringing them back to earth when they’re dreaming. She wears her hair in a little top knot – Björn sometimes calls me Lilla My when I wear my hair like that when I’m going to sleep! (And maybe because I can be grumpy when I wake up!)
Muminmamma (Moominmamma) is calm and sweet and very loving. She runs the Moomin household and loves to make sure that everyone is happy. She doesn’t get angry if someone breaks or ruins something, she often looks for the bright side in everything. She likes to spend quiet moments by herself collecting shells and she carries a handbag with all kind of important and useful things inside. She is a peacemaker, finding solutions to the problems that the others might experience.
Have you read any of the Moomin stories? Maybe you’ve seen the TV show? Who is your favourite character?
