King Muskar Puts On His Gloves – Figurines Tintin La Collection Officielle – 20 – Le Roi Muskar Enfile Ses Gants

Author: Hergé & Editions Moulinsart
Price: £45.00
Publisher: Editions Moulinsart
Publication date: 2012
Format: Original pictorial boards with passport and figurine
Condition: In fine condition
Illustrations: Illustrated throughout

Description:

Original pictorial boards. Includes passport loosely inserted. Text in French. Includes the accompanying figurine. One from the collection of 111 books and figurines. In fine, clean condition overall.

King Muskar: A Brief Biography

King Muskar is the monarch of the fictional Balkan kingdom of Syldavia, a country that plays a pivotal role in Hergé’s The Adventures of Tintin. Though he appears in only a few stories, his presence provides gravitas and political context, anchoring Tintin’s adventures within the fragile geopolitics of pre-war Europe.

Character Profile

King Muskar is depicted as a dignified and benevolent ruler. He is tall, composed, and regal in bearing, usually dressed in ceremonial military uniform or formal attire. His personality reflects steadiness and wisdom, qualities befitting a monarch tasked with safeguarding a small nation against external threats.

While he is not a central adventurer like Tintin or Captain Haddock, King Muskar embodies stability, tradition, and the continuity of lawful government. His role highlights the contrast between legitimate authority and the disruptive forces of conspiracy and aggression.

First Appearance: King Ottokar’s Sceptre

King Muskar’s major role comes in King Ottokar’s Sceptre. In this story, Tintin discovers a plot to overthrow Syldavia’s monarchy through a coup orchestrated by the neighbouring state of Borduria. The plan hinges on the theft of the royal sceptre of King Ottokar, an ancient symbol of legitimacy in Syldavian tradition.

King Muskar is portrayed as a wise and cautious monarch, deeply aware of the precarious position of his nation. Tintin’s intervention to recover the sceptre ensures that Muskar’s rule is preserved, preventing Syldavia from falling into the hands of its enemies. Through this, Muskar emerges as a grateful and dignified figure, embodying the honour of his people.

Later References

King Muskar reappears indirectly in later stories, most notably in Destination Moon and Explorers on the Moon. The Syldavian government supports Professor Calculus’s lunar expedition, and though Muskar himself is not present, his realm provides the scientific and political base for one of Tintin’s greatest adventures. This continuity reinforces Syldavia as a recurring setting and suggests Muskar’s continued reign as a stable force in Tintin’s world.

Relationship with Tintin and Other Characters

Tintin’s relationship with King Muskar is respectful and formal. Tintin recognises the monarch as a symbol of Syldavia’s independence and works selflessly to protect him and his crown. For his part, Muskar treats Tintin with gratitude and honour, acknowledging the young reporter’s courage and loyalty.

The King’s relationship with his adversaries, particularly the Bordurians, is central to his characterisation. He represents lawful authority and the will of his people, while Borduria symbolises tyranny, aggression, and expansionism.

Thematic Significance

King Muskar embodies themes of legitimacy, sovereignty, and continuity. His rule reflects the idea that small nations, though vulnerable, have the right to independence and dignity. His reliance on Tintin illustrates the importance of individual bravery in defending larger ideals such as freedom and justice.

In narrative terms, Muskar adds political depth to the Tintin stories. While Tintin often battles smugglers or gangsters, Muskar’s presence situates the series within a broader geopolitical framework, echoing the real tensions of Europe in the 1930s.

Legacy

Although not a recurring adventurer, King Muskar remains a memorable figure in the Tintin canon. His dignified character and the events of King Ottokar’s Sceptre shape one of the most politically charged stories in the series.

Through him, Hergé demonstrates that Tintin’s world is not only one of treasure hunts and exotic journeys, but also of nations, rulers, and the struggle to preserve sovereignty in the face of aggression. King Muskar stands as a symbol of lawful authority, dignity, and the enduring values of independence.

Why Buy from Us?

At Hornseys, we are committed to offering items that meet the highest standards of quality and authenticity. Our collection of objects and rare books are carefully curated to ensure each edition is a valuable piece of bibliographical history. Here’s what sets us apart:

• Authenticity and Provenance: Each item is meticulously researched and verified for authenticity and collation.
• Expert Curation: Our selection process focuses on significance, condition, and rarity, resulting in a collection that is both diverse and distinguished.
• Customer Satisfaction: We aim to provide an exceptional customer experience, from detailed descriptions to secure and prompt delivery of your purchase.
• Returns Policy: We offer an unconditional guarantee on every item. If you wish to return an item, it may be sent back to us within fourteen days of receipt. Please notify us in advance if you wish to do so. The item must be returned in the same condition as it was sent for a full refund.