Emerald City Gate

The Emerald City Gate is the principal entrance to the capital of Oz, a massive portal set into the high, thick green wall that surrounds the city. It is the terminus of the yellow brick road, and its appearance signals the end of the long journey from the Munchkin country. The gate is studded with countless emeralds that glitter so brilliantly in the sun that even the painted eyes of the Scarecrow are dazzled by their brilliancy. Beside the gate hangs a bell; when Dorothy pushes the button, a silvery tinkle sounds within, and the big gate swings slowly open to admit the travelers into a high arched room whose walls glisten with emeralds.

The Guardian of the Gates

Inside the gatehouse, the travelers are met by the Guardian of the Gates, a little man clothed entirely in green, with a greenish tint to his skin. He keeps a large green box filled with spectacles of every size and shape, all with green glasses. He explains that no one may enter the Emerald City without wearing these spectacles, for the brightness and glory of the city would otherwise blind them. He locks the spectacles onto each traveler—including Toto—using a key on a chain around his own neck, and only he possesses the key to remove them. After fitting the spectacles, he takes a big golden key from a peg on the wall, opens another gate, and leads the party into the streets of the Emerald City.

The Return Journey

When the travelers return from the West after destroying the Wicked Witch of the West, they again approach the Emerald City Gate. The Guardian of the Gates is surprised to see them, and when the Scarecrow explains that the Witch has been melted, the Guardian bows very low before Dorothy. He then leads them into his little room, locks the spectacles from the great box onto their eyes once more, and passes them through the gate into the city. The people, hearing the news, gather around the travelers and follow them in a great crowd to the Palace of Oz. Later, when the party departs for the South, the Guardian unlocks their spectacles, puts them back into the green box, and gives them many good wishes. Dorothy bids him a last farewell, thanking him for the kind treatment she has received in the city.