Recently, I’ve been looking back at my childhood and the things I grew up with and I found some bits and bobs in my personal collection of random junk which came from the world of Krtek. Who is Krtek you ask? Well, for those of us who grew up on classic Eastern European cartoons, Krtek (or Kretchik as I know him), is a gem of a story, cartoon and character. As a little side tangent of a blog post, I wanted to share with you all the story of one of the characters that raised me and looking back now as an adult, really helped shape who I am today.

In the world of animation, some characters transcend language and cultural boundaries. Krtek, the lovable little mole, is one such creation. Born from the imagination of Czech animator Zdeněk Miler, Krtek has charmed audiences worldwide for over six decades with his simple stories and timeless charm. Today, we delve into the history of Krtek, from Miler’s artistic vision to the endearing world he created.

A Life Dedicated to Animation: Zdeněk Miler

Zdeněk Miler (1921-2011) was born in Kladno, Czechoslovakia. His artistic journey began at the School of Arts and Crafts in Brno, where he honed his skills in illustration and graphic design. However, it was animation that truly captured his heart. In the early 1940s, Miler joined the national film studios, Barrandov Studios, in Prague. Here, he began his animation career, working on various projects.

The story of Krtek’s creation is as whimsical as his adventures. In 1956, Miler was tasked with creating an educational film about the process of flax production. While brainstorming, he stumbled upon a molehill during a walk, sparking an idea. “But when he looked in Brehm’s encyclopaedia, The Life of Animals, he realized that the mole is one of the ugliest animals and, to make it worse, blind. Then he spent several weeks working on the idea for eight hours a day. He started with the eyes and gradually added the rest of the body, approaching it in a very professional manner. He knew that it had to be suitable for animation, so he created a simple mole. The mole in the first episode, “How the Little Mole Got His Trousers”, looks different than in the rest of the series. Its nose is longer and it has a tail. In subsequent episodes, the tail was removed, and three hairs appeared on the Mole’s head.” He envisioned a curious and friendly mole who could guide viewers through the flax fields. Thus, Krtek was born!

While the flax film never materialized, Krtek’s potential was undeniable. Miler created a short film titled “Krtek a Kalhotky” (Krtek and the Trousers) in 1957. This film relying mainly on music and visual storytelling with some slight dialogue (the only one to feature it), introduced the world to Krtek’s world. The story follows Krtek who sees a pair of dungaree trousers and he loves them so much so he sets about making his own pair from growing the linen, getting the thread spun, woven and dyed, then cut and sewn into his very own pair of trousers all whilst helping friend and getting plenty of help himself each step of the way. It truly is a charming story about how rewarding hard work and determination can be as long as one is grateful, helpful and positive. The little mole, with his big brown eyes and expressive body language, quickly captured hearts. This is the only episode in which he speaks, but all episodes going forward, Krtek was silent. The first Little Mole film was released immediately received the top prize at the Venice Film Festival for 1957.

A World Without Words: The Power of Storytelling

One of Krtek’s defining characteristics is the lack of dialogue. Miler believed that visuals and music could tell universal stories understood by audiences of all ages and backgrounds. This approach proved to be incredibly successful. Krtek’s adventures resonated with viewers on an emotional level, transcending language barriers and cultural differences.

“The series didn’t have to be translated into foreign languages, as it was understood by all children.  The Mole can only laugh, cry, or be surprised. The sound effects were made by Miler’s daughters. He explained to me how he took his daughters to the studio one day to record the Mole’s voice. Then he used the recordings in different situations.”

Krtek’s Companions: Expanding the World

While Krtek often embarks on solo adventures, he’s not always alone. Over the years, Miler introduced other charming characters to the Krtek universe:

• Ježek (The Hedgehog): Krtek’s best friend, known for his wisdom and quiet demeanor.
• Včelka (The Bee): A helpful and energetic friend, always ready to lend a hand (or rather, a wing).
• Zajíc (The Hare): A playful and mischievous character, often bringing a touch of chaos to Krtek’s adventures.
• Myška (The Mouse): A timid and curious friend, adding a touch of sweetness to the group.

