Dorothy and Tin Woodman

Dorothy and the Tin Woodman form one of the most tender and mutually dependent relationships in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Their connection begins when Dorothy, guided by a groan in the forest, discovers the Tin Woodman standing motionless with an uplifted axe, rusted solid for more than a year. She fetches an oil-can from his cottage and, with the Scarecrow's help, oils his neck, arms, and legs until he can move freely. The Tin Woodman, grateful for his release, immediately asks to join her party, explaining that he seeks a heart from the Great Oz. Dorothy welcomes him, and he shoulders his axe to accompany her on the yellow brick road.

Rescue and Caretaking

Dorothy repeatedly acts as the Tin Woodman's caretaker, a role that underscores the intimacy of their bond. When he accidentally steps on a beetle and weeps tears of sorrow and regret, the tears rust his jaws shut, and Dorothy must use the oil-can to free them. Later, after the Winged Monkeys drop him onto sharp rocks, leaving him battered and dented, Dorothy sheds tears at his plight and organizes the Winkies' tinsmiths to hammer, twist, bend, solder, and polish him back into shape over three days and four nights. When he is restored, he weeps tears of joy, and Dorothy carefully wipes each tear from his face with her apron to prevent rusting. Her own tears fall freely at the joy of reunion.

Protection and Loyalty

The Tin Woodman protects Dorothy with his axe and his unwavering loyalty. When the wolves attack, he tells her to get behind him and chops the leader's head from its body, killing all forty wolves. When the bees swarm, he follows the Scarecrow's plan to scatter straw over Dorothy, the Lion, and Toto, then stands alone to let the bees break their stings against his tin. When the Fighting Trees block their path, he chops through the branches, clearing a passage for the entire party. His axe is also essential for building the raft that carries them across the river, and for constructing the ladder that lets them climb the china wall.

Emotional Depth and Farewell

Despite having no heart, the Tin Woodman displays a careful, deliberate kindness that Dorothy recognizes and values. He explains that because he lacks a heart, he must be very careful never to be cruel or unkind, stepping over ants and weeping when he accidentally kills a beetle. Dorothy, in turn, treats him with consistent gentleness, never mocking his rust or his tears. At their final parting in Glinda's castle, Dorothy kisses the Tin Woodman, who is weeping in a way most dangerous to his joints. She then hugs the Scarecrow and kisses the Lion, but her kiss for the Tin Woodman is a distinct gesture of affection for a friend who, though made of tin, has shown her a heart's worth of devotion.