The Battle with the Crows

The Battle with the Crows is the second of four magical assaults the Wicked Witch of the West launches against Dorothy and her companions as they travel through the Winkie Country. After her pack of forty wolves is killed by the Tin Woodman, the Witch grows angrier and blows her silver whistle twice, summoning a great flock of wild crows so numerous they darken the sky. She commands the King Crow to fly at the strangers, peck out their eyes, and tear them to pieces.

The Scarecrow Takes Command

When the little girl sees the immense flock approaching, she is afraid. But the Scarecrow declares, "This is my battle, so lie down beside me and you will not be harmed." Following his instruction, Dorothy, the Tin Woodman, the Cowardly Lion, and Toto all lie flat on the ground. The Scarecrow alone remains standing, stretching out his arms. The crows, true to their nature, are frightened by the sight of a scarecrow and dare not come nearer—until the King Crow recognizes that the figure is only a stuffed man and announces he will peck out its eyes.

The Scarecrow's Victory

The King Crow flies directly at the Scarecrow, who catches it by the head and twists its neck until it dies. One after another, the remaining crows attack, and the Scarecrow twists each one's neck in turn. There are forty crows, and forty times the Scarecrow repeats the action, until all lie dead beside him on the ground. Only then does he call to his companions to rise, and they continue their journey.

Consequences and Significance

The battle demonstrates the Scarecrow's growing resourcefulness and courage despite his lack of brains. Though he cannot feel pain and is not physically harmed, he takes the initiative, devises a simple but effective strategy, and executes it without hesitation. The defeat of the crows marks the second failure of the Wicked Witch's magical attacks, deepening her rage and forcing her to resort to her next weapon—a swarm of black bees. The event also reinforces the party's reliance on each member's unique abilities: just as the Tin Woodman's axe defeated the wolves, the Scarecrow's very nature as a straw-stuffed figure proves decisive against the birds.