A Story of Courage
Comet in Moominland is Tove Jansson’s second Moomin story, published in 1946, and one of the most beloved stories by the iconic Nordic author. The eventful adventure centres around a comet, which threatens the very existence of Moominvalley, the home of the Moomins. With only days until the comet strikes, will the Moomins find a way to save themselves?
Comet in Moominland established Tove Jansson as a storyteller with a unique, personal voice and an inimitable style. The novel introduces many of the residents of Moominvalley for the first time and is a great starting point for exploring the Moomin canon. Written during the Second World War, it features many timeless themes. The Moomins prove witty, resilient and resourceful in tough times and find ways to cope that have inspired generations of readers across the world.
Video: Illustrator Karlotta Freier’s interpretation of Tove Jansson’s Comet in Moominland.
We're Braver Together
In Moominvalley, there are no superheroes.
The strength of the small and often frightened creatures is their unity in the face of disaster, their ability to turn a dire situation into an adventure and to join together when destruction looms large.
Comet in Moominland shows us that we don't need to face challenges alone. In dark times, the Moomins work together to bring out the best in themselves, despite their differences. We're braver together.
We're braver together.
“A comet is a star that has lost its senses and hurtles around the universe with a fiery tail behind it. All the other stars have proper orbits to follow but the comet can turn up anywhere. Even here.”
– Snufkin from the book Comet in Moominland
One morning, Moomintroll and the little creature Sniff hear rumours about a star with a fiery tail.
Not knowing what it means, they want to know more. They set out on a great adventure to an observatory in the Lonely Mountains. They learn that a comet is heading straight for Moominvalley
They meet new resourceful friends, each with their own attitude towards the approaching threat. But what is the power of small creatures in the face of the comet?
Meet the Characters
Moomintroll
Moomintroll is brave and welcoming, leading everyone back to the safety of Moominvalley, but always trusting that Moominmamma will know what to do. He makes new friends easily, among them Snufkin and the Snork siblings, who all react differently to the threat of the approaching comet.
Sniff
Sniff is afraid of most things and complains extensively, but is exited about everything that sparkles. He feels mature when he discovers a secret cave and a kitten, and gets to go to the observatory with Moomintroll.
Moominmamma
Moominmamma is the heart of the family, comforting everyone with her calm demeanour. “Mamma will know what to do” is Moomintroll’s reasoning for going back to Moominvalley in time for the arrival of the comet.
Moominpappa
Moominpappa is calm and interested in science. He enjoys philosophical discussions over a glass of apple wine. It is his idea to send Moomintroll and Sniff to the observatory.
Muskrat
The Muskrat is a philosopher with a resigned worldview. He teaches the Moomins about space by throwing around sandwiches and scares Moomintroll and Sniff talking about the impending doom.
Snufkin
Snufkin is a free-spirited wanderer who wants to own as few things as possible, preferring to carry them in his mind. He plays tunes on his harmonica to keep everyone’s spirit high.
Snorkmaiden
Snorkmaiden is a creative and excitable dreamer whose imagination comes in handy on adventures. She is very resourceful and quick-thinking, which often leads to her saving the day in style with a unique and ingenious solution.
Snork
Snork is Snorkmaiden’s brother. He loves to hold proper meetings and plan things, and wants notebooks with lines or squares.
Which Moomin character are you? Do the test and find out!
The Story Throughout the Years
Learn more about the story
Did you know that Tove Jansson revised the comet book three times, changing both storylines and illustrations?
The definitive version, published in Swedish in 1968, is now available in English for the first time - get the book and learn more about the story!
