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| “ | Just try! I'll get you, my pretty! And your little dog, too! HAAAAA HA HA HA HA HA! | „ |
| ~ The Wicked Witch of the West's most infamous quote, while threatening Dorothy Gale and Toto. |
| “ | AHHHHH! You cursed brat! Look what you've done! I'm melting, melting! Oh, what a world, what a world! Who would've thought a good little girl like you could destroy my beautiful wickedness?! Ohhh, look out! Look out! I'm going! Ohhh... Ohhhhhhhhh... | „ |
| ~ The Wicked Witch of the West's breaking down before melting to death in front of Dorothy, Toto, the Scarecrow, the Lion, and the Tin Man. |
The Wicked Witch of the West is the main antagonist of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, the first novel of the famous Oz series, and its classic 1939 film adaptation The Wizard of Oz. She is a malevolent witch who rules over the Winkie Country, as well as Dorothy's arch-nemesis. She leagued with the Wicked Witch of the East, Mombi and the Wicked Witch of the South to rule all of Oz.
In the film, she was portrayed by the late Margaret Hamilton, who also played Miss Almira Gulch in the same film. In Minnie's Wizard of Dizz, she was played by Peg Leg Pete (despite the fact the character is male), and was voiced by Jim Cummings. Unlike the original Wicked Witch, however, Pete doesn't die but instead redeems himself and becomes a nicer witch. In The Wizard of Oz themed episode of Beetlejuice, she was played by Claire Brewster. In the parody episode of Futurama, she was played by Mom. In Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz and Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz, she was voiced by Laraine Newman, who also voiced Sassy in the former series.
Appearance[]
- In the original book, she is described as a hideous form, and a notable feature being an enchanted eye that can see vast distances beyond her castle walls. In the classic film, the Wicked Witch was stooped, green-skinned, and dressed entirely in black. In many people's minds, this representation of The Wicked Witch has become an archetype for human wickedness, as well as an icon for the "witch" character in popular culture.
- Her appearance is different in Wicked Flying Monkeys/Guardians of Oz/Save Oz!, as she is an attractive woman with orange hair. For clothing, she keeps her black dress and hat, with the inclusion of white skulls on her hat, as well as an additional cape.
Biography[]
While this relationship is not mentioned in Baum's books, in the movie, the Witch is the sister of the Wicked Witch of the East, who is killed when Dorothy arrives in Oz. The Witch asks aloud, "Who killed my sister?" (except with more calculation than sorrow). As a result, The Wicked Witch of the West's role is made more prominent as she seeks revenge against Dorothy for killing her sister. When Dorothy claims the death was an accident, the Witch of the West replies "Well, my little pretty, I can cause accidents, too.".
It is from this movie that popular culture gets the oft-quoted phrase, "I'll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!".
Her other motivation is to get the powerful Ruby Slippers (changed from the Silver Shoes of the book). She often, but not always, flies on a broomstick (as opposed to her umbrella in the novel), and has a crystal ball through which she can see happenings elsewhere.
Her lackeys are Nikko, the Flying Monkeys and the Winkie Guards. The Flying Monkeys kidnapped Dorothy and Toto, taking them to the Wicked Witch's Winkie Castle. The Wicked Witch of the West locked Dorothy in a room of the hourglass, but Toto escaped, barking for help to the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion. The three friends disguised themselves as Winkie Guards and rescued Dorothy. However, just as the four friends were about to escape, The Wicked Witch of the West sent her Winkie Guards to chase after the heroes. When Dorothy and her friends were surrounded by guards, The Wicked Witch of the West set the Scarecrow on fire. Then Dorothy noticed a bucket of water, and tossed it to extinguish the fire on Scarecrow, but also splashed some on the Wicked Witch. As a result, the Wicked Witch met her end when she melted to death. Just like the Munchkins, the Winkies cheered because the Witch was too dangerous to be left alive. Dorothy and her friends took the Witch's broom and proceeded to the Wizard's domain.
Other Media[]
Wicked[]
- Main article: Elphaba Thropp
The Wicked Witch of the West is also famously featured in the book and theatrical production Wicked, which explores her past and portrays her as a tragic character and the protagonist, while the Wizard is the true villain. Here, she is given the name Elphaba Thropp, a pun on the name L. Frank Baum. The role was originated by Idina Menzel. Her sister is Nessarose (the Wicked Witch of the East).
Sesame Street[]
The Wicked Witch and Oscar the Grouch.
In Wicked Witch of the West is featured in a 1976 episode of Sesame Street, again portrayed by Margaret Hamilton. In the episode, the Witch flies over Sesame Street and loses her broom. The magical cleaning tool falls into the hands of David; afraid of what the witch might do with it, he refuses to give the broom up. The Wicked Witch responds by making it rain inside Hooper's Store, and even threatens to turn Big Bird into a feather duster and David into a basketball. Oscar the Grouch is the only one who takes kindly to her, even to the point of developing a crush on her. Big Bird eventually warms up to the Witch as well, and is saddened when she leaves. She tells him that one day she will return, but whilst leaving, she accidentally drops her broom yet again.