A Legacy of Over 50 Episodes: Adventures for All

From 1957 to 2002, Miler and his team created over 50 short films featuring Krtek. These episodes explored a wide range of themes and settings. Krtek traveled to the moon, befriended a field mouse, helped a lost ladybug find its way home, and even ventured into the underwater world. Each episode offered a heartwarming and sometimes humorous experience,celebrating friendship, kindness, and the beauty of the natural world.

Looking back at episodes I use to watch on repeat as I kid, I was struck by how many strong messages the adventures of Krtek had. Covering themes such as deforestation, pollution, disease/sickness, animal poaching, capitalism, anti-consumerism and the value of hard work; I have noticed that many of the themes align with some of my personal values, ethics and beliefs. As an adult who is also struggling with mental illness, ADHD and burnout, I find myself constantly overstimulated by everything I need to do and get done as adult. Sometimes as I work, or whenever I really need to switch off, it’s cartoons like Krtek that I put on in the background because they are so low-stim to watch. Just simple shapes and colours with no dialogue and charming music and sounds. I find that it helps me get my work done and it’s become a recent comfort show.

Krtek’s popularity extends far beyond animated shorts. His endearing image has graced countless books, toys, merchandise, and even postage stamps. He has become a beloved symbol of the Czech Republic, recognized and adored worldwide. Miler’s dedication to storytelling without words has ensured that Krtek’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain generations.

Digging a Little Deeper: Exploring the World of Krtek

If you’re curious to delve deeper into the world of Krtek, here are some resources:

• Watch Krtek episodes: Many Krtek episodes are available online on platforms like YouTube.
• Learn more about Zdeněk Miler: Articles and documentaries about Miler’s life and work can be found online.
• Explore Krtek merchandise: I personally find as an Aussie, finding merch difficult but site such as AliExpress can offer a decent range. I have shared some of my favourite choices below:

The Enduring Appeal of Krtek

Krtek’s enduring appeal lies in his simplicity and relatability. He’s a small, brown mole with big, expressive eyes. He doesn’t speak, yet his emotions are conveyed through his body language and the playful music that accompanies his adventures. This universal approach allows audiences of all ages and backgrounds to connect with Krtek on a deep level.

Beyond his simple charm, Krtek embodies a sense of wonder and curiosity. He’s always eager to explore his surroundings, learn new things, and help his friends. Through Krtek’s eyes, children and adults alike can rediscover the magic and beauty of the natural world. One of the most powerful aspects of Krtek’s stories is their emphasis on friendship and kindness. Krtek’s adventures often involve helping his friends overcome challenges or solving problems together. These themes resonate with children and adults, reminding us of the importance of compassion and cooperation.

A Legacy of Animation Excellence

Zdeněk Miler’s work on Krtek is a testament to the power of animation as a storytelling medium. His dedication to creating visually appealing and emotionally resonant films has left an enduring legacy. Krtek’s simple yet captivating style has influenced countless animators and filmmakers, inspiring a new generation of storytelling. While Zdeněk Miler passed away in 2011, the legacy of Krtek lives on. New generations of children continue to discover the joy and wonder of his adventures. It’s a testament to the timeless appeal of Krtek that his stories remain relevant and engaging even today. As long as there are children who appreciate simple stories, beautiful animation, and a touch of magic, Krtek will continue to delight and inspire.

If you want a starting episode or two, here are some of my favourites (it was so hard to choose!):

The Little Mole and the Rocket: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqGqqzTO8MQ
The Little Mole and the Egg: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9XjgsdslX5A
The Mole as the Chemist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h8xO4PiJ–w
The Little Mole as a Painter: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTs-LhnUMFs
The Mole and the Bulldozer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zalSHd-B26c

Note: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions and thoughts expressed are solely my own and not influenced in any way. This page contains affiliate links/codes which aids in funding future projects.