Smurfs

Smurfs, Having a Smurfy Day

In German, they're called "Schlümpfe"; in Hebrew, they're known as "Dardassim"; the Spanish call them "Pitufos"; and Italians call them "Puffi." In English, they're called Smurfs, and they're celebrating their fiftieth birthday. Smurfs first appeared on Oct. 23, 1958, as guest stars of the Belgian cartoon Johan and Peewit, drawn by Pierre Culliford (aka Peyo). The little blue creatures lived in a forest somewhere in Europe, and no non-Smurf could find them without a Smurf guide. The first — and for a long while, only — female in the group, Smurfette, was created by the group's archenemy, Gargamel, who hoped she would cause jealousy and dissension among the Smurfs.

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From our Archives: Today's Highlights, October 23, 2008