Dorothy's Voyage from Kansas to Oz

Dorothy is swept away by a cyclone from the gray Kansas prairie to the magical Land of Oz, beginning her quest to return home.

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Cyclone Hits Kansas Farm

The Cyclone Strikes The Kansas Prairie Dorothy lives with her Uncle Henry and Aunt Em on a small, gray farmhouse in the midst of the vast Kansas prairie. The landscape is monotonous and colorless, with the sun and wind having bleached everything to a dull gray. Toto, her little black dog, is her only source of joy and laughter. The Approaching Storm One day, Uncle Henry notices the sky turning even grayer than usual. A low wail from the north and a sharp whistling from the south signal the arrival of a cyclone. He rushes to look after the stock, while Aunt Em screams for Dorothy to run to the cyclone cellar. But Toto hides under the bed, and by the time Dorothy catches him, the house is already being lifted into the air. The House in the Sky The house becomes the center of the cyclone, rising higher and higher. Dorothy feels as if she is riding in a balloon. The wind howls, but inside, the house rocks gently. Toto falls through the trap door, but the air pressure keeps him aloft, and Dorothy rescues him. After hours of terror, she falls asleep.

House Lands in Munchkin Country

Landing in a Strange Land A Sudden Awakening Dorothy is awakened by a severe shock as the house crashes to the ground. She finds herself in a beautiful country with green grass, fruit trees, and colorful birds. The gray Kansas prairie is replaced by a land of vibrant colors. The Munchkins Appear A group of oddly dressed people approaches, including three men in blue and a little old woman in white. They are the Munchkins and the Witch of the North. They tell Dorothy that her house has landed on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her and freeing the Munchkins from bondage. The Good Witch's Guidance The Witch of the North explains that the Land of Oz is not civilized, so witches still exist. She advises Dorothy to go to the Emerald City to seek the help of the Great Wizard Oz. She gives Dorothy the Silver Shoes of the dead witch and a kiss on the forehead for protection. Dorothy decides to embark on the journey.

Starting on the Yellow Brick Road

The Road to the Emerald City Preparing for the Journey Dorothy puts on the Silver Shoes, dresses in her clean gingham, and packs bread in a basket. She locks the house and sets off with Toto. The road paved with yellow brick is easy to find, and she begins walking briskly toward the Emerald City. The Munchkin Country As she walks, she sees neat blue fences, fields of grain, and round blue houses. The Munchkins bow to her, grateful for her role in killing the Wicked Witch. She passes a rich Munchkin's house and is invited to a celebration of freedom. She spends the night with Boq, the richest Munchkin. The First Companion The next morning, Dorothy continues. She sees a Scarecrow on a pole in a cornfield. To her surprise, the Scarecrow speaks and asks for help getting down. He wants to go to the Emerald City to get brains. Dorothy lifts him off the pole, and he joins her. The journey's first companion is found.

Rescuing the Scarecrow

The Scarecrow Comes to Life An Unexpected Encounter Dorothy, tired from walking, sits on a fence by a cornfield. She notices a Scarecrow perched on a pole, with a painted face and stuffed clothes. To her amazement, the Scarecrow winks at her. She approaches, and he speaks, asking her to help him down. The Scarecrow's Story The Scarecrow explains that he is stuffed with straw, so he has no brains. He is tired of being called a fool. The farmer who made him painted his ears, eyes, and mouth, but he only learned about the world from listening. An old crow told him that brains are the only things worth having, so he wants brains from Oz. Joining the Quest Dorothy helps him off the pole. He is light and friendly. He offers to carry her basket and tells her his only fear is a lighted match. Toto is initially suspicious but becomes accustomed. The Scarecrow becomes a loyal companion, and the party grows.

Rescuing the Tin Woodman

The Rusty Tin Woodman A Groan in the Forest Dorothy and the Scarecrow spend a night in a forest cottage. The next morning, while searching for water, they hear a groan. They find a man made entirely of tin, standing motionless with an axe in the air. He is rusted solid. Oiling the Joints The Tin Woodman asks for an oil-can from his cottage. Dorothy fetches it, and they oil his neck, arms, and legs. He is freed and can move again. He thanks them and explains that he rusted a year ago while chopping wood. The Tin Woodman's Story The Tin Woodman tells how he was once a flesh-and-blood woodchopper who loved a Munchkin girl. The Wicked Witch of the East enchanted his axe, causing it to cut off his limbs one by one, all replaced with tin. Finally, the axe cut his body in half, and he was remade entirely of tin, but without a heart. He lost his love and now wants a heart from Oz. He joins the party.

Meeting the Cowardly Lion

The Lion's Bold Act A Terrifying Roar As the party walks through the forest, a great Lion bounds into the road. He knocks the Scarecrow aside and strikes the Tin Woodman, but cannot hurt the tin. He opens his mouth to bite Toto. Dorothy, fearing for Toto, slaps the Lion on the nose and scolds him. The Lion's Confession The Lion is shocked and admits he is a coward. He cries and explains that he was born that way. He roars loudly to scare others, but he is afraid of everything. Dorothy's anger softens, and she feels pity. Joining the Group The Lion asks if Oz can give him courage. Dorothy says yes, and he decides to join them. Toto eventually becomes friends with the Lion. The party now consists of four companions, each seeking something from the Great Oz. They continue their journey toward the Emerald City.

Arrival at the Emerald City

The Green City The Final Approach After many adventures, including crossing a river and a deadly poppy field, the companions finally see a green glow in the sky. They walk until they reach a high green wall studded with emeralds. The Guardian of the Gates opens the door and insists they wear green spectacles to protect their eyes. Entering the City They put on the spectacles and enter the Emerald City. The streets are lined with green marble buildings, emeralds glitter everywhere, and the people are dressed in green. Everything is green, including the sky. They are led to the Palace of Oz. Waiting for the Audience The soldier with green whiskers tells them that Oz will see them one at a time, one per day. They are given luxurious rooms. Dorothy is taken to a beautiful green room with a fountain and green books. She feels hopeful. The journey to the Emerald City is complete, but the real challenge lies ahead.

At the beginning of the story

After the cyclone journey

Shortly after landing

Early on the journey

After the forest night

While still in the forest

After crossing the poppy field and river