#snufkin (and moomin) are also childhood but it's not the same

[lazaruscorpse]

Tim is ABSOLUTELY my blorbo you're so right, and the dragon age callout was accurate lmao

And yours would be Jason 👀 I also want to pull a callback and snufkin&moomin and also Donald Duck from your earlier years

...does the ocean count as a blorbo

💕💕💕

I can literally not deny that lmao, Jason is <333 to me

omg snufkin!! and yes donald duck my beloved

the ocean is my blorbo now lol

[sbsbbshdj]

I picked up the idea of headcanons from one of my readers, so I'll do the same (if she doesn't mind, of course @mudefrau )

I will modernize a little and write small heads for those characters that I can talk about

Moomitroll

13 y.о

-wears a jumpsuit that Moomin-mama sewed for him

- He is two years younger than Snufkin,but believes that he is the same age as him (Snufkin never told him his age)

-often in free time helps with Moomin-mum's flowers - waters, removes bugs, etc.

Snufkin

15 y.o

old -the most dissimilar child of a mymble-mam, he doesn't even look much like

a Joxter

-a good relationship with a Joxter, although they haven't seen each other since that meeting (when parents and Fredrikson arrived to Moomin Valley)

- breaks his horns, but because they quickly grow back, he doesn't he notices this, and Snus leaves the broken-off ones in the place where his tent stood

-sometimes he forgets that he has friends (mumitroll, sniff, little My) because in every hike he meets new ones, but at the same time he always returns to them and really values them.

-in truth, he considers the Mymble more "mom" than the Mymble-mom, because in childhood she took more care of him and took care of him.

-Too-ticky taught him to fish, and he was even in love with her for a while, but he was refused (you understand she is a lesbian)

The Snork Maiden

13 y.o

-she is called the sun because of the color of her fur

- she pierced her ear together with the Mymble and began to wear paired bracelets, and then persuaded the Snork to buy necklaces

- often braids the scruff of the neck

-loves to dress up and dress up others (only for her sake the Snork wears a sweater)

The Mymble

27 y.o

-loves to wear rings (this addiction was passed on to her by joxter, who does not mind wearing gold)

-the firstborn of the mymble-mam

-older than all his girlfriends (except, of course, Too-Ticky)

-up to 15 years old read by syllables

-sometimes succumbs to aggression, but the outbursts of emotions pass quickly

-specially made pockets in dresses to wear a little My there

-plays the double bass but not often, because such an instrument is not very easy to carry (so it gets dusty in the basement)

Too-Ticky

27 y.o

- most likely she is a foreigner (like Thingumy and Bob) because of this she has an accent

-she plays not only the hurdy-gurdy, but also a musical personality

- as a child, she was an invisible child, but she solved this problem with age, because of this she helps other invisible

-hibernates from summer to mid-autumn

- she doesn't have such a house, she's like a snufkin, so she dug herself a hole and keeps all her things there

Little My

17 y.o

- she looks very much like a young Mymble-mam, but she's still not a favorite child.

- horns grow faster than she does

- The Mymble changed her children's dresses for her

-does not really like to listen to the chatter of the Mymble, but at the same time learns something new, for example, she remembered the name of the father of the Mymble and reminds her sister about this name because she often forgets

Joxter

40 y.o

-heterochromia from the father

- he has both an ordinary mustache and a cat

's mustache - there is a tail that was cut off for him

-wears rings on both hands, although he does not betray any special value to this

-bad relationship with Too-Ticky, considers her too "un-feminine"

- the only one with whom he has kept in touch is Muddler, they are still good friends and spend time together

[river-taxbird]

I am becoming dangerously obsessed with The Moomins.

In which I explore my deeply ingrained weakness for furry media, and why a weird kids series that comes from a queer, poly, anti fascist place speaks to me deeply.

The moomins were always something I was aware of. I saw a couple of episodes of the 90s show when I was a kid, and we had one of the books in the house when I was a kid, but I never read it. Not sure why, but discussing it with my mum she said she never liked the moomins much.

A while ago my roomate introduced me to Comet in Moominland, the 90s movie that is a prequel to the TV series, and based on the first full length moomin book. It was a beautiful and harrowing movie about the moomins dealing with the knowledge that a comet is going to hit the earth, and having to deal with an apocalypse of biblical proportions.

After that, my partner and I decided to watch the 90s anime that follows on from the movie. It's cute and charming, it's wholesome and positive. It is depicting the childhood you maybe wish you had, with good friends and positive role models. I also picked up some of the books, those are my own copies in the picture.

Now throughout my life, I have always been a sucker for furry media. Being a furry is essentially my favorite thing and defines a lot of my identity. Most of my favourite media is furry media, be it core fandom, or wider furry adjacent media. On the surface, Moomin is obviously furry media, it deals with creatures having adventures, but I believe the furry connection goes deeper.

I found this video from youtube channel Culturally F'd, that gives a queer, poly, anti fascist reading of the moomins.

The video basically alleges that the Moomin's creator, Tove Jasson, was queer and for much of her life was in what we would now call a poly relationship with a man and a woman at the same time. It also notes how the moomins first appeared in a left wing magazine, hence the anti fascist element. If you want an example of cottagecore media without a hint of fascism, the moomins is probably a good place to look. It's not apolitical of course. There is that one post that is doing the rounds like "I only want apolitical media, like studio ghibli and the moomins" which is very funny and has never left my head.

While the text may not be explicitly queer, you could call Moomintroll textually "In love" with Snufkin, as well as his girlfriend, it's not like they openly date, but I have verified the things that video says about the author with other sources and it seems to be true. It does seem like the moomins comes from a queer, poly worldview, and now I have realised that, I think that is when I crossed the line from interest to obsession. That is how my life works, I tend to become obsessed with a specific piece of furry media for a year or so, hyperfixate on it as much as I can, then I move on but can always engage with furry fan work for it.

I think a lot of the appeal of furry stuff is explored in this awesome video from Patricia Taxxon. It argues that a lot of the appeal of being a furry lies in "The symbolic, the sensory, and the autistic" and that a lot of furries also have other intersecting identities that may have made you feel simultaneously human and inhuman. I guess what I am trying to say here is that I feel the moomins are very deeply furry media in a way that a lot of mainstream "furry" media isn't. Don't get me wrong, I still love a lot of mainstream furry stuff, but I think the true appeal for me is using symbolism effectively. Using your funny little animal creatures to explore things about the world and your life.

The moomins come from a genuinely weird, non corporate place. I would maybe even say if the author were still around today, we would probably consider her a furry. It may be a pleasant, pastoral, almost childish setting, but it deals with all aspects of childhood, from scary or dangerous events you don't understand, to interpersonal conflict, to even stuff as simple as getting sick. It's speaking to me on a level that not many things have before, with its depiction of subtextual, yet healthy and real feeling poly relationships, and real classical feeling adventures and family dynamics. This isn't a word I use much but it's wholesome, yet deep. I know I am only scratching the surface of the moomins and I can't believe it has taken me this long to get into them. I know this is probably fairly incoherent and it is mainly just my initial thoughts on what I have been getting into for the past month or so. I will probably post about it more going forward but just wanted to say something.

[studyingmoominvalley]

my analysis of Moominvalley (2019)'s season one soundtrack

(yeah I may not be great at this and I may be missing a lot, but bare in mind this is my analysis, not anyone else's. Please be nice to me ;-;)

I'm Far Away:

Snufkin has travelled for the Winter. The first verse is like Moomin leaving letters in Snufkin's bag, wishing him with good travels and a safe return hope. Snufkin is longing for something to change, or maybe something in him to change... The second verse is more talking about his travels and how he longs to return no matter what happens.

Starlight:

I don't know, reading this and thinking of Snufmin makes me concerned. It's SO obvious that it's from Moomin's perspective that it gives me a cavaty. "Please say you'll never leave 'cause it's in your hands" If that wasn't obvious enough, idk what is. This is him just... wanting to be with Snufkin. He knows deep down that Snufkin has to travel, yes it's in his hands but not completely. It's a part of him. This is obviously his mind in a point of time where he hasn't gotten used to Snufkin being away from him, possibly what is reflected in Teety-Woo.

Summer Day:

Moomin doesn't like the Winter because it feels wrong without Snufkin. But he has Snorkmaiden with him at least, and that's good enough right? Snorkmaiden loves Moomin, almost in a similar way Moomin loves Snufkin, but Moomin just feels tied down in the relationship. He thinks he's just thinking like an adult, like a moody teenager or something. But then again, he feels Snufkin is the only one who understands him ("But when you put your hands in my hands/You speak a language only us can understand"). It feels like Summer with Snufkin, but not with Snorkmaiden. He reassures himself that Spring is coming and that he'll see the one who knows him best soon.

Back To The Cave:

We get to look into Snufkin's brain, ooo! This is mainly about Snufkin's feelings about himself and how he hides his true emotions from Moomin and the others. "They can't see behind the camouflage" this is him hiding behind a wise and carefree persona, when deep down he is conflicted about almost everything. It seems when he runs out of things to say or when he fears that he'll show his emotions, he finds time to be alone, shown by the lines "We're running out of punchlines/So watch us crawl/We're crawling back to the cave". But his feelings are getting too much, his fears of being forgotten most likely because he doesn't express himself in the way he should "There's a storm/It's rising". So basically he doesn't know what to do anymore. And I guess the "you can't be truly free if you admire somebody too much" quote can link to "There's no time/There's no place for idles", showing more that this is about Snufkin's emotions.

