Snufkin
Snufkin is a character in the Moomin series of books written by Swedish-speaking Finn Tove Jansson, appearing in six of the nine books; his first appearance is in the second book, Comet in Moominland. He is the best friend of the series' protagonist, Moomintroll, and lives a nomadic lifestyle, only staying in Moominvalley in the spring and summer, leaving for warmer climates down south every winter. He is the son of the elder Mymble and the Joxter, and is half-brother to the Mymble's daughter and Little My.
Snufkin serves as the main protagonist in the 2024 video game Melody of Moominvalley.
Description
Snufkin wears old green clothes and a wide-brimmed hat that he has had since birth. He lives in a tent, smokes a pipe and plays the harmonica. Snufkin also has a great dislike for authority figures such as the Park Keeper (Moomin)|Park Keeper] and the many regulation signs and fences he erects. At one point, he sabotages the Park Keeper by planting Hattifatteners in his garden, causing them to grow and drive him out. He has a great hatred for all symbols of private property, even losing his temper with the Hemulen after the latter attempts to put up a sign declaring "Moominvalley".Snufkin's age is never specified outright in any of the books. He has had more mature conversations with Moominpappa and is notoriously wise and mysterious. However, he enjoys playing with Moomintroll and other children, and sometimes acts just as childish as them. He is also referred to as young and/or a child multiple in the series, and is younger than Little My, though he is easily twice her size. In times of conflict, others often turn to Snufkin for help, and he enjoys the unreserved admiration of the inhabitants of the valley for his wisdom. His advice is also followed. Snufkin's way of thinking reflects a wide range of philosophical views. He is undoubtedly one of the most multi-faceted characters in The Moomins. Snufkin has said that no one should own more than they can handle, and he cannot understand his friend Sniff's affection for worldly things. Snufkin once even throws his tent in the gorge, because he thinks it is not worth clinging to useless property, preferring instead to write a poem when he sees something beautiful.