Good Witch of the North in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz – L. Frank Baum (1900)
The Good Witch of the North is the first magical figure Dorothy meets upon arriving in Oz. She rules the Land of the North, a region distinct from the East, West, and South. Baum presents her as benevolent and calm, in contrast to the oppressive Wicked Witch of the East.
Her initial appearance occurs immediately after Dorothy’s house lands in the East, killing the Wicked Witch. The Good Witch welcomes Dorothy, reassures the frightened Munchkins, and explains the situation. She is responsible for placing the Silver Shoes on Dorothy’s feet, recognizing that they hold great magical power, even though Dorothy herself does not yet understand their significance.
Baum describes the Good Witch as kind, gentle, and wise. She provides guidance but does not accompany Dorothy on her journey. Her advice is clear and practical: Dorothy must travel to the Emerald City to see the Wizard of Oz if she wishes to return home. The Good Witch acts as a mentor figure, setting the narrative in motion without directly intervening beyond initial assistance.
Unlike the Wicked Witches, she does not seek to dominate or control others. Her power is exercised through influence, knowledge, and protective actions rather than aggression. Baum emphasizes her moral clarity. She functions as a stabilizing presence in a world where magic is real but unevenly understood.
The Good Witch of the North also helps establish Oz as a land divided into territories, each with its own rulers, customs, and magical laws. Dorothy’s understanding of Oz begins with her interaction with the Good Witch, who explains the regional layout and the existence of witches with differing agendas.
After giving Dorothy guidance and ensuring she is equipped with the Silver Shoes, the Good Witch departs. She does not appear again in the 1900 novel, leaving Dorothy to navigate Oz with the companions and knowledge she has gained.
Through her, Baum introduces the first clear example of moral authority in Oz, contrasting the arbitrary danger posed by the Wicked Witch of the East and setting the stage for Dorothy’s journey along the Yellow Brick Road.