Love Me With All Your Heart:

now this song choice was intentional. This is mutual pining, their emotions mixing into the same song. They've loved each other for a long time, be it platonic turning to romance or be it always romantic. They both want each other, they both long for each other. But they don't wish for their relationship to change, they want it to stay the same ("When we're far apart or when you're near me", "Love me always as you've loved me from the start").

Home Again:

Snufkin is back home, and he could not be happier. Yeah he likes to travel and be with his thoughts, but nothing is better than being with Moomin, shown by the lines "Nothing could be better/Than when I hold you close to me" and "Who I was back then and who I am now/Makes no difference when I'm by your side".

There Is Something In The Forest:

One day, Moomin and Snufkin are just adventuring as they usually do. But something feels different. Something new. Moomin realises it that night, when sitting hand in hand with Snufkin. He finds himself losing track of time, only paying attention to his friend. When he goes home, all he can think of is Snufkin. He thinks of it as he walks, embracing his new emotions as love, a deep love, for Snufkin. And he never wants to let it go. Ever.

Home:

Moomin has noticed how off Snufkin has been acting, and one day he decides to comfort him. He tells him that if he ever feels like he needs to hide ("Sometimes you only want to hide") or that nobody is there for him, that Moomin will always be there for him. This song can also link to Snufkin's own saying "You must go on a long journey before you find out how wonderful home is", and seems like Snufkin has found his home in Moomintroll.

All Small Beasts:

nah this is crime anthem. Little My is cheering Snufkin up, telling him that people with lots of dreams, emotions and all that should just let it out in a huge show! Commit crime! Burn some signs! Fuck Hemulens, who's to say what they can or can't do? The first verses are her making fun of people being neat and telling Snufkin that bottling up your emotions is just going to tease at you and bite you in the tail one day. But this can also be seen in another way, brought to my attention by my friend Bloom. It can be a song about owning up to your mistakes instead of keeping them away.

Free Spirit:

must I say anything? Snufkin likes being alone and free. The second verse is what I want to focus on however. He knows it's good to be alone and not worry about anything, but his avoiding of responsibility is doing him worse than he knows (much like the "owning up to mistakes" analysis by my friend Bloom).

Country Air:

This is what Snufkin wishes he could say to Moomin. They're relaxing together in Summer, Moomin asleep. Snufkin is thinking in his brain about how much he loves him and just wishes he could say SOMETHING. Winter is coming soon, almost time for them to part. Maybe he can ponder more on his emotions then?

By Your Side:

it seems Snufkin is accepting and returning Moomin's offering of comfort, showing that he cares for Moomin and that he doesn't even need to ask for help, he'll do anything to make him happy.

In Blue:

oh boy

Snufkin fears he made a mistake already. He let out his emotions. Even when reassured that it was okay to do so, he feels utterly guilty, shown by the lines "I built a house from sticks and twine/And you said it would serve me fine/But then the rain could soak me through". He begins to fear that he's being put up with, like he doesn't matter anymore ("Anything to keep me quiet"). But he can't help but feel a strong admiration for Moomin. Snufkin has made so many mistakes, and has so many bad feelings ("I caught a fever like I always do"), yet Moomin is still his friend ("And still you let me stand with you, in blue"). He feels his emotions are his fault, and wonders if he should just stay in the valley and own up to his mistakes and allow others to show their true emotions for him, shown by the lines "I bet next year I'll see you all the time/The fault is all deserved as mine", "Was it all on purpose?/Was this true?" and "Tell me and be honest, was this you?". The phrase "In Blue" could refer to the saying "into the blue", which refers to the unknown. Snufkin is "In Blue" because he is in a stage where he is unsure of what he is hearing and wants to know if it's true or not.

Nothern Lights:

Snufkin's feelings for Moomin are increasing to what is obvious to him as love. "Will you find peace in your heart?" this line could be Snufkin talking to himself. Will be ever come to peace with his emotions and open up?

Ready Now:

Moomin has been there for Snufkin all this time. Through all his doubts, through all his sadness. Snufkin has no idea how to express himself, so Moomin helps him. They take it in turns to just talk about things, and "To my surprise we found my words". All this time, Snufkin believed himself to be free. But now he knows that opening up and embracing how you feel is true freedom. He is ready now.

The Author:

This is more about Moomin. He feels like his future will be like his father's, he already met Snorkmaiden during a big childhood adventure after all, just like Pappa. But he finds his story is changing. He's fallen in love with Snufkin. He slowly realises that his future is his own and that he is in charge of his story. And his story begins with being there for his best friend.

[sweetjijisama]

I see u draw Snufkin :D You like Mumins. What's your favourite character and why? It's your childhood favourite book or series? Draw more about Mumins. It's cute your Style with figures about sweet mumins world

Yesss I like the Moomins and the whole aesthetic/vibe :D

Sadly, it was never a part of my childhood. I discovered them when I was about 20? I watched the 90s version and the 3D version. I enjyed both :D I think my favorite character is Snufkin? (yes, very very basic). He seems very independent (which I really really admire) but at the same time he is afraid of being too close with his best friend because he still wants the freedom, yknow? (I also get that part xD I can be a mess when I get too attached to someone :c In the 3D version it was more of a theme I think and it was just AAARGHHHHH XD)

I also love Snufkins design and whole vibe in general... its like... gender envy???? xD But Moomin mama is precious too. I appreciate good and loving cartoon moms that aren't just dead (lol).

I think that Little My was a little annoying at the beginning but then I liked her later on. I like her being savage? xD There is a scene in the 3D version where she has a gun or says other funny things and yeah... Moominvalley out of context is just great for my soul :'D

I wish there were more episodes about Snufkins parents but at least we got some :D I think its also really cool that Joxter has that dark nose?? It just looks cool in the Moomin style xD

Hope my text makes sense. I kinda rushed the response... xD

[chairmoss1]

aaa this isn’t a request but I’d love to hear more bout your moomin ocs!!! 👉👈 ur designs are super good!!

ofc!!! here we go!! this might be a long post tho ^^;

so first, we have penny! penny is the daughter of little my & snorkmaiden! she's the eldest of 3 siblings! overall, she's more similar to little my, from colour scheme, to personality! she's very grumpy, but she's very sweet deep down! very mischievous as well, loves to play around and pull pranks on people! as a child she was a really noisy kid. cried and threw tantrums very often! she did like to play a lot, and she was very energetic! later on, when snorkmaiden and my decide to have more kids, she matures a bit, and becomes a little protective over her siblings. later on she moved out when shes around 23, and, like snufkin, decides to leave and travel around the valley. she never liked the idea of hibernating, so instead, she decided to take up exploring and travelling. she always liked exploring, since she was very young, but she wasn't allowed outside alone for too long because she got lost often. anyway! when she moves out, and decides to take up travelling, she meets toffee in her travels, and they become very good friends! :) that's all i really planned for her, but i do change lore a lot. heres a pic for anyone that doesn't know how she looks like!:

now lets move on to dandelion! dandelion is the middle sibling from 3 siblings. overall, he's more similar to snorkmaiden! color scheme wise, he's a little darker. while penny is 100% a snork, dandelion is a mix between a mymble and a snork! you can rlly tell this at 1st sight because of his antennae, which he obviously got from my! as a kid he was always really, really chill. when he was born, he had to deal with penny being super playful and energetic around him, which he didn't like because of his chill attitude, and overall he got tired easily. dandelion grows up to be a really sweet farmer! he moves out, but he's a momma's boy, so he just moves a few hills down from his parents' home, just to keep the closeness to his family. he moves out when hes 25. once he's settled into his new home, one spring, penny comes back home, but she brings toffee along with her! dandelion immediately falls head over heels for toffee. toffee seemed a little uninterested at first, but after becoming friends and working on dandelion's farm together, they start to date! heres a pic of dandelion!

finally we move on to the last sibling, which is marble! she's the youngest, but, she's adopted. i don't really know what species she is, and i don't have any refs of her rn, (will probably update with proper refs tomorrow), but i would say shes just a really long moomintroll. basically she's one of those background critters that look like moomins but with prominent mouths on the front of their snouts. anyway! she has adhd, and during her younger years, she was mostly nonverbal. she was a really sweet and playful kid, and she was specially attached to penny, since they were both really playful! marble grows up to be a postman, and knows her way around moominvalley very well. since i dont have any refs, ill just describe her for now! like i said, she's always been really tall, since her childhood! when she was born, she had really big, floppy ears, which had to be put in a bun or ponytail so she wouldn't trip over them. when she grows older, she grows into her ears, but they still remain very long! her fur is very, very soft. when she was a baby, her fur was a deep and dark shade of brown, which slowly lightens to a beige colour as she grows older. she also has a lot of light, soft brown spots all over her, kind of resembling a dalmatian! that's all i haver for her, since i never rlly got to flesh her out more!

finally we're gonna move to toffee!! toffee is a mymble and snork mix as well, and he's a butch lesbian! (dandelion is butch too!) he's a scientist, and very good friends with snork! they tend to share ideas for lots of projects. toffee specialises in plants, mostly. personality wise, hes a tough guy. he doesn't open up easily, but hes really sweet when you make your way into his heart. he's very kind and enjoys helping others, but enjoys being alone as well. he's also a little introverted.

he meets penny in a science fair, in early spring! her & toffee quickly become very close, simply because toffee liked the mischievous attitude penny had. then, when he decides to travel with penny back home, he meets dandelion! at first, he had a huge crush on dandelion. he did like to act like he wasn't interested, though, to impress him! :) he takes a very long time to warm up to the idea of approaching and befriending dandelion, but he ends up befriending dandelion after he told him he worked on a farm, and was near lots of plants to study. toffee spends around two years with dandelion, to the point where they share the same home and live together. finally, dandelion works out the courage to ask him out, and they start dating! :) that's all i have for him! here's a pic of him, if someone made it this far!:

thats all for now! thank u if u made it this far :0...

