Pippi

Pippi Longstocking is a fictional character created by Swedish author Astrid Lindgren. She first appeared in the 1945 novel Pippi Longstocking and became the centerpiece of a series of children’s books that have been translated into many languages worldwide. The stories are set in Sweden and follow Pippi, a nine-year-old girl known for her extraordinary strength, fearless independence, and irreverent humor.

She lives alone in Villa Villekulla, a house she occupies with her pet monkey Mr. Nilsson and a cadre of imaginative adventures. Pippi is distinguished by her bright red hair worn in two braids that stick out sideways, freckled cheeks, and a knack for outwitting adults and convention. She befriends two neighboring children, Tommy and Annika, with whom she often shares escapades and lessons about friendship, generosity, and imagination.

The Pippi books have had a lasting cultural impact, inspiring several film adaptations, television series, stage productions, and a wide range of merchandise. They have been both celebrated for their playful humor and criticized by some for elements that reflect outdated attitudes toward gender, class, and colonialism, leading to reissues and edits in certain markets. The character remains a prominent figure in children’s literature, recognized for challenging norms and celebrating individuality.