The Wicked Witch of the East

Wicked witch of the east illustration

The Wicked Witch of the East is a character in the fictional Land of Oz created by American author L. Frank Baum in his classic books. Although not verifiably seen (except for her feet), the famous 1939 movie helped to further the popularity of the character. The Witch is the ruler of Munchkin Country.

In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (the first of many Oz books), Dorothy Gale is blown into Oz by a tornado. The young girl's house lands on top of The Witch. The Witch, who had been ruling over the Munchkins, is killed instantly with only her feet sticking out from under the house. The Witch was wearing magical shoes (made of silver in the book) at the time of her death. Dorothy, on the advice of The Good Witch of the North, takes the shoes. These shoes have the power to transport anyone anywhere, simply by knocking the heels together and commanding them where to go.

In the novel, The Wicked Witch of the East is also responsible for the creation of the Tin Woodman and the Tin Soldier, who each had their blades enchanted to prevent them from marrying the Witch's maid.