[i-am-just-a-kiddo]

favourite male fictional characters

Thank you @vishcount​ for tagging me, this was a lot of fun! 💞 I originally planned to follow your example and put ten characters here but suddenly it became a lot more oops. also i hope you forgive me for following your format, it’s neat 

I am tagging @isabellaofparma​ , @the-cloud-whisperer​ and @sassyassassy​!

I chose the characters that impacted me deeply on a personal level throughout my life (often shown by how long my love lasts over the years and if i was inspired to write for them). 

In no specific order under the cut: 

Legolas

The Lord of The Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien. 

I think it’s only fitting I start off with this magnificent guy. Maybe I gotta admit, i’ve just had a crush on him ever since I was like, nine years old? He’s the character I will fight tooth and claw for (though I guess he doesn’t need me to do that). I love Orlando Bloom’s portrayal of him, eventhough he is vastly different from the books. Book Legolas is such a delight as well, he feels so whimsical and playful and his banter with Gimli is just gold. I was sad when The Hobbit trilogy came out and I was so disappointed by how they butchered his character, it just did not feel authentic anymore (maybe I am also just bitter about the forced hetero storyline for him. makes no cents, this elf is GayTM your honour. and he will meet his soulmate Gimli in a few decades).  Either way, Legolas is the love of my life, thanks for coming to my tedtalk,

Peter Pan 

Peter Pan, J. M. Barrie

Another childhood crush of mine. The gif I chose if from the 2005 movie because we always used to watch it and it is to this day one of my favourite movies. It’s so dreamy, so magical, yet also incredibly sad and sweet.  I have this very strange fascination with Peter Pan. There is something incredibly unsettling about him, especially in the book. He represents something every child wants - who doesn’t want to escape their bedroom and fly away to experience magical adventured far from the adult world? And yet he also represents the impossibility of it, the curse he carries around with himself because he will forever stay alone, no matter how many lost boys he gathers around himself. And Wendy - it’s a love that was never meant to grow and mature, it’s a fleeting dream for the both of them.  I have seen many different adaptations of Peter Pan and I have my favourites, though I want to give a special mention to the book Peter Darling by Austin Chant. It’s a retelling of the story how we know it, in which Peter returns to Neverland after having finally grown up BUT the main points I want to highlight is trans Peter? Heck yes. Gripping and compelling gay love story with our favourite original lost boy Captain Hook? YES. 

Snufkin

Moomins, Tove Jansson.

I have discovered Snufkin for myself only last year, and yet I know he will stay with me forever. In short - I vibe with him, he vibes with me. His anxieties about being with people and longing for solitude? His fear of being loved and being important to someone to a point he doesn’t know what to do with himself? This man just wants to roam freely with his own mind and yet he always returns for something that captures him. Mum, I love him because I have rarely felt this seen before. Also, Snufkin said ACAB. 

Prince Jing - Xiao Jingyan

Nirvana in Fire (2015)

This too is a darling I have only discovered recently. I watched Nirvana in Fire this year and let me tell you, it’s the best show I have seen in a long while. It’s absolutely amazing and it also ripped my heart out. All the characters are absolutely amazing and I am still not over it.

To be honest, I contemplated between Xiao JIngyan and Mei Changsu, because character-wise I think the latter is a lot more interesting and compelling. He makes for a fantastic heartbreaking and flawed protagonist.

However I have to admit - it was love at first sight with Prince Jing for me and I’m still lowkey mad abt it rip. Seems like I am not immune to Pretty Prince Propaganda. But apart from that, I adore him for his genuine

goodness,

his almost naive drive to be better and seek justice. He lost everything, and for the longest time did not have anything to fight for. So alone and lost and bitter, it makes me sad how much it hardened him. He is heartbreak and clumsy kindness hidden under a skin of scars that was inflicted by his father and many others. I see his sad cat-eyes and I cry, that’s just how it is.

Edmund Pevensie

The Chronicles of Narnia, C. S. Lewis

I grew up with these books and movies - they have always been part of my life and it will probably always stay that way (only last night I rewatched the first movie and sobbed).  Imagine my surprised when I finally watched the last movie about five years ago and was incredibly impressed by how they adapted the book; also imagine my brain suddenly going CASMUND in bold letters at Skandar Keynes’ and Ben Barnes’  performance in that movie.  From there, I rediscovered this story completely anew for myself. My favourite Pevensie sibling has always been Lucy (and still is, because I identify with her so much and she feels like home to me); however this new discovery of Edmund’s character was overwhelming. It’s interesting to see characters you’ve grown up with from a more grown up point of view. I don’t want to lay out all my thoughts here, just know I am so heartbroken for him, and so so proud as well. His character arc is amazing and maybe that’s how the last movie makes me even more emotional. Seeing Edmund and Lucy still holding on to Narnia but knowing that that door was closing for them? Not to mention what happens in the later books (we don’t talk about that).  Also did I mention Casmund. Here, have my incredibly emo and depressing take on Edmund’s character that I started writing four years ago and which will forever stay a WIP. 

Nie Huaisang

The Untamed (2019)

My son. My soul. My bane of existence. The tragic thing about him is, that he does not really exist in canon as I have created him for myself. He’s a secondary character in the show, always so relatable yet still brings the ultimate twist of the story, yet he still remains this incomplete shadow. The movie

Fatal Journey

gave him a lot more and I cried tears of joy and devastation. I don’t know why I latched on to him so much, but apparently he is the one that I project on, the one that feels like he sits somewhere inside my chest. I don’t know what else to say - this year he has been everything to me. I spend a lot of time in his head while writing, and maybe that’s how he’s there forever now. Nie Huaisang saw my brain and went it’s free real estate. All my love for you, you dramatic art hoe.

Sherlock Holmes

Sherlock Holmes, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Ah, another lifelong companion. There are many adapations that I adore - starting from the origin of it all, the books and stories which I have all devoured; the 80s adaptation with Jeremy Brett which was incredibly wonderful; to BBC Sherlock which shaped and traumatised me (I still like the first three seaons but I am too hurt to think about it); to the numerous movies -  but by far my most favourite performance is Basil Rathbone as Sherlock Holmes. Somehow he manages to capture the Holmes I see in my head when I read the books, the sharp yet polite eccentric detective, who loves his companion so much and who has desire to help others.  Sherlock Holmes will always stay special to me, in so many different ways. He shaped my youth and I know he will stay with me. (also what would you say when I told you he helped me discover that I can, in fact, be queer AND ace at the same time? thanks pal).  What else is there to say? Sherlock Holmes is a universe that you can dive into and find many amazing treasures. 

Isak Valtersen 

SKAM (2015)

There he is, the boy that changed my life. SKAM changed my life. All of the characters did. However, Isak is special for many, as I imagine. I remember winter 2016, when tumblr was flooded by these norwegian white boys kissing in a pool and cuddling and I was like ‘nah’, this doesn’t look convincing.  I don’t know what changed my mind but I remember sitting down at last and watching all that was released of season three and it was only downhill from there. I remember starting to follow the real life updates religiously while watching the other previous seasons in between. The one clip that completely wrecked me was when Isak went to the school nurse about his struggles with sleep - it felt like for the first time I saw someone on screen that could understand me on so many different levels. The entierty of seaons three is so personal, I would tell you to go watch it if you don’t know what I mean. The entire show in fact. It’s a masterpiece and it feels so real. This show impacted my life in a way that no show has managed to do before. I miss it so much. I miss Isak too sigh. 

Shang Xirui

Winter Begonia (2020)

Technically, for me personally, Shang Xirui is the nonbinary, gay and ace representation I need in my life (or at least that’s my own personal take on him), but since that is not official, he’s still here on this list. Of course he is because wow, it’s been a long while since I’ve seen such a compelling character on screen. I went from disliking him to being absolutely heartbroken over him. I don’t think any other character in this show captured me as much as he did. There are so many layers to him and discovering all of his sides is a wonderful, heartbreaking, painful and also beautiful journey. I’m not sure I understand all of him yet, but I am willing to try and dig and just ponder his existence. This too, is a perfect example for a flawed yet authentic protagonist. Also he is the most beautiful thing on this planet, or at least that’s how I have been feeling ever since I watched this. I wish to write more of him in the future. 

Aang

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)

I grew up watching ATLA and my favourite characters have always been Toph, Zuko and Uncle Iroh. In recent years however, I completely fell in love with Aang all anew. 

