The Smurfs is a comic and television franchise centered on a group of small blue fictional creatures called Smurfs, created and first introduced as a series of comic strips by the Belgian cartoonist Peyo (pen name of Pierre Culliford) on October 23, 1958.
The Smurfs Are Back in a New 3-D Feature Film!
The Story of The Smurfs!
The storylines tend to be simple tales of bold adventure. The cast has a simple structure as well: almost all the characters look essentially alike - mostly male, very short (3 apples high), with blue skin, white trousers with a hole for their short tails, white hat in the style of a Phrygian cap, and sometimes some additional accessory that identifies a personality. (For example, Handy Smurf wears overalls instead of the standard trousers, a brimmed hat, and a pencil above his ear). Smurfs can walk and run, but often move by skipping on both feet.
They love to eat sarsaparilla leaves, whose berries the smurfs naturally call smurfberries (the smurfberries appear only in the cartoon; in the original comics, the Smurfs only eat the leaves from the Smilax). Smurfs are almost never seen without their traditional white hat on, but the few exceptions suggest that smurfs have no hair, with the exception of Smurfette and later Sassette.
The Smurfs fulfill simple archetypes of everyday people: Lazy Smurf, Grouchy Smurf, Brainy Smurf, and so on. All smurfs, with the exception of Papa, Baby, Smurfette, Nanny and Grandpa, are said to be 100 years old. There were originally 99 smurfs, but this number increased as new Smurf characters appeared, such as Sassette and Nanny. All of the original smurfs were male; later female additions such as Smurfette and Sassette were Gargamel's creations.
The Smurf Language
A characteristic of the Smurf language is the frequent use of the word "smurf" and its derivatives in a variety of meanings. The Smurfs replace enough in everyday speech with "smurf" as to make their conversations barely understandable: "We're going smurfing on the River Smurf today."
When used as a verb, the word "Smurf" typically means "to make," "to be," "to laugh," or "to do." When a word is replaced in a statement, that same replacement is made in every repetition of it, even by other Smurfs: as an example, the statement "A dragon that breathes fire" becomes "A smurf that smurfs smurf", no matter which Smurf says it.
It was implied a number of times that Smurfs still understand each other due to subtle variations in intonation. Humans have found that replacing ordinary words with the term "smurf" at random is not enough: in one adventure, Peewit explains to some other humans that the statement "I'm smurfing to the smurf" means "I'm going to the wood," but a Smurf corrects him by saying that the proper statement would be "I'm smurfing to the smurf"; whereas what Peewit said was "I'm warbling to the dawn." So "I'm smurfing to the smurf" is not the same as "I'm smurfing to the smurf."
The Smurf village
When they first appeared in 1958, the Smurfs lived in a part of the world called "le Pays maudit" (French for "the Cursed Land"). To reach it required magic or travelling through dense forests, deep marshes, a scorching desert and a high Mountain range. The Smurfs themselves use storks in order to travel long distances, such as the kingdom where Johan and Peewit live and keep up-to-date with events in the outside world. Johan and Peewit stories, the Smurf village is made up of mushroom-like houses of different shapes and sizes in a desolate and rocky land with just a few trees.
However, in the Smurf series itself the mushroom-like houses are more similar to one another and are located in a clearing in the middle of a deep forest with grass, a river and vegetation. Humans such as Gargamel are shown to live nearby, though it is almost impossible for an outsider to find the smurf village except when led by a smurf.
The Smurf Characters
List of The Smurfs characters
Papa Smurf is the leader of the community. Other smurfs are generally named after their personality disposition, for example, Brainy, Greedy, Vanity, Lazy, Clumsy, Hefty, Jokey, Dreamy, Grouchy or their profession, for example, Poet, Actor, Handy, Harmony, Farmer, Clockwork, Painter, Tailor, Miner, Architect, Reporter, Timber, Barber and Doctor Smurf. Other smurf characters include Gutsy Smurf, Grandma Smurf, Grandpa Smurf, and Smurfette. The non-smurf characters who would appear later would include the evil Gargamel, his cat Azrael, and the page Johan, who went from print to film and TV. Johan appeared on the Smurfs TV series in the 80s, and on the same show, Peewit became Peewee, Johan's young friend.
Smurfs had two cereals in the '80s: Smurf Berries cereal and Smurfs Magic Stars. Both had animated commercials on Saturday morning.
