Have you read the original Oz books? Did you know about Locasta? Drop a comment below—let’s give this witch her due.
She’s the witch who shows up first, does the small but essential magic (a protective kiss, a pair of enchanted shoes), and points you in the right direction. She’s the first responder of Oz.
Blame the 1939 MGM film. In the movie, Glinda (played by Billie Burke) floats down in a bubble and absorbs both roles: she greets Dorothy, defeats the Wicked Witch of the East’s magic, and sends Dorothy off to see the Wizard. The Witch of the North? Written out entirely. locasta the good witch of the north
Let’s bring her back into the conversation.
So, who was she, and why have we forgotten her? Have you read the original Oz books
She’s the one who kisses Dorothy on the forehead, gives her the Silver Shoes (yes, silver—not ruby), and tells her to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. Her name? In later Oz books, Baum christens her .
If you said Glinda, you’re not alone—but you’re also not quite right. For over 80 years, pop culture has merged, muddled, and nearly erased one of Oz’s original heroines: She’s the witch who shows up first, does
Next time you watch The Wizard of Oz , remember: that woman in the bubble? She’s wonderful. But before the ruby slippers and the Emerald City, there was Locasta—the quiet, forgotten good witch of the north.