I think especially in the past, I had these prejudices against main characters and found them all the most boring personalities ever. In recent years this changed a lot and especially Aang is a prime example for that. Watching him from the perspective of older me, I find so much wisdom in this young boy. Somehow he represents all I wish to be in my life but at the same time he shows his flaws, he carries this sadness with him that will accompany him all his life. This inner battle and chaos that he has to face day to day and in the end - he is just a young boy. So much has been taken from him and yet he learns how to not let it overtake him, that anger and hurt. He tries his hardest to be better than the day before, even if sometimes the world crashes down on him and he gets overwhelmed. He is a child recruited by adults to manage their mistakes and play into the hands of predestined fate and in this essay I will -

Harry Potter 

Harry Potter, J.K. Rowling

I am surprised myself. I thought I would put Fred and George here, or Remus and Sirius, however I realised that none of them quite capture this feeling of lifelong change, of personal, deep impact that Harry had on me. 

As with Aang above, I used to think Harry was the most boring protagonist, yet my opinion took a 180° turn in the past years. Many of the things I wrote for Aang apply to him too - the fact that he was a child, that lost so much, and was always faced with challenges that a child should never have needed to face. Something I want to address is how my favourite book, The Order of the Phoenix, lays all of this out. Harry is just as flawed, just as vulnerable and angry as anyone else. I know some people did not like his ‘emo behaviour’ in the fifth book but for me it just showed how human he is, how he was just a teen like myself at that time. As for many, this boy shaped my entire life, shaped a generation, and I will forever be grateful. I’m sad and angry at how J*R behaves, and how she puts us in the position of doubting our love for these stories. I know I will always love them, but I will not turn a blind eye on all the problematic shit is carries with itself and what the author piles upon us. 

Lan Wangji & Wei Wuxian 

The Untamed (2019)

I will try and keep this short, because if you want to read my thoughts about Wangxian just go to my ao3 and find the  over 70k i wrote for them.  I decided to put them here together because I can’t seperate them and I can’t choose between them. Each of them carries something I recognise in myself, and each of them is the opposite of me. They each own my heart and soul and I know there will never be a fictional couple like this for me ever again. They’ve snuck their way into my heart and have never left. They deserve to be here, together, because my love for them is indescribable. Bless them.  + Bonus:

The Doctor

Doctor Who (1963/2005)

Technically, the Doctor doesn’t count as a “male” character, but since he has been presenting as male up until recently, I needed to include him. I chose the Tenth Doctor because he is the one that broke my heart the most. I adored Nine but he was there too short, and I do love Eleven and Twelve a lot, and Thirteen absolutely owns my heart, Ten has just always been the one that made me cry the most. I loved this era of Doctor Who, I loved how sad and hopeful he was, how heartbroken and yet determined to help wherever it was needed. Doctor Who is always that show, when I return to it, I am reminded that maybe, humanity and the universe isn’t all that bad. 

phew, this took ages damn. but i had so much fun! i decided to leave out honorable mentiones because we would be sitting here until tomorrow lol. 

[skruttet]

Tove Jansson Videos!

Here’s a list of some videos on yle that feature Tove Jansson and often others; most are interviews, though there are some that aren’t. These probably aren’t all of them, and there’s also audio recordings you can find, but it’s late and I need to get up early tomorrow so I’m posting this as is lol.

Lars, Tove and Tuulikki in Japan - 15.9.1991 - Short one featuring the iconic trio!!!! Tove once again being a fashion ICON and referring to the others with their nicknames ‘Lasse’ and ‘Tooti’ :’)

Tove's brother Lars and Tuulikki Pietilä travel to Japan to see Moomin animations that have been completed. They are extremely satisfied.

Interview with Tove at Klovharun in Pellinge - 2.9.1991 - Oh this is GOOOOD! Tove is so lovely and cheerful in it (she is in them all, tbh) and we see some 90s Moomin anime character sheets!!!!

Reporter Christian Forsberg siblings Tove and Lars Jansson at Klovharun in Pellinge archipelago. They discuss the Japanese animations, why Tove thinks they are good, and what it's been like to work with them. We also hear more about the advent of Moomintroll.

The Japanese Animations - 6.9.1991 - Tove talks about her love for Snufkin in this one :D

The youth magazine X-tra also speaks with Tove Jansson. Junior reporter Nike Tallqvist interviews Tove Jansson. Tove Jansson and Sixten Lundberg, who has given Moomintroll their voice, talk about the animations. Tove Jansson is very happy and satisfied with the films. They have become good, she thinks. Especially Snufkin is nice. "I'd like to be like that," she says.

The Moomins and the Great Flood - 18.11.1991 - However, Tove Jansson is not so pleased with the new release of Småtrollen and the great flood. She thinks the book is not good.

Tove Jansson and Tuulikki Pietilä about art and life -  09.15.1991 - Tove, Tooti, and Pentti talk in this one and we see Moomin figures & tableaux.

Here, Tove Jansson and Too-ticky, Tuulikki Pietilä, are interviewed about the construction of the Moomin House. The idea came from Pentti Eistola, who built a smaller Moomin house. And from that, the idea of ​​the house grew. The gang gathered for play nights where there was carpentry, painting and sewing.

The house travelled around the world, first to a Moomin exhibition in Bratislava, to finally stay at the Moomin exhibition in the Tampere library.

Here we hear what Tuulikki likes to make herself as a doll. And why Pentti Eistola made a Moomin House.

Tove and Friends - 1970 - This is literally just a 24-minute-long video of Tove chilling with some mates including Lasse Pöysti and Birgitta Ulfsson and Erna Tauro oh my gosh!!!!

Here we visit Tove Jansson in her studio home with friends of her. Lasse Pöysti sings the Moomintroll show, Tove draws and the gang discusses.

It is a real home for reportage. From time to time, someone puts in a relevant question, and in between you talk gently, cut bread and cheese, and drink wine.

Discussions revolve around the studio home, drawing Moomin films, Moomin visors and Tove Jansson's writing.

Erna Tauro, who wrote the music for Tove Jansson's songs, talks about how it feels to compose to lyrics.

EDIT: This one also has a version with Finnish subtitles!! Here

Tove Jansson on the Moomin House - 1.9.1979 - This one has some pretty good shots of the moominhouse tableau!

With the help of friends Tuulikki Pietilä and Pentti Eistola, Tove Jansson has created a Moominhouse, a dream house that stands for everything that modern architecture does not do.

It took several years to create the perfect house. The decor is complete in every detail. In the Moomin House you can find everything needed in a house.

The Moomin House will travel to Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. Architecturally, the Moomin House is a concoction of different styles; Karelian style, baroque, empire and rococo.

Tove Jansson is happy and eager. She sees the Moomin House as a fantasy house that stands against the modern beehives where no one wants to live.

About Tove Jansson's childhood - 09.15.1991

Tove Janssons talks about her safe but bohemian childhood and how her life has become with the celebrity.

Tove Janssons' upbringing was bohemian and artistic. If mother Ham (Signe Hammarsten-Jansson) can not tell Tove Jansson, it is difficult to tell if someone you have loved so much.

But about her father (Viktor Jansson) she draws stories. He was a bohemian, with an unavoidable attraction to the bourgeois. He longed for disasters and kept them in good spirits.

You may see where the characters Moominmamma and Moominpappa and really the whole family come from.

About Tove's choice of profession and Moomin's birth - 09.15.1991

Tove Jansson talks about how the little troll was born in a comic book Garm. It was just a coincidence that she started writing children's books, maybe she longed for childhood summers.

The creatures give each other freedom. But the figures evolved. As an example, Tove Jansson takes Moominmamma who can get really angry. And Snufkin, who is totally free and alone, comes and goes as he pleases. He was Tove Jansson's idol for a long time, but he is really self-centred and spoiled. After all, it is easy to be alone and stick out in the wilderness when you are hailed and applauded when you get home. Fillyjonk, on the other hand, goes under by loneliness.

The cartoon was what took Tove Jansson's loss. It was terrible, but Too-ticky helped Tove Jansson write Moominland Midwinter. There she placed Moomintroll in a strange world. He not only experienced adventure, but also difficulties.

The Moomin World, the Celebrity and the Moomin Fan - 15.9.1991

Tove Jansson also talks about the difficulty of being known, all the fans who write and demand answers. She refers to Topelius and Astrid Lindgren who know equally.

When there is talk of all the research in Tove Jansson's books, she just gets irritated, they could wait a bit at least.

Tove Jansson Receives Award - 24.4.1987 - very cool shot of her putting on sunglasses in this lol

Tove Jansson became more and more shy over the years, but she gained recognition for her Moomin books all her life. She talks a lot about fame and trouble.

Anna Savonius wonders if the Moomin books became too narrow when Tove Jansson can no longer write about them. Tove Jansson thinks that they changed the meaning, and she went back to visual art.

And with horrible mothers she switched to short stories and novels.

Mostly she writes well for herself. But children's books need a happy ending, it may be awful, but not cruel and contain justice and honesty. However, you do not need education.

Tove Jansson Turns 80 - 8.8.1994 - from the same article as the video above.

Tove Jansson Becomes a Professor - 5.11.1995

Tove Jansson became an honorary professor and was 80 years old before she died on June 27, 2001.