The Smurfs are tiny, blue creatures who live in mushroom houses in a village hidden in the forest. Smurfs are blue, three-apples tall, and speak a dialect which makes heavy use of the word "smurf". The root word "smurf" is used extensively as a noun, verb, and everything in-between; "what a smurfy smurf, Papa Smurf" would not be an uncommon sentence.
There are over 100 Smurfs inside the Smurf Village. The Smurfs are led by 543-year-old Papa Smurf, a good and powerful wizard. Each Smurf is assigned a task in the village, according to their ability and the needs of the community. Smurfs live peaceful lives in harmony with nature. The word "Schtroumpf" (Smurf) is the Flemish equivalent of the English language colloquial "Whatchamacallit".
Azrael the Cat : Gargamel has a long-suffering sidekick named Azrael (not "Azreal" or "Azrial"). Azrael is a tough, mangy cat who compounds the Smurfs' problems when they're being chased by Gargamel.
Baby Smurf : One special evening, Baby Smurf was delivered to the village via a stork! Baby has magical powers and speaks in baby-talk. It is not known whether Baby is a girl or a boy.
Baker Smurf : Baker is the chef of Smurf Village. Baker cooks up some amazing culinary creations, but unfortunately spends a lot of his time chasing after the thieving Greedy Smurf. Baker and Greedy Smurf were combined into one Smurf for the TV.
Balthazar : Balthazar is Gargamel's Godfather. Balthazar despises the Smurfs and is actually more cold-hearted than Gargamel, in addition to being a more powerful wizard. He lives in a large castle.
Big Mouth : Big Mouth is not an enemy of the Smurfs. He is, however, a gigantic, clumsy, cumbersome beast of a man whose size and clueless disposition causes endless trouble for the tiny little Smurfs. Gargamel often tries to mislead Big Mouth - and, of course, usually gets his comeuppance in the form of Big Mouth's beefy fists. Big Mouth's girlfriend is Big Nose.
Brainy Smurf : Brainy seems to be an expert on everything...but he's usually wrong. He publishes a series of missives entitled "Quotations of Brainy Smurf" - universally reviled by all (except himself, of course). Brainy's best friend is Clumsy.
Chlorhydris : Chlorhydris is an evil witch who despises (and is committed to destroying) love. A nasty, unredeemable woman as ugly as she is vile.
Clockwork Smurf : Clockwork Smurf was created by Handy. Although very strong and smart, Clockwork cannot speak - he can only make mechanical noises. Clockwork goes outside the village to spend time with others but makes regular visits home to see Handy and the other Smurfs.
Clumsy Smurf : Clumsy Smurf is a kind soul who is often tripped up by his own two feet. Clumsy loves to collect rocks and is best friends with Brainy. Clumsy's clothing seems to fit rather loosely, adding to his clumsy appearance.
Dame Barbara : Dame Barbara manages the day-to-day activities at The King's castle. In addition to her household duties, she is responsible for the care and upbringing of The King's niece, Princess Savina.
Dreamy Smurf : Dreamy Smurf is always dreaming of other places and other things. Dreamy is best known for his appearance as Astrosmurf, where he visited the fictitious Swoofs on their home planet.
Farmer Smurf : Farmer plants the crops for the Smurfs and helps organize the harvest. Farmer Smurf wears a straw hat and overalls.
Feathers : Feathers is a loyal bird and friend to the Smurfs who provides transportation and the delivery of messages when needed.
Gargamel : The Smurfs face a most singular nemesis - Gargamel. The evil Gargamel is a wizard who spends his days trying to capture, eat, and otherwise destroy the Smurfs. Gargamel is absolutely obsessed with the Smurfs and lives for the day he is victorious over our little blue buddies.
Grandpa Smurf : The oldest of all the Smurfs, Grandpa returned to the Smurf Village after a five hundred-year absence. Grandpa is energetic and rambunctious, wears a yellow hat and pants, reading glasses, and carries a cane.
Grouchy Smurf : Grouchy Smurf is indeed grouchy! His favorite expression is "I hate (fill in the blank)!" whenever someone mentions pretty much anything. Grouchy usually has a scowl on his face.
Greedy Smurf : Greedy is an exceptionally greedy Smurf. He loves one thing above all else - food. Greedy is often chased by Baker Smurf for stealing snacks and goodies. Greedy just can't seem to help himself!
Handy Smurf : Handy wears a pencil in his ear and helps fix things in the village. Handy is known for his amazing technological creations, such as the telesmurf (telephone), Weather Smurfing Machine, and Smurfmobile. The rest of the Smurfs have a bit of a Luddite bent and often criticize (and eventually abandon) Handy's inventions.
