Quadling Country
The Quadling Country is the southernmost region of the Land of Oz, a land of rich fields, well-paved roads, and bright red-painted fences, houses, and bridges. It is ruled by Glinda, the Good Witch of the South, who is described as both beautiful and young, with rich red hair, a pure white dress, and kind blue eyes. The Quadlings themselves are short, fat, chubby, and good-natured, dressed all in red, which stands out against the green grass and yellowing grain. Unlike the other countries of Oz, the Quadling Country is not under the shadow of a wicked witch; it is a place of peace and prosperity, where the inhabitants live contentedly under Glinda's benevolent rule.
Geography and Appearance
The Quadling Country is bordered to the north by the hill of the Hammer-Heads, a dangerous obstacle that the travelers must overcome to enter. Beyond that hill lies a landscape of ripening grain fields, well-paved roads, and pretty rippling brooks crossed by strong bridges. The country is described as rich and happy, a stark contrast to the wild and dangerous territories the travelers have passed through. The dominant color is red, applied to fences, houses, and bridges, just as blue was the favorite color in the Munchkin Country and yellow in the Winkie Country. The Monkeys set the travelers down near a farmhouse, where the farmer's wife provides them with a good dinner, including three kinds of cake, four kinds of cookies, and a bowl of milk for Toto.
Glinda's Castle and the Final Audience
At the heart of the Quadling Country stands Glinda's Castle, a very beautiful structure. Before its gates are three young girls in handsome red uniforms trimmed with gold braid, who serve as guards. Inside, Glinda sits upon a throne of rubies in a big room. When Dorothy and her companions arrive, they are first taken to a room to wash and make themselves presentable before being admitted. Glinda listens to Dorothy's entire story, from the cyclone to the adventures with her companions. It is here that Dorothy's quest reaches its climax: Glinda reveals that the Silver Shoes Dorothy has worn since the death of the Wicked Witch of the East possess the power to carry her anywhere in the world in three steps. By knocking the heels together three times and commanding them, Dorothy can return to Kansas instantly.
Significance in the Narrative
The Quadling Country functions as the narrative's final threshold and resolution. It is the place where Dorothy's long journey ends, not through the intervention of the fraudulent Oz, but through the genuine magic of the Good Witch. Glinda not only grants Dorothy's wish but also arranges the futures of her companions: the Scarecrow is to be returned to rule the Emerald City, the Tin Woodman to rule the Winkies, and the Cowardly Lion to become king of the forest beasts. She uses the Golden Cap, which Dorothy gives her, to command the Winged Monkeys for these tasks, and then frees the Monkeys forever. The Quadling Country thus represents the culmination of the journey's themes of home, friendship, and the discovery that the power to achieve one's desires often lies within oneself, symbolized by the Silver Shoes that Dorothy had possessed all along.