Tove Jansson on working with books and visual arts - 4.6.1984

Tove Jansson talks about Summer Book and The Dangerous Journey. And about how difficult it is to write for children and for adults.

Tove Jansson has often talked about how celebrity has made it more difficult to write. And how she gets stuck and doesn't move on.

In Charlotte Aira's deep and strong interview, Tove Jansson returns to this. Writing is a heavy job, as heavy and difficult as painting.

This summer book is perhaps the book that is strongest for Tove Jansson and best describes Tove Jansson's life.

In the interview, Tove Jansson also talks about nature, the children and the Moomin role. Tove Jansson does not think she is escapist, everything is in reality.

They talk about Tove Jansson's adult books and visual arts, which journalists are not always interested in.

Tove Jansson receives the Topelius Prize - 9.28.1978

Tove Jansson received the Topelius Prize in 1978 when she published The Dangerous Journey (1977). It is Tove Jansson's last picture book about the Moomin role. Tove Jansson thinks about the dangerous journey, she thinks it may not have been so successful in terms of text, but she likes the pictures.

Tove Jansson in Naantali - 6.24.1993

Moomin mother Tove Jansson took part in a big event when Naantali Moomin World opened.

Tove Jansson thinks it is quite fun to participate when the Moomin characters come alive.

But she had never thought of such a thing when she wrote her first Moomin book.

And she knows that there will be no more Moomin books, now Tove Jansson is just trying to write short stories for adults.

A glimpse of Tove Jansson

Tove Jansson's Moomintroll spread all over the world. Today you can find everything from Moomin soaps to refrigerator magnets. Finally, Tove Jansson started hating her Moomintroll.

Here, Tove Jansson tells Chris Zitting about how fame has affected her. About how she hated to see her beloved character being commercialised and because of that, she began to lose the desire to write about Moomin.

She also talks about the inspiration to start writing more adult books.

Tove Jansson tells us that the book Moominland Midwinter (1957) was very important to her. She was stuck and couldn't write a lot more, but her life partner Tuulikki Pietilä (Too-ticky) helped her by suggesting that she place Moomintroll in a new and strange world. That helped Tove Jansson move on.

The interview was made in 1988, but was shown again after Jansson's death in 2001. The program has Finnish subtitles.

New Year’s Eve 1957 - 3.1.1957

[smile-files]

melon’s comprehensive kinlist!

including name of character, source, image, short personality description, mbti, and then why i kin them! take your time to read, or don’t. i get it if you don’t want to scroll through an entire page just to psychoanalyze me lmao, have a good time

1. wirt (over the garden wall)

an angsty, socially awkward dweebus who nerds out over interior design and plays the clarinet. fears death. infp.

my first kin! for a month after rewatching otgw i desperately wanted to be him. to be like him. anything!! it eventually wore away but i still feel that urge sometimes - the urge to write r/im14andthisisdeep poetry and to distance one’s self from their siblings... and heck - his tape for sara is indeed just as awkward as he is but let me assure you that his poetry and clarinet are actually pretty cool. 9/10 i need to see him more. give me more otgw comics. ok thanks.

2. snufkin (moomins)

a philosophical vagabond of vague age. acts stoic all the time but can and will leave every social situation whether or not it’s humanly possible. infp.

after watching some 90s moomin (and later on moominvalley) i realized how much i liked him and how much i was like him; i soon daydreamed of myself, as snufkin, venting to someone. it made me very happy. i vibe with his general demeanor and ideals (minus his gripes about rules, i follow those by the book) and i love psychoanalyzing him. so fun. so fun.

3. arnold perlstein (the magic school bus)

overly-anxious jewish kid and certified expert on rocks and panicking. owns a pair of fire-proof pyjamas in a lovely shade of green. isfj.

you all saw this one coming. my early childhood lives in my mind rent free and such i can’t help but revisit arn and his character. i’ve always loved him (even in, and quite possibly especially in, the reboot) and i’ve always loved psychoanalyzing every single little thing he does (remember that one time he said he was traumatized? me too). i soon realized a lot of it was me projecting! so sue me. actually, sue miss frizzle. either one of them. i mean, if arnold really didn’t like the field trips he could’ve just filed a restraining order! ...just saying.

4. fluttershy (my little pony)

anxious pastel butterfly baby child. probably loves animals more than she loves herself. cries upon impact. isfj.

the pony i’d mentally point to and think “me”. i had like 10 fluttershy-related things growing up, like plushies or funko pops or that sdcc guardians of harmony thing. while not shy in the same manner, it was nice having a character i could relate to about so much! i cosplayed as her equestria girls form for my first comic con as well, so that’s pretty cool. in addition, me being a little lepidopterist means i was bound to love her. it was destiny~

5. lammy lamb (um jammer lammy)

socially anxious and generally anxious rock star who thinks literally everything is a guitar. has an emotional support girlfriend. infp.

man!! she embodies the feeling when you have to go to the eye doctor by yourself to get your glasses fixed or when you have to call someone over the phone... that sheer tension. the panic. the feeling of ‘i want to throw my entire being into the trash can’. but lammy has a bunch of friends to support her, so she’s cool. died by slipping on a banana peel! same, sister. and man would i like to shred on my ukulele now...

6. loser (bfb)

humble (screw bfb 21), supportive, well-loved cube dude who’s voice is like that of an angel. has an entire fanclub in his honor. enfj.

okay, no, i was never a cool kid or ‘popular’, really, but in school i was never bullied for whatever reason and was generally well-liked; i hung out with a squad of weirdos and yet the cool kids would often talk to me? and try to engage me?? despite my very apparent self-deprecation and awkwardness??? either way i feel like it’s such a blessing to me, that i have so many friends! i often feel like i don’t deserve it, but hey. it’s nice! and heck, back when i was on scratch i had a little fanclub myself :0

7. fan (inanimate insanity)

nerdy, friendly aspie boyo who subliminally vents via blogging. longs for stability in his life; was best friends with an egg. entp.

ever since i noted his aspergers-like behavior i became super attached to him - whether or not it was intentional, i found it nice having a character i can relate those feelings with. he’s really sweet and dorky and i love how he gets along with test tube, paintbrush, and lightbulb! it makes me really happy to see him whenever i do. it made me really sad when he was eliminated. what the heck. yeah i dunno i don’t kin him super strongly but i love him to bits.

8. spinel (steven universe the movie)

emotionally unstable clown girl who stood in a garden for thousands of years. patience of a saint. edge like an 11-year-old me. esfp.

uhh um uh totally wasn’t completely disturbed by how much i related to spinel after watching steven universe the movie... totally wasn’t reminded about how and why i hated middle school... totally didn’t rethink my life that day... that’s it. this is all i’m saying.

9. molly blyndeff (epithet erased)

innocent child who has a terrible father and a wonderful demeanor. teddy bear who needs a hug and a criminal as her new dad. infp.

epithet erased is adorable okay?? i knew molly was infp in the first few minutes... more precisely, i knew she was me. man!! i don’t relate directly to her angst but i still feel it. i can replicate her voice so accurately it’s scary. also, i coined a new thing -  ‘molly cake’! you have a chocolate cake, preferably with chocolate chips inside. use chocolate frosting and add little pastel star sprinkles! on top! my mom would make this cake for us anyway but then i realized it was literally just molly in cake form. and it’s just as sweet!

10. tommy coolatta (hlvrai)

a 30-something-year-old child who rocks a propeller hat. chose his last name off of a dunkin donuts menu despite the fact that he has a father. infp.

everyone loves tommy. he’s so sweet? and funny and loveable?? often times when i say something funny but bizarre, i just remember that tommy has said ‘soda helps you see faster’ and it makes me happy. if i’m going to be a weirdo i want to be the wholesome weirdo who loves soda and has a .png for a dog! also i legally have to kin tommy. i took a test for it (and i’m not complaining! i find it quite flattering).

11. twyla (monster high)

the daughter of the boogeyman; would very much like to boogey out of here, if you know what i mean. avoids people like the plague. infj.

seeing her role in the show and in the movies, i really love twyla? first of all, her voice is my new favorite thing. it’s like... gravelly? and soft? she’s the type of person who would very much like to disappear when in a crowd; thankfully, she literally can. i am drawn to any sarcastic, self-deprecating introvert who takes care of their bonkers extrovert friend (in this case howleen), as i often act as such myself. also the phrase ‘boogey sand’ will never leave my mind now :)

12. lapis lazuli (steven universe)

water gem who wants you to leave. cynical as all heck, sensitive as all hell. is there such thing as a gem therapist? just asking. infp.

in a similar way to twyla, i vibe with lapis’ sarcasm and wit as well as her emotional side. it can be kind of addicting, isolating one’s self. anywho, me and my sister used to do this routine of yelling up to each other this certain dialogue between lapis and peridot when peri was leaving for something (in which lapis replied to everything she said with dry ‘yeah’s); i would always do lapis’ part. i do reply a lot with ‘okay’ or ‘yeah’ or ‘cool’ to things people tell me, as i never really know what to say.

