Nessarose's Rise and Fall as the Wicked Witch of the East

Chronicles Nessarose's journey from a disabled child to the tyrannical ruler of Munchkinland, and her sudden death under a falling house.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Birth Without Arms

Birth Without Arms A Second Difficult Birth Nessarose is born without arms, a condition that shocks her parents. Her mother Melena had taken a potion to prevent another green child, but the result is different. Father's Favorite Frex dotes on Nessarose, seeing her as a pure soul. He makes her beautiful silver shoes to compensate for her disability. Elphaba's Resentment Elphaba is forced to care for her sister, fostering a complex mix of love and jealousy. Nessarose becomes the center of the family's attention.

Education at Shiz

Education at Shiz Arrival at Crage Hall Nessarose arrives at Shiz with Nanny, joining Elphaba and Glinda. She is armless but beautiful, and she quickly becomes known for her religious devotion. Friendship with Glinda Glinda becomes Nessarose's close friend and later enchants her silver shoes, allowing Nessarose to stand and walk unaided. Religious Zeal Nessarose becomes increasingly devout, using her faith as a source of strength. She clashes with Elphaba's atheism and Glinda's sorcery.

Becoming the Eminent Thropp

Becoming the Eminent Thropp Inheritance of Power When the Eminent Thropp dies, Nessarose inherits the title and the estate of Colwen Grounds. She becomes the ruler of Munchkinland. Secession from Oz Nessarose leads Munchkinland to secede from Oz, declaring independence. She uses her religious authority to unite the farmers and nobles. Tyranny Begins She begins to impose strict unionist laws, persecuting Animals and dissenters. Her rule becomes increasingly oppressive, earning her the nickname "Wicked Witch of the East."

The Tornado and Death

The Tornado and Death The Storm A freak tornado strikes Munchkinland, dropping a house from another world directly onto Nessarose during a religious ceremony. She is killed instantly. Dorothy's Arrival The house belongs to Dorothy, a girl from Kansas. She emerges unharmed, and the Munchkinlanders celebrate Nessarose's death as liberation. Aftermath Nessarose's death leaves Munchkinland in chaos. Glinda gives Dorothy the silver shoes, and the Wizard sees an opportunity to re-annex the region.

Legacy of the Wicked Witch of the East

Legacy of the Wicked Witch of the East Mixed Reactions Some Munchkinlanders mourn Nessarose as a saint, while others celebrate her demise. Her religious tyranny leaves a bitter legacy. The Shoes' Power The silver shoes become a symbol of power and are sought after by the Wizard. They eventually pass to Dorothy and are lost when she returns home. Elphaba's Grief Elphaba, despite their strained relationship, is deeply affected by her sister's death. She seeks to reclaim the shoes and avenge Nessarose.

three years after Elphaba's birth

during her late teens, after Elphaba leaves

after the death of the Eminent Thropp, during Elphaba's exile

during a ceremony in Center Munch

after her death