Munchkins

The Munchkins are the native people of the eastern region of the Land of Oz, a country of marvelous beauty with stately trees, luscious fruits, and brilliant flowers. They are the first inhabitants Dorothy meets after her cyclone-borne house lands in their land, and their encounter establishes the fundamental political and magical geography of Oz.

Identity and Appearance

The Munchkins are not as big as the grown folk Dorothy is used to, but neither are they very small; they seem about as tall as Dorothy herself, who is a well-grown child for her age, though they appear many years older. They are oddly dressed, wearing round hats that rise to a small point a foot above their heads, with little bells around the brims that tinkle sweetly as they move. The men's hats are blue, and they wear well-polished boots with a deep roll of blue at the tops. The Munchkins are good farmers, able to raise large crops, and their houses are odd-looking dwellings, each round with a big dome for a roof, all painted blue, for in this country of the East blue is the favorite color. The people are kind-hearted; when Dorothy begins to sob at the thought of being unable to return home, her tears seem to grieve them, and they immediately take out their handkerchiefs and begin to weep also.

History and Bondage

The Munchkins have been held in bondage for many years by the Wicked Witch of the East, who made them slave for her night and day. The Witch of the North explains that the Wicked Witch of the East has held all the Munchkins in bondage for many years, making them slave for her night and day. The Munchkins are grateful to Dorothy for killing the Wicked Witch of the East, as her house fell on her and set them free. The Witch of the North, who is their friend though she lives in the land of the North, comes at once when the Munchkins send a swift messenger to her after seeing the Witch of the East is dead.

Role in Dorothy's Journey

The Munchkins are instrumental in directing Dorothy toward her quest. After the Witch of the North consults her magic slate, which reads "LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS," the Munchkins bow low to her and wish her a pleasant journey. They tell her that the road to the City of Emeralds is paved with yellow brick. One of the richest Munchkins, named Boq, hosts Dorothy for the night, giving her a room with a pretty bed and sheets made of blue cloth. Boq tells Dorothy that the country here is rich and pleasant, but she must pass through rough and dangerous places before she reaches the end of her journey. The Munchkins also provide the Scarecrow, who is made from a Munchkin farmer's old blue suit and hat, and the Tin Woodman, who was once a Munchkin woodchopper in love with a Munchkin girl.

Relationship to Oz's Political Structure

The Munchkins are one of the four distinct peoples of Oz, each ruled by a witch. The Wicked Witch of the East ruled the East, and after her death, the Munchkins are freed. The Witch of the North explains that there are only four witches in all the Land of Oz: those who live in the North and the South are good, while those who dwelt in the East and the West were wicked. The Munchkins' liberation is a direct consequence of Dorothy's accidental arrival, and their gratitude sets the stage for her journey. Later, when Oz reveals himself as a humbug, he explains that he has lived in deadly fear of the Wicked Witches for many years, and was pleased when he heard Dorothy's house had fallen on the Wicked Witch of the East. The Munchkins, like the other peoples of Oz, are ultimately ruled by the Wizard's appointed successors, but their initial encounter with Dorothy establishes the theme of liberation from tyranny that runs through the entire story.