Tofslan and Vifslan

Comedy duo wearing hats with a strange way of speaking

A cheerful duo of characters from the Moomin series who speak in a strange way and wear hats. Tofslan wears a red hat and blue clothes, while Vifslan wears red clothes. Their species and gender are unclear; they are comical beings who can be selfish but are basically endearing in personality.

Quotes

  • “Byuton, byuton, byuton...” (Often spoken as Stinky's voice, but Tofslan and Vifslan also speak strange words.)
  • “They don't understand that taking things for themselves is wrong.”
  • “King Ruby is ours!”
  • “Hats are our trademark!”
  • “Their way of speaking is weird, but they are endearing.”

Trivia

  • The names Tofslan and Vifslan derive from author Tove Jansson and her partner Vivica Bandler.
  • Characterized by garbled speech and unique talking style with endings like '~sura'.
  • Gender settings, clothing, and hat presence vary by anime version.
  • Tofslan basically wears a red hat, but there are exceptions.
  • They steal King Ruby and serve as troublemakers in the story.
  • Personalities and relationships vary by work, with no explicit growth or deep backstory.

Alternate names

Tofs Vifs tofslan vifslan

Tags

Moomin Moomin Valley Nordic Fantasy Fairy Comical Comedy Duo Wizard's Hat Unique Way of Speaking Showa Era Anime Heisei Era Anime

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Profile

Species
Fairy

Appearance

Overall appearance
A duo with a strange way of speaking. Tofslan wears a red hat and blue clothing, while Vifslan may or may not wear a hat depending on the work and wears red clothing. Both are small and exude a unique aura.
Height
Unknown
Distinguishing features
  • Hat
  • Strange way of speaking
  • Uniqueness as a duo
Iconic items
  • Tofslan's red hat
  • Vifslan's red clothes

Personality and abilities

Core personality
Mischievous
Detailed personality
Although it varies by story, they are basically mischievous and laid-back, with selfish tendencies such as using others' possessions without permission. However, they lack malice and possess an innocence where they fail to understand warnings from others and repeat their actions.
Keywords
  • Mischievous
  • Strange way of speaking
  • Humorous
  • Laid-back
  • No malice
  • Curious
Talents
  • Unique way of speaking
  • Combination
Skills
  • Imitation
  • Troublemaker
  • Generating humor
Motivation
Along with pure actions of claiming what they like as their own, living at their own pace while getting along with those around them.
Habits
Their speech is distinctive, and they sometimes repeat the same things.

History

Backstory
Tofslan and Vifslan are a duo of characters appearing in Moomin Valley stories, starting from the remake manga of 'Comet in Moominland', as well as the novel 'The Enjoyable Moomin Family', numerous picture books, and anime versions (Showa era 'Moomin' and Heisei era 'Fun Moomin Family'). Their names derive from author Tove Jansson and her same-sex partner, and their personalities and relationships often differ across works.
Debut date
circa 1960
Work title
Comet in Moominland (Remake Manga)
Media type
Manga

First Appearance

Significant event
First Appearance
Description
Appeared in the remake manga version of 'Comet in Moominland'. They were trapped in a bottle and rescued by Moomin and friends, then joined them in their activities.

Anime Appearance

Significant event
Anime Appearance
Description
Appeared in the 1969 'Moomin', 1972 'Moomin', and 'Fun Moomin Family' from 1990 onward, characterized by their unique speech and hats.

Name Origin Revealed

Significant event
Name Origin Revealed
Description
It has been publicly stated that the names are derived from author Tove Jansson and her partner Vivica Bandler.

Relationships

Moomin

Acquaintance

They often interact in stories, sometimes depicted as the center of trouble or as a friendly duo.

Moran

Rival

In 'Fun Moomin Family', they steal Moran's gem 'King Ruby', clashing as troublemakers.

Inhabitants of Moomin Valley

Inhabitants of Moomin Valley: unknown

Media appearances

Moomintroll and the End of the World

Manga / Supporting

circa 1960

Moomin (1969 version)

Anime / Supporting

1969-1970

Moomin (1972 version)

Anime / Supporting

1972

Fun Moomin Family

Anime / Supporting

1990s

The Enjoyable Moomin Family

Manga / Supporting

1990s and later

Voice cast and creators

Kieya Doko

Voice actor
Kieya Doko
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Showa Moomin - Tofslan

Miwa Katsue

Voice actor
Miwa Katsue
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Showa Moomin - Vifslan

Tanaka Yu

Voice actor
Tanaka Yu
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Showa Moomin - Tofslan

Inoue Yao

Voice actor
Inoue Yao
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Heisei Moomin - Vifslan

Echigoya Kosuke

Voice actor
Echigoya Kosuke
Language
Japanese
Version or series
Recent versions

Tove Jansson

Creator name
Tove Jansson
Role
Original author

Tove Jansson

Creator name
Tove Jansson
Role
Illustrator

Tove Jansson

Creator name
Tove Jansson
Role
Writer

Mushi Production

Creator name
Mushi Production
Role
Animation studio

Tokyo Movie

Creator name
Tokyo Movie
Role
Animation studio

Kodansha

Creator name
Kodansha
Role
Publisher

Related goods

Tofslan & Vifslan Figure

Item name
Tofslan & Vifslan Figure
Category
Figure
Availability
Regular

Tofslan and Vifslan Plush Toy

Item name
Tofslan and Vifslan Plush Toy
Category
Plush or doll
Availability
Limited

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