The Conflict with the Kalidahs

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

The travelers face a fierce attack from the Kalidahs, monsters with bear bodies and tiger heads, testing their ingenuity and courage.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Second DitchThe Second Ditch
A New Obstacle The Broad Gulf After crossing the first ditch, the travelers come to a second gulf, even wider and deeper. The Lion knows he cannot jump it. They must find another way. The Scarecrow's Idea The Scarecrow suggests chopping down a tree to make a bridge. The Tin Woodman sets to work, and with the Lion's help, they push the tree across the gulf. The Crossing Begins They start to cross the tree bridge. Dorothy goes first with Toto, then the Tin Woodman, then the Scarecrow. The Lion is last. Suddenly, they hear growls behind them.
The Kalidahs AttackThe Kalidahs Attack
The Monsters Appear The Fierce Beasts Two Kalidahs, with bodies like bears and heads like tigers, run toward the tree bridge. They are huge and have sharp claws. The Lion trembles. The Lion's Roar The Lion turns to face them and gives a terrible roar. The Kalidahs stop, surprised, but then advance again. The Lion crosses the tree and prepares to fight. The Scarecrow's Plan As the Kalidahs start to cross the tree, the Scarecrow tells the Tin Woodman to chop off the end of the tree. The Woodman chops, and the tree falls into the gulf, carrying the Kalidahs down to the rocks. They are dashed to pieces. The travelers are safe.
Aftermath of the BattleAftermath of the Battle
Relief and Reflection The Lion's Relief The Lion draws a long breath, glad to be alive. He says those creatures frightened him so badly that his heart is still beating. The Tin Woodman wishes he had a heart to beat. The Scarecrow's Logic The Scarecrow's plan worked perfectly. He proves that he can think, even without brains. The Lion compliments him, saying one would almost suspect he had brains. The Journey Continues The travelers walk faster, anxious to leave the forest. The danger has made them more determined. They soon come to a broad river, which presents the next challenge.
During the forest journey
At the second ditch
Immediately after