Mother-centrism as Main Principle of Challenging Fears in Tove Jansson’s Tales

Abstract

Xenia Bogun demonstrates the underlying causes that define the content of anti-phobial discourse of Tove Jansson’s Moomin series. The leading device that drives this discourse is based on mother-centrism in the narrative. This principle is made more concrete through sophiological, soteriological, and sacral functions in the character of Moomin-mama. Mother-centrism is also marked by its connection to multi-layered cultural and religious theocentrism. Separate inclusions — fragments of ancient Greek mythology, biblical allusions, and ascetic practices of good intentions — support this scholarly argument.   Keywords: ontology, fear, eschatological motifs, anti-phobial practices, sacralization, hierophany, theocentrism, mother-centrism