13. brad meltzer (xavier riddle and the secret museum)

shy jewish butterfly kid who absolutely hates time travel. attracted to people who know how to socialize like a normal human being. infp(?).

okay okay so... combine everything from arnold and everything from fluttershy and that’s basically what brad is to me. a jewish socially anxious nerd who loves butterflies and drawing. badabing badaboom, there i am. that’s it.

and boom! all of the kins i can think of, of course not including comfort characters like will byers from stranger things or isabelle from animal crossing. if you have any kins to suggest to me, i would love it! thank you for taking your time to read this, friend! have a fantastic day :)

[ariendiel]

Questionable Crushes Tag

Share a list of your childhood questionable crushes and tag at least 5 people to share theirs!

Thanks for the tag @radiantdae (I agree with you on Katz), and omg I had to think about these for so long, I just didn’t have that many crushes as a kid until Lord of The Rings happened... Yes, I know I’m painfully boring, sorry, but I mostly just wanted to be the characters I saw on tv

Batman (Terry McGinnis) from Batman Beyond

I was obsessed with this show (and Justice League), and this version of batman specifically. The suit, the setting, the backstory... it just did it for me

Kovu from The Lion King 2

Simba is cute, sure, but Kovu is just superior when it comes to strangely attractive cartoon lions. I’m also SO weak for a secretly soft bad boy

Snufkin from the Moomins

An adventurer and philosopher who’s anti-authority, is strongly against private property, and is kind but prefers to be alone... no wonder I loved him

Ranger from Animals of Farthing Wood

I had such a crush on Ranger... I mean, he’s a blue fox from the “evil” family who’s involved in a forbidden romance (basically falls in the same category as Kovu, which again is basically a re-telling of Romeo and Juliet, I clearly had an early weak spot for cheesy romance hah)

Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas

... yeah, I don’t even know why with this one... he’s a sassy skeleton with a sexy voice? I guess? 😅

I’ll tag @thebobbyfish @lasswithumor @diamondjordan96 @lucas-koh and @bellarxse​ ❤️

[dreadlockholiday]

Hello gorgeous Dready! Lilac and foxglove for the Botanical asks 🌼🌻

Hi lovely!!

lilac: if you could go back in time which time period would you visit?

I think the 60s/70s cause my style is a lot based on those years. Also the music I listen to is mainly stuff from those decades. The music was just good back then, and I would love to see some of my favourite bands live during their best years and wear my bellbottoms freely🌻🌻 otherwise ancient Greece for obvious reasons

foxglove: who is your favorite cartoon character?

This one is hard lol. I usually don't have a strictly favourite thing, but I guess I have a few i can name. I know I'm fairly young and probably the stuff I watched as a child isn't the same as you 😅 and my childhood was rather particular so I didn't watch a lot of stuff, BUT, that doesn't mean I don't have a handful of characters on the list.

I'll start with a classic: Bugs Bunny, I just love him he's so chill and smart and reminds me a bit of myself in certain situations 🙈 Then, I guess it's Snufkin from Moomin. He's got good vibes and I always liked him because he's weird and philosophical and out of the norm. I LOVE Shrek, for obvious reasons, and as a child I was obsessed with Diego from Ice Age, I don't know why though. I also had an obsession for Spirit the horse🙈 I actually love this question because it's making me realise just now why I connected with certain characters rather than others❤️❤️ I'm sure I have a lot more but I can't remember right now!

Thanks for the amazing ask Kel❤️😘

Send me botanical asks and I'll answer

[jancmalandra]

On first encounters with adult Moomins

Part II: Moominmama and Moominpapa

Moomintroll approached Moominhouse slowly as he came within a few yards of the front door. He realized that although this would always be a place where he was welcomed and loved, where two irreplaceable parts of his new family would be, it wasn't exactly his home anymore. He really had become a vagabond just like Snufkin, a least for the foreseeable future. This wasn't as sad a realization as one might have thought: he had become keenly aware as he returned to Moominvalley that his childhood was behind him forever, and he was able to face that now because of Snufkin's and Snork Maiden's love for him. He felt a strange bittersweet feeling instead, a new instinct that he couldn't put a name to, one that led him to knock on the door to Moominhouse before entering for the very first time in his life.

Moominmama opened the door wide, as always. She was standing paw in paw with Moominpapa just inside the front parlor. Moomintroll entered, and the three of them just stood there for what felt like an eternity, just taking each other in. All three of them had been bracing themselves for a big emotional scene with a lot of tears, hugs, questions and the beginnings of long stories, but that wasn't how any of them were feeling in the actual moment.

Instead, they all had the same expression on their faces; their eyes were brimming with tears, but they all had wide smiles of deep love for each other and a newfound kind of happiness emanating from them in palpable waves. Moomintroll made the first move, taking his parents' free paws in his and bringing them both close to him for a deep, tender hug. Feeling each other's familiar heartbeats that closely once more made this new kind of happiness overflow between them, and their words began to return to them.

Moominpapa was the first to try to break the silence; "You look extraordinarily well, my...erm...uh...Moomintroll. Traveling really seems to have agreed with you....My goodness, you certainly have grown!", he said, his voice trailing off.

Moominpapa's observation was trite, but it was also inarguably true. Moomintroll had gone through his last growth spurt over the Winter without realizing it until now. Moomintroll was now exactly as tall as his father, although months of constant exercise had made his frame more compact and muscular. For the two men, looking at each other was like looking into a wonderful magic mirror: Moomintroll saw all of his hopes and dreams standing personified before him, Moominpapa saw his adventurous youth in Moomintroll, and all the happiness that had come his way because he had dared to pursue his dreams. The two of them hugged each other powerfully and joyously.

Moomintroll was the next to attempt to speak. He felt that he had to apologize to his mother for leaving without a word last Fall, so he turned to her, his tears finally flowing down his cheeks, and said, "I am SO sorry for going with Snufkin and not saying goodbye, but everything happened all at once, and I got swept up in the moment, and it was then or never...."

Instead of saying anything immediately, Moominmama embraced Moomintroll with all of her motherly love and began patting his head tenderly, as she had always done when he had been feeling particularly sad and overwhelmed.

She held Moomintroll at arms length and said to him with profound joy, "I am so very proud of you for going after Snufkin on your own! You don't know how I secretly worried that you might never find the courage to tell him how much you've loved him all this time. I was always a little afraid that something terrible might happen and that you might miss your chance to be together with him. But, you did it! I can't imagine being any happier or prouder of you than I am right now!"

"Actually, Mama," said Moomintroll, blushing bright red through his tears, "There's someone else that you should be just as proud of, and she should be joining us any minute now! I can sense your handiwork in what just happened only a little while ago! I have a feeling that what she accomplished because of you will make you even happier!"

"Oh, really?!", said Moominmama, filled with wonderful expectations. "Lunch is ready! Should we wait in the dining room or stay here and wait to greet....them?!", she asked Moomintroll eagerly. He nodded yes vigorously to her last implied question.

"We should definitely wait here!", Moomintroll said enthusiastically, "They shouldn't be much longer!"

Sure enough, Snork Maiden came through the wide open front door only a few minutes later, holding paws with a very sheepish and uneasy Snufkin. Moomintroll went over to stand in between them, wrapping each of them in one arm. He then kissed each of them lovingly on the cheek, and turned towards his parents glowing with pure joy!

"Mama, Papa," announced Moomintroll in glee, "I'd like you to meet my new family....your new family! And, it's thanks largely to Snork Maiden!", and at this her whole body turned a pleasing bright pink with happiness.

"Please join us for lunch, all of you!", said Moominmama overjoyed, and she suddenly took Snufkin in her arms, hugging him for the very first time in his life! "I want to thank you so very much for all you must have done for Moomintroll over the Winter, Snufkin!"

Snufkin was completely taken aback; "Actually, Moominmama," he said, blushing deeply with unexpected joy, "It was much more the other way around! I can't begin to thank Moomintroll enough for all the things he did for me! We'll tell you all about our adventures over the coming week!"

Snufkin loved Moominmama, of course, but he had always known full well how powerful her motherly love was and he had always been almost as wary of her love as he had been of Moomintroll's before he fell in love with Moomintroll. Her love was just as infinite, irresistible and powerful as her son's, but in an entirely different, indescribably comforting, safely warm, and unconditionally welcoming way, and he had felt that her love had always included him unmistakably through that one embrace. He had always kept himself at as safe a distance from her embraces as he could manage, but now he no longer wanted to be where he couldn't come to see her and get one of her hugs when he needed to!

Moomintroll sat at the head of the dining room table with Snufkin seated at his right hand and Snork Maiden at his left. Moominmama sat next to Snufkin and Moominpapa sat next to Snork Maiden. They all began to enjoy the marvelous vegetable dishes that Moominmama had prepared for them while Moomintroll and Snufkin told their parents about the night that they had fallen in love, each telling their part of the story in turn. Moominmama had hosted countless joyous parties in Moominhouse before, but this one eclipsed them all!

To Be Continued

[sbsbbshdj]

I decided to revise the cartoon of my childhood, and draw on it! Or rather, draw a merger of Moomin characters and heroes from there.The plot there is almost like in Pinocchio: a wooden boy, who was made from a magic fire, runs away from his father, and meets Theater with puppets, he runs away with them and then they give him a golden key that opens the door to a room in his father(Giusepe)'s house .

So, I drew almost the main characters!

