In the shadow of war: Tove Jansson’s Comet in Moominland

ABSTRACT In this paper, the authors consider one Comet in Moominland, one of the early publications of the Finnish author and artist, Tove Jansson, written during and after the Second World War. The story depicts the threat of a comet hurtling towards Earth and the many ways in which the inhabitants of Moomin Valley respond to this potentially devastating threat. Prompted by the current conflict in Ukraine, which resonates in many ways with Finland’s experience, the authors describe significant influences in Jansson’s early life, as well as Finland’s unique and tragic position during and after the Second World War. Reflecting on the story from a psychoanalytic perspective raises many issues in relation to catastrophic anxiety – how it is responded to and defended against. The significance of a secure base is highlighted, as Moomintroll is helped through his ordeal by his internalised Moominmamma, even in her physical absence. Further thought is given to the threat of nuclear war as written about by Hannah Segal, and Melanie Klein’s response to war. The story also highlights the characters’ reflections on the beauty and wonder of the natural world, so perilously close to destruction in the face of the approaching comet, making parallels with current pressing concerns about Climate Change.