The episode was considered too scary for the target audience many viewers, and as such, the episode was pulled from airing, with the episode only resurfacing online in 2022.
Paul Lynde Halloween Special[]
In the 1976 Paul Lynde Halloween Special, Margaret Hamilton again reprises her role as the Witch, this time teaming up to torment the hapless Lynde (who himself played a Warlock on Bewitched) with Billie Hayes as Witchiepoo from HR Pufnstuff.
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz[]
- Main article: Wicked Witch of the West (Muppets)
Oz: The Great and Powerful[]
- Main article: Theodora
Tom and Jerry[]
The Wicked Witch of the West is the main antagonist of Tom and Jerry and the Wizard of Oz and a posthumous antagonist of Tom and Jerry: Back to Oz.
Once Upon a Time[]
- Main article: Zelena
Lego Dimensions[]
The Wicked Witch of the West appeared as the first boss in Lego Dimensions after Dorothy and her friends were captured by Lord Vortech, who was in need of her Ruby Slippers. When the Wicked Witch of the West saw the three protagonists of the game, she thought Wyldstyle was Dorothy and Batman was her dog. She then sees the keystone and orders her Flying Monkeys to get it for her. After she acquires it, she flies back to her castle. As Batman, Gandolf, and WildStyle makes their way towards her castle, she acquires new powers from the keystone and uses it to create portal everywhere. Once the heroes place cages in front of the portals to capture her, she breaks free. After that, they use the spare pieces of the cages to build a water cannon and use it to squirt her with it. She then disintegrates and falls into a portal summoned by Lord Vortech. Despite having melted, she is later seen in one piece in Vortech's headquarters, implying that she either didn't die and regenerated her body or was revived by someone else.
She also appears in the same game as a playable character, via the 71221 Fun Pack.
Space Jam: A New Legacy[]
The Wicked Witch of the West makes a cameo appearance in the 2021 film Space Jam: A New Legacy, the anticipated sequel to the 1996 Warner Bros. hybrid film Space Jam. She appears alongside other villains from other Warner Bros. properties such as Agent Smith, the 1989 incarnation of Joker, the 2017-19 incarnation of Pennywise the Dancing Clown, and Lord Voldemort as one of the speculators of Al-G Rhythm's basketball game. Much like in The LEGO Batman Movie, the Wicked Witch of the West has been reunited with Agent Smith and Lord Voldemort.
She was portrayed by Mila Kunis.
The Wonderful Galaxy of Oz/Space Oz no Bōken[]
The Wicked Witch of the West in The Wonderful Galaxy of Oz.
The Witch of the West is the main antagonist in The Wonderful Galaxy of Oz. Her spirit was imprisoned in the necklace of her daughter Gloomhilda. She wants the Rainbow Crystal so she can return to her body and rule over the Galaxy of Oz. When Gloomhilda and her henchmen arrived on the crystal castle for the Rainbow Crystal, the Witch of the West broke free from the necklace and returns to her physical form. With her in her body once again, she planned to destroy Dorothy and her friends. Once she was about to kill them all, Gloomhilda was admired by the heroes' way of loving and caring, her actions of redemption had angered the Witch, so she turns her own daughter into stone. In her flame form, she chased Dorothy and her friends, but when they escaped, the Wicked Witch transforms into a red giant monster. Dorothy and everyone makes wishes with the Rainbow Crystal and destroys the Witch on her monstrous form, then she returns to Gloomhilda's (who has turned back into normal) necklace where she cannot harm anyone again.