For understanding: Pierrot and Malvina are dolls who play in the theater an evil man whose name is Korobas Barabas (I want to make him Hodkins)And Snufkin (artemon) Malvina's dog, who also plays there. Piero is in love with Malvina, and writes poetry and songs to her,Malvina, in turn, is a very diligent doll who does not tolerate disobedience, Artemon,can be said,to help her clean up

I also drew the main character as a little My-his name Buratino(the same wooden boy who was inspired by Pinocchio)

If you are interested, I can give you links to YouTube Kids with this (English subtitles)

[amberlovesanimation]

What Does the Bark Boat Mean?

I’ve been into Moominvalley lately, and I particularly love Moomintroll & Snufkin’s relationship, but I was stumped on this little object that clearly meant to have some symbolism relating to the two; until I went back and re-watched parts of the episode and I have an interpretation now.

We’re first introduced to Moomintroll’s bark boat at the beginning of the episode “Moominsummer Madness” when Moominmama gives it to him, to his excitement. Little My comments on him being “too big” for it, to which he replies that it’s not a toy, and she then implies that she wishes Moominmama had given it to her instead (I doubt she’s actually interested much in the toy and that she’s just jealous that he was given something and she wasn’t - she says “things can change” when he says he’s the one mama likes most).

Then, we see Moomintroll putting it in action on a little pond- er, puddle? Small pool? He wants it to turn clockwise a few times, so that “everything will stay exactly the way it is” (he started the episode stating that everything is perfect, after waving to Snufkin) And after he gets it to turn (by forcing it to with a stick), he sighs “a long, hot summer with snufkiiin...” until he sees that it’s started turning anti-clockwise. In his futile attempts to make it turn clockwise, he ends up sinking the boat, and says “Pah. Who believes in silly old signs, anyway?” right before it starts pouring down with rain.

He runs to Snufkin, who tells him he’s going “yonder”, which he later says isn’t so much a place, but a feeling.

Anyway, everything gets flooded, and the majority of the episode is spent with the Moomin family getting to know an eccentric theatre owner. At one point, Moomintroll says “with a new wind in your sails, the wind of hope, you’ll be able to sail through the whirlpools of life.”

When they return to Moominvalley, and the rain has stopped, Snufkin is there waiting for them. He shows Moomintroll the bark boat, which is still turning anti-clockwise. Snufkin asks him if he thinks it’s some sort of sign, to which he replies “Nah, probably just the wind changing direction”. Snufkin picks up the boat with a smile and takes it with him, and we see him holding it again during Moomintroll’s rehearsal in the next episode.

So... what does it mean? Specifically in regards to Moomintroll and Snufkin’s relationship?

Clearly, the series’ theme of childhood & growing up is present here, with the bark boat and the belief that the direction it turns could be a sign being an almost childish thing, so Moomintroll waving it off as just the wind at the end could be implying that he’s grown up a little in this episode and learning to accept the natural changes and obstacles life throws at us (at one point Moominmama implies that life would be boring if things stayed perfectly the same all the time).

But what does this mean for his relationship with Snufkin? It could imply that they won’t always be together; just like how he tried to change the direction of the boat, Moomintroll can’t force Snufkin to be by his side forever, and it’s inevitable that they’ll be separated.

...However, I don’t think this is the full picture because of Snufkin’s appearance at the end; perhaps it is showing that they won’t always be together, but eventually they will find their way back to each other - back home again - after they’ve weathered storms of separation.

But I’m personally not completely happy with that explanation since isn’t that what their relationship already is? Being separated at winter then reuniting every spring? And why does Snufkin decide to keep the boat? On a cute surface level I guess him wanting to keep something that he knows belonged to Moomintroll shows he cherishes their relationship.

Boats usually symbolise a journey; and the whole “direction/wind changing” motif in this episode also reflects that; the journey of life has its ups and downs and its various changes, as does the relationship between the two characters.

So, ultimately, the bark boat symbolises Moomintroll’s acceptance of this fact by letting it and his superstitions about it go, and Snufkin’s acceptance of their relationship and the challenges it’ll face by keeping the boat, therefore allowing himself to let Moomintroll in a bit more than he used to.

I can’t believe it took me typing out such a bloody long post to realise that conclusion but I’m so happy if it is what the writers intended - Moomintroll being less possessive of and needy with Snufkin and Snufkin alternatively being with Moomintroll more & thinking of his feelings (he hurt them by leaving the party early without telling him, for example) is EXACTLY what their relationship needs to be more healthy and better for everyone involved.

[geminiamethyst]

Possession. Chapter 8:

Right guys, this chapter is a little shorter compared to the others and I’m sorry if you don’t like that. I still hope you all enjoy it just the same though.

I’m just going to warn you guys right now: there is a little bit of gore, but I’ll try to keep it as minimal as possible. Another warning is that there is going to be some emotional scenes so please have some tissues ready.

Also, you know the drill. If you haven’t read the previous, for the sake my sanity and to avoid potential SPOILER ALERTS, go read them now by using the links at the end of the chapter.

Enjoy.

The vagabond’s spirit was battered and bruised, a thin line of blood trailed from the corner of his mouth, showing the torture that he had to endure whilst he was trapped. His face was twisted in pain and fear, showing how much he had been hurt emotionally and mentally as well as physically. Unfortunately, he didn’t put up a fight as he was unconscious. It broke Moomin’s heart to see Snufkin like this. He had never thought he would see Snufkin look anything like this. It was haunting and it wasn’t something that he would ever forget. Joxter started to charge into the circle to try to stop the spirit from taking Snufkin away, but Moominpappa held him back, knowing that his childhood friend would put himself in more danger than he would help the young traveller. Joxter only responded by struggling viscously. He didn’t want to lose Snufkin again, he couldn’t.

“Snufkin! Wake up! Please!” Moomin cries out, tears threatening to fall.

“You had better let go of him right now! Or else!” Little My yelled, baring her teeth like a ravage animal.

“Or else what?! I told you that I’d get my revenge. Even if I can’t kill you, at least I can still make you all suffer by taking a member of your ‘family’. Say goodbye!” The spirit smirked, eyes wide, almost looking like a pair of near perfect circles in the centre of his head. Joxter’s struggle against Moominpappa increased, getting to the point where Moominmamma had to help hold him back. Little My was going to leap into the circle herself, but Madame Portia, who had been sitting perfectly still, eyes still white, reached out and stopped her. Little My tried to bite her out of retaliation, but the medium made no reaction.

“SNUFKIN!” Moomin screamed, tears falling down his face. His best friend made no move, not even attempting to open his eyes. Moomin nearly collapsed to the ground, fearing the worst. Little My continued to fight back against the medium’s death grip. She suddenly stopped when she felt an ominous chill stroking her shoulder, like a hand offering her some form of comfort. She looked back into the circle. And what happened next, would have her speechless for the rest of the ritual.

“I win! I always-” the spirit started to mock, when the unexpected happened. A flash of shape and colour suddenly grabbed the spirit and yanked him away from the traveller. Snufkin’s spirit fell sideways, only for the shape-no, another spirit-to grab him before he could hit the ground. The spirit was of a tall man, he wore a long brown coat that was clearly seen to be unbuttoned at the front, black trousers and one black boot on his left foot. He had short, dark orange hair. His clothes were ragged and torn, just like the boy spirit’s. The sleeve on his right side was torn to shreds and any skin that was showing at this point was covered in gashes and some of them revealed a little bit of bone. No one could see his face, as he had his back to everyone else. Gently, with only the use of his left arm (his right arm was all twisted and seemed to be dislocated), he lowered Snufkin’s spirit into his body.

“NO! I WILL NOT LET THIS HAPPEN! I WILL-” the evil spirit yelled, enraged that Snufkin was returned to where he rightfully belonged. The adult spirit suddenly grabbed the boy spirit by the throat with his left hand. He lifted the stunned spirit high in the air. The evil spirit looked visibly frightened, red eyes wide in terror and his body was practically shaking like a leaf. He stared right into the adult spirit’s eyes, silently begging to be let go, as he kicked his legs in the air and his hands were clawing at the hand that held him.

“You shall not harm this family anymore! Go back to the dark hole you crawled out of! AND STAY THERE!” The adult yelled before he threw the evil spirit to the ground. Everyone looked in in shock at what was unfolding before them. Joxter relaxed, all the fight that he had against his friends seemed to have vanished. Madame Portia released the small girl, letting Little My stand there in awe as what was happening. Moomin was frozen stiff. Only his tears were moving, hitting the ground like rain. The boy spirit slowly started to move, slowly sitting up. That was when it happened. Long, thick shadows, acting like the tentacles of an octopus, reached up from the ground. The boy screamed in anguish as he was grabbed by each shadow. He laid on his back, kicking and wailing like a toddler, in fact worse than a toddler. It didn’t stop the shadows from constricting around him. The spirit kept screaming incoherent protests. As the shadows started to pull him under the earth, his struggling increased. He stretched out a hand, hoping to grab the adult spirit before him. Everyone watched as he was dragged completely under, his screams echoing before they faded completely away and his hand being the final thing to be dragged away. Everyone was silent, filled with shock and awe, and even a little bit of fright.

