The Friendship of the Four Companions

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion form a deep bond of friendship that helps them overcome all obstacles.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The First MeetingThe First Meeting
Beginning of Friendship The Scarecrow Joins Dorothy meets the Scarecrow in the cornfield. She helps him off the pole, and he asks to join her. She agrees. They become friends immediately. The Tin Woodman Joins In the forest, they find the Tin Woodman rusted. Dorothy oils him, and he tells his story. He asks to join them. Dorothy welcomes him. The Scarecrow is also glad. The Lion Joins The Lion tries to attack but is revealed as a coward. He asks to join them. Dorothy accepts. The friendship grows as they travel together.
Helping Each OtherHelping Each Other
Mutual Support The Scarecrow's Ideas The Scarecrow often comes up with clever plans to overcome obstacles, like crossing the ditch and defeating the Kalidahs. He helps the group. The Tin Woodman's Strength The Tin Woodman uses his axe to clear paths, chop wood, and fight enemies. He protects the group. The Lion's Courage Despite his fear, the Lion faces dangers like the Kalidahs and the Witch's attacks. He grows braver and inspires the others. Dorothy's Kindness Dorothy leads the group with kindness. She comforts them, shares her food, and never gives up hope. They are a team.
The Reunion After the WitchThe Reunion After the Witch
Joyful Reunion The Rescue of the Tin Woodman Dorothy and the Winkies find the Tin Woodman broken on the rocks. They mend him, and he is restored. He weeps tears of joy. The Rescue of the Scarecrow They find the Scarecrow's clothes in a tree. They stuff him with new straw, and he is revived. He is overjoyed to see his friends. The Happy Days They spend a few happy days in the Yellow Castle, celebrating together. Their friendship is stronger than ever.
The FarewellThe Farewell
Parting Ways The Last Embrace Dorothy hugs each of her friends goodbye. She kisses the Lion, pats his head, kisses the Tin Woodman (who cries), and hugs the Scarecrow. She is sad to leave them. The Promise of Separation Each friend has a future: the Scarecrow will rule the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman will rule the Winkies, and the Lion will be King of the Forest. They are happy for each other. The Enduring Bond Though they part, the friendship they formed in Oz will last forever. They have helped each other find what they needed. Dorothy returns to Kansas, but her friends remain in her heart.
Early in the journey
Throughout the journey
After the Witch's death
At Glinda's castle