National Willy Fog Day

A well-dressed British gentleman wearing a bowler hat, surrounded by an assortment of intriguing travel-related objects, like suitcases and maps.. — National willy fog day illustration

Ah, National Willy Fog Day! A day that celebrates the adventurous soul within all of us. Get ready for a journey filled with excitement, intrigue, and a rather dapper British gentleman wearing a trademark bowler hat. So, buckle up and grab your passport, because we're about to embark on an internet history tour like no other!

When is Willy Fog Day?

It's national willy fog day on the 28th April.

The Internet History of National Willy Fog Day

In case you're not familiar with the name, Willy Fog is the ingenious protagonist of the animated series 'Around the World with Willy Fog.' Inspired by Jules Verne's classic novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days,' this delightful show first aired on television screens in 1983.

The series follows the adventures of Willy Fog, a wealthy and resourceful British gentleman, and his trusted companions as they attempt to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. However, unlike the original novel, the world of Willy Fog is not set in the Victorian era but rather in an anthropomorphic animal kingdom. Imagine elegant animals adorned in Victorian attire and you've got yourself a taste of this whimsical world!

Willy Fog, accompanied by his loyal valet Rigodon and an array of other unforgettable characters, embarks on a whirlwind adventure that takes them from London to exotic destinations such as India, the United States, Egypt, and many more. Their journey is not without its fair share of obstacles, though. They face danger, encounter cunning villains, and must overcome numerous challenges in their race against time.

The show's popularity has spanned decades, captivating audiences young and old with its charming animation, exciting narrative, and unforgettable characters. It has become a beloved classic, and fans around the world celebrate National Willy Fog Day in honor of this timeless adventure.

Did You Know?

Did you know that 'Willy Fog' is actually a pun on the character's name? In the English language, 'willy-nilly' means 'haphazardly or without much thought,' while 'fog' refers to the protagonist's last name. So, in a way, Willy Fog's name embodies his character's willingness to embrace adventure and go wherever the wind takes him, even if it seems a little haphazard at times.

History behind the term 'Willy Fog'

1873

Jules Verne publishes 'Around the World in Eighty Days'

In 1873, Jules Verne, a French novelist, published his famous adventure novel 'Around the World in Eighty Days.' This novel introduced the concept of an around-the-world journey within a specific time limit, capturing the imaginations of readers around the world.

1980

'Willy Fog' animated TV series is released

In 1980, an animated TV series called 'La vuelta al mundo de Willy Fog' (Around the World with Willy Fog) was released. The series was based on Jules Verne's novel and adapted it into a captivating adventure for children. The main character, Willy Fog, was a British gentleman who accepted a challenge to travel around the world in 80 days.

1983

'Willy Fog' series gains popularity worldwide

In 1983, the 'Willy Fog' series gained immense popularity worldwide. Children and adults alike were captivated by the thrilling adventures and characters of the show. The series, not only entertaining but also educational, introduced different cultures and countries to its audience, fostering a sense of global exploration and curiosity.

Late 20th century

'Willy Fog' enters colloquial language

Due to the widespread popularity of the 'Willy Fog' series, the term 'Willy Fog' started entering colloquial language in certain regions. It became synonymous with traveling or attempting to travel around the world within a specific time frame, similar to the fictional character Willy Fog. The term represented an ambitious and daring adventure, capturing the essence of Jules Verne's novel in modern culture.