Mossmere

Mossmere is a lake in Oz, notable primarily for its association with Glinda's philanthropic activities and as a location affected by the catastrophic tornado that killed Nessarose. The lake's significance in the narrative is indirect, serving as a geographical marker for Glinda's movements and as a site that experienced the storm's destructive periphery.

Location and Glinda's Visit

Mossmere is the site of an orphanage that Glinda visited shortly before the tornado struck Munchkinland. She mentions having been at an orphanage on the shores of Mossmere, indicating that her charitable work brought her to the area. This visit placed her within a dozen miles of Center Munch when the storm hit, allowing her to be one of the first to arrive at the scene of Nessarose's death.

The Game Park and the Storm

Adjacent to the lake was a game park, a notable feature that housed dragons. Glinda had intended to visit the park as a "lark," as she had never seen a dragon before. However, the tornado's effects were felt even at Mossmere, causing "terrible winds" that led to the closure of large sections of the park due to the risk of falling trees and escaping Animals. This detail underscores the storm's vast reach and power, extending well beyond the direct path of the tornado itself.

Narrative Significance

Mossmere's role in the story is primarily functional, providing a concrete location for Glinda's activities and illustrating the widespread impact of the tornado. It serves as a point of contrast to the direct devastation at Center Munch, showing that the storm's influence was felt across a wide area, disrupting even the carefully managed environments of a game park. The lake itself is not a setting for any major events but rather a reference point that helps to establish the geography of Glinda's journey and the scale of the natural disaster.