Pippi Longstocking
“No, I don’t suffer from freckles”, said Pippi. The lady finally understood. Then she happened to glance at Pippi and exclaimed: “But, dear child, your whole face is covered in freckles!” “That’s right”, said Pippi. “But they don’t bother me. I like them! Good morning to you!”
With her mismatched stockings, carrot-coloured hair and freckly face, not to mention super-human strength and resilience, Pippi Longstocking has become a cultural icon.
Pippi is regularly voted as one of the world’s favourite children’s characters; self-sufficient, quick-witted, generous and never letting anything – or anyone – shake her self-belief or take advantage.
Her fans range from astronauts and politicians to Madonna, Lady Gaga, CocoRosie, Caitlin Moran, Amy Poehler, Maggie O’Farrell and Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki. Her rebellious nature also inspired the character of Lisbeth Salander in Stieg Larsson's Millennium trilogy.
No stranger to counter-culture, Pippi can be seen around the world in tattoos, celebrity photographs, works of graffiti and on catwalks as a symbol of female strength, resilience, kindness, fairness and acceptance.
Pippi Longstocking 80th Anniversary
In 2025, our most beloved superhero, Pippi Longstocking, turns 80. We invite you to join us in the celebration and Be more Pippi!
Read more about Pippi's anniversary
DID YOU KNOW?
Pippi is the most popular
Pippi Longstocking is the most famous of all of Astrid Lindgren’s characters throughout the world, except in Russia where Karlsson on the Roof wins out, and in Poland and the Czech Republic where the books about the children of Noisy Village are the most read.
DID YOU KNOW?
Widely translated
Pippi Longstocking has been translated into 78 different languages. In Mandarin she’s called 长袜子皮皮 and in many countries she doesn’t quite look the same way as in Sweden.
Books about Pippi
DID YOU KNOW?
The story behind Pippi
An early spring day in March 1944, Astrid fell and sprained her ankle. To pass the time, while she was resting it, she put the Pippi stories down on paper. It was going to be a present for her daughter Karin’s 10th birthday.
Read the story behind Pippi“Delightful! Delightful!’ ‘What’s delightful?’ asked Tommy. ‘Me,’ said Pippi smugly”
From Pippi Longstocking Goes Aboard
DID YOU KNOW?
Pippi's full name is:
Pippilotta Victoriaria Tea-cosy Appleminta Ephraim’s-daughter Longstocking
“Aha,’ said Pippi. ‘This must be my lucky day. I like policemen more than anything. After rhubarb crumble.”
From Pippi Longstocking‘One of the things that helps me tell a story through music is to create a character. I have to have a muse, whether it's Frida Kahlo, Martha Graham, Marlene Dietrich, or Pippi Longstocking.’ - Madonna
PLACES TO VISIT
Step right into Astrid Lindgren's stories
In Astrid Lindgren’s World you and your family become part of the classic children’s stories, and the line between story and reality, and between theatre and play, becomes blurred. The park is full of imaginative play areas, and music and singing can be heard from our many stages throughout the day.
Read more about Astrid Lindgren’s WorldFilms and tv series about Pippi Longstocking
There are eight feature films, two television series and two films made for TV about Pippi Longstocking.