Harmony Smurf : Harmony is the musician of Smurf Village, but he doesn't have many fans. Although he deserves an "A+" for effort, Harmony's trumpet playing leaves much to be desired, and he's usually asked to stop playing as soon as he gets started.
Hefty Smurf : Hefty Smurf is the strongest Smurf in the village. He's also the only Smurf to sport a tattoo (a red heart)! Hefty is friends with Handy and can often be seen lifting weights or exercising.
Hogatha : Hogatha is an evil, ugly witch who uses her magic in an attempt to lure unsuspecting suitors, and ocassionally cause trouble for the Smurfs. Hogatha is bald and wears a wig. She also snorts loudly with her enormous nose.
Homnibus : Homnibus is a good wizard who often spends time with Papa Smurf playing chess or helping complete an important magical spell. Homnibus has a long beard and appears quite aged. He gave the Smurfs Puppy as a gift.
Johan : Johan is a page to the King and staunch defender of the crown. He rides a horse named Bayard and helps protect the weak and oppressed. Johan assisted the Smurfs during their quest for the magic flute.
Jokey Smurf : Jokey is known for his pecurliar laugh and loud, exploding "giftboxes". Whenever you hear "get ready for a surprise!", you'd better be ready to duck and cover your ears - BOOM!
King Gerard : King Gerard is a boy-King and friend to the Smurfs. Clockwork Smurf helps protect him.
Lazy Smurf : Lazy is perhaps the most aply named Smurf in the village. Almost certifiably narcoleptic, Lazy can fall asleep anywhere, anytime, day or night.
Mother Nature : Mother Nature is responsible for the changing of the seasons and for helping manage the day to day activites that occur in the natural world. Mother Nature has many magic wands.
Nanny Smurf : Nanny is a nanny to the Smurfs (as her name implies). She has a pet named Smoogle.
Nat Smurfling : Natural Smurf went from old to young and became a little Smurfling named Nat! Nat can talk to animals and loves all things to do with nature and the environment. Nat wears a straw hat and brown overalls.
Painter Smurf : Painter Smurf is a brilliant artist (much like our own Vic George). Painter speaks with a French accent and refers to his paintings as "masterpizzas".
Papa Smurf : Papa Smurf is the leader of the Smurfs, and the only Smurf who wears red. Papa Smurf brings the Smurfs to safety in times of danger and crisis. Everyone in Smurf Village turns to Papa Smurf when things go awry. Papa is always busy making magical spells and potions in his laboratory.
Pewit : Peewit is a Johan's friend and companion. He travels on his goat, Biquette, plays a lute, and sings. Like Harmony Smurf, Pewit is a ghastly musician.
Poet Smurf : Poet Smurf lives for the written word and always has a parchment and quill in hand. Poet is known for the trill in his voice and his fantastic odes.
Princess Savina : Niece of the King, Princess Savina is a very modern young woman - especially coming from the medieval period! The princess chooses to dress informally when she can, and even goes riding on a horse. She is friends with Johan.
Puppy : Puppy was offered as a gift to Papa Smurf by Homnibus. It was Baby Smurf, however, who opened the enchanted locket around Puppy's neck and became the dog's true master. Puppy is a good friend to the Smurflings and protects the Smurfs from Gargamel's cat Azrael.
Reporter Smurf : Reporter Smurf is the news reporter for the Smurf Village. Reporter Smurf wears a newsroom-style visor on his head and carries a quill and notepad. Reporter interviews various Smurfs for publication in his newspaper, which he prints using his printing press, which is maintained by Handy Smurf.
Sassette Smurfling : Sassette was created by the Smurflings to serve as a sister for themselves and Smurfette. Sassette is an outdoorsy kind of girl, sports red hair and freckles, and wears pink overalls.
Scruple : Scruple is Gargamel's apprentice - although he is not a very good one. Scruple was kicked out of wizard school and lives with Gargamel as kind of an indentured servant.
Slouchy Smurfling : Slouchy Smurf had the aging process reversed and was transformed into Slouchy Smurfling. Slouchy is not a very enthusiastic Smurf and often takes a relaxed pose. Slouchy has a red tee-shirt and loose fitting white cap.
Smoogle : Nanny adores her pet Smoogle!
Smurfette : Smurfette was created by Gargamel to destroy the Smurfs - and she was orginally a brunette! Papa Smurf's magic changed her nature (and her hair color). Smurfette loves flowers and the color pink. Smurfette is one of three female Smurfs in the village - but she was the first. Read the story of how both Gargamel and Papa Smurf created Smurfette here.
