Witch of the North
The Witch of the North is a good witch who rules the northern region of the Land of Oz and serves as Dorothy's first guide after the girl's arrival. She appears in the second chapter, "The Council with the Munchkins," when the Munchkins send for her after the Wicked Witch of the East is killed by Dorothy's falling house. The Witch of the North is a little old woman with a wrinkled face and nearly white hair, who walks rather stiffly. She wears a white gown with pleats and a white pointed hat with little bells around the brim that tinkle as she moves. She is a good witch, beloved by her people, though she admits she is not as powerful as the Wicked Witch of the East was, or she would have freed the Munchkins herself. She explains to Dorothy that there are only four witches in all of Oz: two good ones in the North and South, and two wicked ones in the East and West. She also reveals that Oz himself is the Great Wizard, more powerful than all the witches combined, and lives in the City of Emeralds.
Guidance and Protection
The Witch of the North takes an immediate interest in Dorothy's welfare. When Dorothy expresses her desire to return to her aunt and uncle in Kansas, the Witch consults her magic by balancing her cap on her nose and counting, which transforms the cap into a slate reading "LET DOROTHY GO TO THE CITY OF EMERALDS." She instructs Dorothy to travel to the Emerald City and seek help from Oz, the Great Wizard. She gives Dorothy the silver shoes that belonged to the Wicked Witch of the East, which have a powerful but unknown charm. Most importantly, she bestows a kiss on Dorothy's forehead, leaving a round, shining mark that protects the girl from harm. This mark later proves crucial when the Winged Monkeys, under the command of the Wicked Witch of the West, dare not harm Dorothy because she is protected by the Power of Good. The Witch of the North also tells Dorothy that the road to the Emerald City is paved with yellow brick, ensuring she cannot miss her way.
Departure and Significance
After giving her instructions and protection, the Witch of the North bids Dorothy farewell with a friendly nod, then whirls around on her left heel three times and disappears, much to the surprise of Toto, who barks after her. Dorothy, knowing she is a witch, is not surprised. The Witch of the North never appears again in the story, but her influence persists. The mark of her kiss on Dorothy's forehead is recognized by the Wicked Witch of the West, who fears it and cannot bring herself to harm Dorothy directly. The Witch of the North thus functions as a classic mentor figure, setting Dorothy on her quest and equipping her with the tools—the silver shoes, the protective kiss, and the knowledge of the yellow brick road—that ultimately enable her to return home. Her role is brief but foundational, establishing the moral geography of Oz and providing Dorothy with the initial guidance and protection she needs to navigate the strange land.
