Elphaba and Liir's Ambiguous Mother-Son Bond

Wicked

Explores the uncertain relationship between Elphaba and Liir, a boy she may have given birth to but never acknowledges as her son.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Liir's Origins Liir's Origins from "Wicked". Liir's Origins A Mysterious Child Liir is a chubby boy who accompanies Elphaba when she leaves the mauntery. His parentage is unclear.

Liir's Origins from "Wicked". Liir's Origins A Mysterious Child Liir is a chubby boy who accompanies Elphaba when she leaves the mauntery. His parentage is unclear.

Liir's Origins A Mysterious Child Liir is a chubby boy who accompanies Elphaba when she leaves the mauntery. His parentage is unclear. Possible Birth Elphaba may have given birth to him during a year of unconsciousness. She has no memory of it. The Maunts' Decision The maunts assign Liir to Elphaba's care. She accepts him without question.

Neglect and Distance Neglect and Distance from "Wicked". Neglect and Distance Elphaba's Indifference Elphaba shows little maternal warmth toward Liir. She treats him more as a servant.

Neglect and Distance from "Wicked". Neglect and Distance Elphaba's Indifference Elphaba shows little maternal warmth toward Liir. She treats him more as a servant.

Neglect and Distance Elphaba's Indifference Elphaba shows little maternal warmth toward Liir. She treats him more as a servant. Liir's Loneliness Liir seeks attention from others, including the soldiers at Red Windmill. He is desperate for a father figure. Nanny's Care Nanny becomes a surrogate mother to Liir, providing the affection Elphaba withholds.

Liir's Near Death Liir's Near Death from "Wicked". Liir's Near Death The Fishwell Incident Manek tricks Liir into the fishwell, where he nearly drowns. Elphaba saves him with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Liir's Near Death from "Wicked". Liir's Near Death The Fishwell Incident Manek tricks Liir into the fishwell, where he nearly drowns. Elphaba saves him with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.

Liir's Near Death The Fishwell Incident Manek tricks Liir into the fishwell, where he nearly drowns. Elphaba saves him with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. A Glimpse of Care In saving him, Elphaba shows a rare moment of concern. She is shaken by the experience. Liir's Revelation Liir claims the gold carp told him that Fiyero is his father. This hints at his true parentage.

Growing Independence Growing Independence from "Wicked". Growing Independence Liir's Defiance Liir begins to defy Elphaba, especially when Dorothy arrives. He sides with Dorothy.

Growing Independence from "Wicked". Growing Independence Liir's Defiance Liir begins to defy Elphaba, especially when Dorothy arrives. He sides with Dorothy.

Growing Independence Liir's Defiance Liir begins to defy Elphaba, especially when Dorothy arrives. He sides with Dorothy. Elphaba's Jealousy Elphaba is jealous of Liir's affection for Dorothy. She feels betrayed. A Final Break After Elphaba's death, Liir leaves Kiamo Ko to search for Nor. He finally breaks free.

Unresolved Bond Unresolved Bond from "Wicked". Unresolved Bond Liir's Quest Liir searches for Nor in the Emerald City. He carries the memory of Elphaba with him.

Unresolved Bond from "Wicked". Unresolved Bond Liir's Quest Liir searches for Nor in the Emerald City. He carries the memory of Elphaba with him.

Unresolved Bond Liir's Quest Liir searches for Nor in the Emerald City. He carries the memory of Elphaba with him. Never Knowing the Truth Liir never learns for certain if Elphaba is his mother. The ambiguity remains. A Legacy of Mystery Their relationship is a symbol of the many unanswered questions in Elphaba's life.

during Elphaba's time in the mauntery

during their life at Kiamo Ko

during the winter at Kiamo Ko

as Liir enters adolescence

after Elphaba's death