Snappy Smurfling : Snappy Smurf had his age reversed and became Snappy Smurfling. Snappy wears a yellow tee-shirt with a storm cloud on it - which is indicative of his disposition. Snappy can be quite snappy at times!
Tailor Smurf : Tailor makes all the clothes in the village. He's often seen with a needle or two in his cap and a tape measure around his neck.
The King : The benevolent ruler under which Johan serves. The King wears a robe and crown and manages his royal kingdom from the throneroom in his castle. The King commands an army and wears full armor during battle.
Tracker Smurf : Tracker is an excellent outdoorsman and tracker. He carries a hiking stick.
Vanity Smurf : Vanity Smurf is never without a mirror in sight. Vain to an extreme, Vanity is constantly worried about his appearance. Vanity wears a flower in his cap and is demonstrably effete.
The Wartmongers : The Wartmongers are little toad-like creatures who live in the muck and slime. The leader of the Wartmongers, King Bullrush, commands his minions to do his bidding. One of the Wartmongers is prone to saying "yeah yeah yeah!"
Wild Smurf : Wild Smurf wears clothing made of leaves. Wild Smurf grew up in the wild and isn't understood by the other Smurfs. Wild Smurf can communicate with animals and ask for their assistance.
Latest Smurf Movie Headlines
Simply 'Google' any of the headlines below for the full story.
About.com: Kids' Movies & TV - By Carey Bryson
About.com Guide Bottom line: The Smurfs is a CG animated and live action feature movie about the nostalgic little blue cartoon characters. Young children will think this movie is super smurfy. Contains some rude humor, a few suggestive ...
Bellingham hound has role in Smurfs movie - The Seattle Times
Earlier this year, Hank endured five long months of training and work to earn a small part in "The Smurfs," which opens Friday, July 28, in theaters around the country. In the film, Hank plays Elway, a role based on a character from the original Smurfs ...
Leash chats to Glee and Smurfs cutie Jayma Mays - Moviehole
So Jayma, you had actors on set voicing the Smurfs. Make it easier for you? That helped me a lot. We had two, a lovely girl and guy that did different voices for the characters. It's helpful when you're looking at a bunch of stickers and you don't know ...
Smurfs beating Cowboys & Aliens at box? - Hollywoodnews.com - By Sean O'Connell
Both "Cowboys & Aliens" and the live-action "Smurfs" movie earned an estimated $13 million on Friday, putting both films on track for a $38M weekend. Analysts say Jon Favreau's sci-fi/western mash up fell short of its expected $15M ...
The Smurfs' - Sacramento Bee - By COLIN COVERT
The Muppets took Manhattan, so why not the Smurfs? The little blue trolls with the mushroom homes and the most aggravating theme song in musical history invade Manhattan in a bright, broad live-action, computer-animated comedy. ...
Sofia Vergara on The Smurfs, Her Modern Family Emmy Pick, and Sexy Penguins - New York Magazine (blog)
With her Jessica Rabbit figure and amazing comic volume, there's already something deliciously cartoonish about Sofia Vergara, yet she was cast as one of the flesh-and-blood humans in The Smurfs, where she stars alongside Neil Patrick Harris and Jayma ...
Smurfs In The Real World - Hollywood.com - By Kelsea Stahler
Hollywood.com Staff | Friday, July 29, 2011 In this weekend's bluest animated feature, The Smurfs take on the Big Apple. But in the film, they're trying desperately to get out of New York and back to their Smurftastic home. ...
McSmurfy: McDonald's launches The Smurfs Happy Meal promotion - QSRweb.com
Celebrating today's release of The Smurfs, Columbia Pictures' and Sony Pictures Animation's 3-D family comedy, McDonald's has kicked off a coinciding Happy Meal program that promotes environmental stewardship and family bonding. ...
Actor Rents Out SoHo Co-op - Wall Street Journal - By JOSH BARBANEL
In the movie "The Smurfs," Hank Azaria plays the evil wizard who chases the Smurfs out of their medieval village and eventually into present-day Central Park. In real life, Mr. Azaria, also a comedian and one of the principal voices on ...
Is The Smurfs the first gay-friendly kids' flick? - io9
Over at UGO, Jordan Hoffman makes a pretty compelling case for the idea that The Smurfs is a gay-friendly flick that's kid-friendly, too. He notes that many people in the cast are openly gay (Neil Patrick Harris), or openly gay-allied (like Katy Perry, ...
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