Wicked Flying Monkeys/Guardians of Oz/Save Oz![]
During an alternative timeline of The Wizard of Oz, Glinda gave Eveline (the Wicked Witch of the West) a second chance by reviving her and stripping her of her powers (thus storing them into her broom). Much later, Eveline devises a plan where she sends one of her monkeys to give Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly lion some sleeping ribs to make them fall fast asleep and then send Ozzy to quietly open the windows, unfortunately Ozzy slips and falls waking Dorothy's friends in the process, but Eveline and the other flying monkeys manage to stop them and get her broom back. Eveline then curses Scarecrow with being too knowledgeable, Tinman with being depressed, and Lion with being enraged and banishes them back to separate locations. She then turns Goliath into a chicken after he refuses to arrest his own son "Ozzy" and orders derp to arrest both of them, Ozzy flees in terror as they chase him and accidently grabs Eveline's broom, Eveline orders Ozzy to give back the broom, but Ozzy flies away with it (since her broom is only powered by fear), She then orders her soldiers to find Both Ozzy and the broom. Meanwhile, Eveline orders her minions to bring her tower over to the emerald palace (since Glinda became frozen thanks to Gabby accidently). Much later as she spends time on the throne as the new ruler of Oz, her minions come back with urgent news about Ozzy stating that he's looking for the Lion, Tinsman, and Scarecrow making Eveline more mad being forced to take drastic measures by sending her pet Wingo (a giant, winged gorilla). Much later, her minions bring Gabby instead of Ozzy (it's unknown of what relationship they share, but considering that Glinda is her aunt, it could be stated that Eveline is Gabby's mother). She uses a machine to provide a message to Oz and a warning to Ozzy that if he doesn't return with the broom then Goliath will become nothing but chicken soup. Tinsman, Lion, and Scarecrow go off to face Eveline only to have the three of them defeated easily. Ozzy then confront Eveline and then refuses to give the broom and explains to the other flying monkeys that they work for Eveline out of fear. Ozzy then breaks the broom and Eveline sobs by seeing her broom destroyed (and thinks that her magic is gone forever). The flying monkeys then rebel against her, but the broom starts to spark making her realize she still has enough power and turns all her minions into sheep, and goes to grab the other piece. Ozzy quickly grabs it and flies away, Eveline gives chase but Ozzy manages to lure her to a fountain (depicting Dorothy), causing her to fall right into it and melt again. Despite the fact that the fountain had a lot of water, it's likely that she was melted for good and never came back.
Powers and Abilities[]
- Spellcasting: She is a very powerful sorceress capable in casting spells and curses, as shown when she created a cursed poppy field to send Dorothy and her companions to sleep.
- Pyrokinesis: The witch is able to create destructive fireballs using her hands.
- Flight/Teleportation: She is seen able to teleport, creating huge fog-like red smoke, while she can fly with her broomstick if she wants.
- Scrying: She was able to spy her on enemies using her Magic Ball to see where they were, and used it to see what was happening next.
- Black Smoke: The Wicked Witch of the West was able to create menacing Black Smoke from her broomstick, which she uses to scare people away.
- Animal Control: The Wicked Witch has minions at her disposal that include her flying monkeys, Winkie guards, and a wide variety of other creatures which she controls with magic and uses to kidnap Dorothy and guard her Dark Castle.
Trivia[]
- She came in fourth place in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains countdown.
- She's also the highest rated female villain on the list since the top three villains (Hannibal Lecter, Norman Bates and Darth Vader) are all males.
- Her "and your little dog, too" line came in 99th place in AFI's 100 Years... 100 Movie Quotes countdown.
- Although the Wicked Witch only appears in the first book, and that the Nome King is the primary antagonist of the series, she was so memorable (mostly thanks to the film) that most adaptations and nearly all re-tellings of the story are centered about her.
- In the unofficial Russian adaptation of The Wizard of Oz book series, The Wizard of Emerald City by Alexander Volkov, the Wicked Witch of the West is named Bastinda, and lives in the east instead of the west. Unlike the original Wicked Witch, she lost all her magical abilities after summoning the Flying Monkeys for the third and final time, but dies the same way as the witch in the original story.
- The Sentai/Power Rangers villainess Bandora/Rita Repulsa was partly inspired by the Wicked Witch, including her cackle, riding a bike through the sky like Miss Gulch, and having a (sometimes) Flying Monkey servant, Grifforzer/Goldar. Her scheme for destroying the Dragon/Green Ranger with a cursed candle also bears similarities to how the Witch intended to kill Dorothy.
- In the original RSC production of The Wizard of Oz, the role of The Wicked Witch of the West was portrayed by the male actor, Billie Brown, similar to how a male actor portrayed the evil character of Principal Agatha Trunchbull in the original classic musical production of Matilda.
- Margaret Hamilton later became known to a new generation from a series of commercials for Maxwell House Coffee, playing Cora the Storekeeper. Reportedly, during the 1939 filming, the cast had a hard time acting scared of Hamilton, who was widely known as a kind and giving person.
- The Wicked Witch of The West appeared in The LEGO Batman Movie as one of the non-DC villains and a Phantom Zone prisoner.
- She also appeared in The LEGO Movie as one of the master builders along with MetalBeard to enter the Octan Tower and destroy the Kragle, but was captured by Lord Business.
- She is made to look like the franchise's main villain, but has only appeared in the first book. The real main villain has turned out to be the Nome King in the long run. Despite this, the Witch is still the franchise's official main villain since most media, including future re-tellings, keeps her as such, completely ignoring the Nome King.
- The late Gale Sondergaard was originally cast as the Wicked Witch of the West, but she had to drop out as she believes that the witch's persona would be too similar to Queen Grimhilde from Walt Disney's first animated feature, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and the role was given to Margaret Hamilton.
- In the Berry Brick Road episode in Strawberry Shortcake, the character resembles Sour Grapes.
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