The House Crushing the Wicked Witch of the East

The house carried by the cyclone lands on the Wicked Witch of the East, killing her instantly and setting the Munchkins free from bondage, an event that launches Dorothy's journey in Oz and establishes her as a liberating figure.

Causes and Background

The Wicked Witch of the East had held all the Munchkins in bondage for many years, making them slave for her night and day. She was one of only four witches in all the Land of Oz, and, along with the Wicked Witch of the West, was one of the two wicked ones. The Witch of the North, a good witch, explains that the Land of Oz has never been civilized and is cut off from the rest of the world, which is why witches and wizards still exist there. The cyclone that carried Dorothy's house from the gray Kansas prairies set it down very gently in the midst of the Munchkin country, a land of marvelous beauty with stately trees, gorgeous flowers, and a rushing brook.

What Happens

When Dorothy emerges from her house, she is greeted by a group of Munchkins and the Witch of the North. The little old woman tells Dorothy, "You are welcome, most noble Sorceress, to the land of the Munchkins. We are so grateful to you for having killed the Wicked Witch of the East, and for setting our people free from bondage." Dorothy, an innocent and harmless little girl who has never killed anything in her life, is bewildered. The Witch points to the corner of the house, where two feet are sticking out, shod in silver shoes with pointed toes. The house has fallen on the Witch, killing her. The Munchkins, who had been standing silently by, give a loud shout and point to the corner. The feet of the dead Witch disappear entirely, dried up quickly in the sun, leaving nothing but the silver shoes. The Witch of the North gives the shoes to Dorothy, saying, "The silver shoes are yours, and you shall have them to wear." One of the Munchkins notes that there is some charm connected with the shoes, but what it is they never knew.

Consequences and Aftermath

The death of the Wicked Witch of the East frees the Munchkins from bondage, and they celebrate their freedom. The Witch of the North, using her magic, receives a message on a slate that reads "LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS," directing Dorothy to seek the help of Oz. The Witch gives Dorothy her kiss, which leaves a round, shining mark on her forehead that protects her from harm. The silver shoes, which fit Dorothy as if made for her, become a powerful charm, though their power is unknown to her at this point. The event also establishes Dorothy's reputation as a sorceress among the Munchkins, who treat her with great respect. Later, the Wicked Witch of the West, seeing the mark on Dorothy's forehead and the silver shoes, trembles with fear, knowing the powerful charm they possess. The event is also referenced by Oz himself, who admits he lived in deadly fear of the Wicked Witches and was pleased when Dorothy's house fell on the Witch of the East. The melting of the Wicked Witch of the West by a bucket of water is a parallel event that completes the destruction of the wicked witches, and Dorothy's use of the silver shoes ultimately returns her to Kansas. The event also sets the stage for the Winkies' liberation and the Tin Woodman's eventual rule over them.