The adult spirit stood still for a few seconds, though it felt like hours. He suddenly started to slowly turn around. He allowed the family to see the left side of his face momentarily. He had freckles dotting his pale face, like the spots of a Dalmatian. He had sharp green eyes that somewhat resembled Little My’s. He sighed deeply before turning around fully. Joxter couldn’t help but stare at the man in pity as he saw the full view of his face. The family around him became breathless. The whole right hand side of his face was a mangled mess. His right eyelid was closed, but the living had a feeling that it was to hide either a damaged eye or an empty eye socket. The skin had so many gashes that it more looked like raw, red meat than a face. The right hand side at the front of his scalp was ripped clean of his hair and a little bit of skin. It was truly like good and evil had clashed with his face.

The spirit looked right down at Little My, making her shift a little uncomfortable by the sight of his deformed face. He gave her a smile despite that, trying to make it seem like he didn’t look as bad as he actually was.

“I’m so proud of you, Little My. And I know that you’re brother is proud of you too.” He smiled, his left eye slowly letting out a tear. He turned to the family. “Thank you.” Before anyone could respond, the spirit slowly started to turn to silver coloured sand. Each particle drifted up to the heavens, swirling like a whirlpool. He looked at Little My one last time, who started to shed tears, knowing full well who it was standing before. “Give your mother my love, will you sweetie?”

“Pappa...” the small girl whispered, trying to keep herself together. Joxter knelt down beside her and rubbed her back a little, giving her comfort. The spirit smiled a little wider, more tears coming out of his eye, before he completely turned to silver sand. The sand continued to drift into the sky, fading away into the cold, black night. The light from the circle faded. The milky white liquid that was used to outline the shape had drained into the earth, leaving black scorched marks on the ground. Madame Portia blinked and when she opened her eyes, they had turned back to their normal pebble grey colour. A small trail of blood leaked out of her noise, which she promptly wiped away.

“Snufkin?” Moomin asked, looking down at the still form on the ground. Everyone looked at Snufkin. He hadn’t moved at all. He wasn’t awake. He didn’t look like if he was even breathing. Joxter shook his head lightly, kneeling beside the boy. He turned him onto his back, taking in a sharp inhale. Now that Snufkin had control of his body, it reflected the injuries that his spirit had. His pale skin littered black and blue and a thin streak of blood coming from his mouth. His face was still and didn’t seem to hold any emotion.

“Snufkin? Come on. Please.” Joxter said, shaking the boy’s still form. Snufkin’s head limply bobbed up and down but he didn’t respond. “No, no, no. Please.”

“Snufkin?” Little My whimpered as she approached her little brother. She grasped his shoulder and lightly shook it, but again, no response. Moomin knelt down next to his best friend. He couldn’t hold back the tears as he held his pale cold hand. He felt his parents hug him by the shoulders and his mother nuzzle him for comfort, her salty tears being smothered onto his fur. Madame Portia looked away, not wanting to see her failure for a second time. No one had a dry eye around the vagabond. Joxter’s tears hit his son’s face as he kissed his son on the forehead. Joxter and Little My held Snufkin tightly, not caring if he was going to respond or not at this point. Moomin’s parents held their son closer, feeling just as bad as Joxter did. Before the man came back into Snufkin’s life, they treated him like a second son. It was heartbreaking to think that they had lost him to something just as evil as the spirit of a vengeful child. Moomin barely his parents’s attempt to console him as he hugged the still hand in his paws close to him, squeezing it a little.

Then he felt the hand squeeze back....

Here are the links to the other chapters:

Chapter 1: click HERE

Chapter 2: click HERE

Chapter 3: click HERE

Chapter 4: click HERE

Chapter 5: click HERE

Chapter 6: click HERE

Chapter 7: click HERE

Chapter 9: coming soon...

[snufmin-is-life]

Long list of facts about Lilja:

What makes them cry?

-When she's alone for too long and becomes lonely. Whenever she's in a heated argument she almost always starts to cry. Sometimes when she's overstimulated she cries but very rarely.

How would your OC describe themselves?

-quiet but friendly. Loyal to close friends and family. Creative and loves to draw and write. Absolutely loves music and playing the banjo.

What does your OC smell like?

-Pine trees, sage, and mint (she likes being clean and smelling like it)

What spice best represents your OC?

-Cumin

What is your OC’s most listened to song/artist of the year? of the decade?

-She listens to Snufkin play his harmonica a lot, as for an official song that would be There Beneath by The Oh Hellos

How does your OC sleep?

What do they wear to bed? What positions do they sleep in? How many pillows/blankets/mattresses do they need? Lights on or off? Any specific rituals around bedtime?

-They wear a big nightshirt to sleep in that they got from Snufkin.

She usually sleeps on their side but sometimes on their stomach.

They use one pillow but have a lot of plushies they sleep with.

They have a lot of blankets on their bed because they like the feel of the weight.

Lights off, a small lantern lighted for a nightlight.

She normally reads or writes before she goes to sleep, or she occasionally messes with their banjo (but not too much as it wakes Moomin).

During winter it's harder for them to sleep.

A stranger smiles at your OC in public. How does your OC respond?

-If she's literally never met them before she keeps their head down and doesn't keep eye contact with them.

What does your OC do when they get a stain on their clothes?

-She'll try to wash it as good as she can to lighten it. She hates any reminders of dirtiness on their body or clothing.

What is your OC’s favorite item of clothing they own?

-Their small cloak (similar to a poncho?)

Does your OC generally assume the best or the worst in people ?

-She tries to assume the best in people.

Does your OC listen to the same some on repeat for 6 months straight or are they regularly seeking out new songs?

-Almost always listens to The Oh Hellos and hasn't really tried to find any other band.

Is your OC good with kids?

Do they want kids?

Do they even like kids?

-She does best with older kids (7 and up) younger kids stress them out too easily. She's not sure if she wants kids, she's not too focused on that at the moment. She generally likes kids, especially due to the fact they're filled with imagination and wonder.

How can you tell if your OC is in a good mood? How can you tell of they're in a bad one?

-When she's happy she stims by foot tapping and stimming by shaking their paws.

When she's in a bad mood she avoids making eye contact, rubs their torso with their arms over and over (something I do), and also scratches their skin a lot.

What is the worst thing your OC has ever done? Do they regret it?

-Not sure if this is the exact worst thing she's done but once she was in an argument with Snufkin and she snatched his harmonica and threw it into the ocean. At first she didn't regret it but then realized that it would be like if someone threw their banjo in the ocean. She regretted it then. Later she purchases him a new one as a way to apologize.

What’s your OC’s favorite animal? Favorite mythical creature? Favorite cryptid?

-She loves foxes. Their favorite mythical creature is Pegasus. Favorite cryptid is either The Lock Ness monster or Moth Man.

Does your OC prefer Grand Romantic Gestures or little acts of care?

-Definitely little acts of care. She tends to get really flustered if it's a grand romantic gesture.

What does your OC do when they can’t fall asleep?

-Goes for a walk outside till she feels sleepy.

Does your OC dress for practicality or for the aesthetic?

-More for practicality. Don't get me wrong she likes fashion but would rather be prepared so practical clothes are better.

How does your OC respond to being told "I love you"?

-Usually with a smile and if she feels like it she'll ask for a hug.

What makes your OC go feral?

-Birds.

How does your OC calm down when they’re angry?

-Stimming and sitting in their room until she calms down.

Does your OC take a soup or a salad?

-Soup. She likes salad but it can be too cold.

What is the strangest thing your OC always carries in their pocket/bag, and why?

-An old stick doll that Snufkin made for them when they were little. It gives them good luck.

Is your OC more of a casual flirting type, a type to have crushes, or a falling in love type?

-Crushes.

Is your OC more of a thinker, a talker, or a doer?

-Thinker.

What kind of first impression does your OC give?

-Snufkin clone.

What would The Bad Place look like for your OC? what would be their specially tailored form of eternal torture?

-Loud sounds, flashing lights, basically an overstimulation goldmine.

What was your OC's first word as a baby?

-"Muumee" aka moomin.

Is there a smell your OC can’t stand?

-Vinegar.

What kind of socks does your OC wear?

-Wool socks.

How does your OC react to seeing a spider in their house?

-She always gets help from their dads to get rid of it. She's extremely scared of spiders.

What is your OC’s comfort food?

-Mashed potatoes.

How physically affectionate is your OC?

-She's ok with most physical affection as long as she initiates it. She's not especially huggy though.

Does your OC thrive on change or stability?

-Stability. She needs structure and a routine to thrive.

What are your OC’s three favourite scents?

-Snufkin's smoking herbs, the pancakes Moomin cooks in the morning, and lavender.

What colours does your OC wear the most? Which ones do they avoid wearing?

Purple is their favorite color. Neon colors she tends to avoid simply because they're very bright.

What was your OC’s childhood fear?

-She was scared of the Lady of the cold and the Groke.

What is your OC most likely to get arrested for?

-Messing with parkkeepers and pulling up signs like their pappa Snufkin.

Who does your OC call in the middle of the night when they need someone to talk to?

-Moomin. He's a great comforter.

Are they multilingual? what languages do they speak?

-All the languages that Lilja speaks from most fluent to least fluent: Finnish, Swedish, English.

If you OC were a fruit, what would they be and why?

-Passion fruit?

What is your OC’s opinion on candy corn?

-Flavor is tolerable and texture is eh.

What colour pen does your OC use?

-Purple.