The True Identity of the Wizard

The mystery of Oz is unraveled when the companions discover the Wizard is a fraud, a humbug from Omaha.

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Rumors of the Great Oz

The Wizard's Legend The Witch of the North's Words When Dorothy first meets the Witch of the North, she learns of the Great Wizard Oz. The Witch says he is more powerful than all the witches together. He lives in the City of Emeralds. The Munchkins' Accounts The Munchkins tell Dorothy that Oz is a good Wizard but terrible. He never lets anyone see him. The man at the farmhouse on the way says Oz can take any form. The Mystery Deepens The travelers hear conflicting stories: Oz is a Head, a Lady, a Beast, a Ball of Fire. No one has seen him. The mystery builds as they approach the Emerald City.

The Four Audiences

Different Forms for Each Dorothy's Great Head Dorothy sees a giant Head floating in the throne. It speaks to her and demands she kill the Witch. She is intimidated but complies. The Scarecrow's Lovely Lady The Scarecrow sees a beautiful Lady with wings. She offers him brains if he kills the Witch. He is surprised but agrees. The Tin Woodman's Beast The Tin Woodman sees a terrible Beast with five eyes, arms, and legs. It roars at him and demands the same task. The Lion's Ball of Fire The Lion sees a fierce Ball of Fire. It is so hot it singes his whiskers. It sets the same condition. The companions are confused but determined.

The Discovery of the Humbug

The Screen Falls The Demand for Fulfillment The companions return to the Emerald City and demand Oz keep his promises. He delays, but they refuse to wait. The Lion roars, and Toto tips over a screen in the corner. The Little Old Man Behind the screen is a little old man with a bald head and a wrinkled face. He is as surprised as they are. He admits he is Oz, but not a great wizard. The Confession Oz explains that he is a humbug, a ventriloquist from Omaha. He came to Oz in a balloon and was mistaken for a wizard. He built the Emerald City and made everyone wear green spectacles. The companions are shocked.

The Stage Tricks Revealed

The Props of Deception The Great Head Oz shows them the Great Head, made of paper and painted. He hung it from the ceiling and used a wire to move its eyes and mouth. He was a ventriloquist, throwing his voice. The Lovely Lady and the Beast He shows them the dress and mask of the lovely Lady. The Beast was made of sewn skins with slats to keep the sides out. The Ball of Fire was a cotton ball soaked in oil. The Illusion of Power Oz admits he has no magical powers at all. He lived in fear of the witches. He is proud of his humbug, but now he is ashamed. The companions are disappointed but also amused.

Oz's Escape

The Balloon Departure The Plan to Leave Oz decides to leave Oz. He builds a balloon to take Dorothy and himself across the desert. He sews a large green silk bag and prepares a basket. The Launch On the day of the launch, Oz gets into the basket and calls for Dorothy. But Toto runs off, and by the time she returns, the ropes break. The balloon rises without her. The Last of Oz Oz floats away, calling goodbye. He is never seen again in Oz. The people believe he went to visit a brother wizard. The Scarecrow becomes the new ruler. Oz's story ends with his mysterious departure.

Oz's Legacy

The Humbug Remembered The People's Love Despite his deception, the people of Oz remember Oz fondly. They say he built the beautiful Emerald City and was always their friend. They miss him. The Scarecrow's Rule The Scarecrow, now with brains, rules wisely. He is a better ruler because he understands the people. The Emerald City prospers. The Lesson of Oz Oz's story teaches that authority can be an illusion. True power comes from within. The companions have grown beyond their need for Oz's magic. They have found what they sought within themselves.

Before the journey to the Emerald City

At the Emerald City

After the Witch's death

After the confession

After the revelations

After his departure