Timeline Of Wizard Of Oz And Wicked: Answers To The Questions Everyone Is Asking
Let's be honest, the world of Oz is just plain fun! Whether you first met Dorothy through the iconic 1939 movie or discovered Elphaba's story in the wildly popular musical Wicked, there's something magical about the Land of Oz that captures our imaginations. And with these two beloved tales existing side-by-side, it's no wonder people often wonder: how do they all fit together? Untangling the timeline of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked is a delightful puzzle that sheds new light on these familiar characters and their adventures.
For beginners to the Oz universe, understanding the timeline can be like getting a secret map. It helps you see how the prequel story of Wicked sets the stage for Dorothy's arrival, explaining the motivations and backgrounds of characters you might already know. If you're a family looking for a shared activity, exploring this timeline can be a fantastic way to connect with your kids after watching the movie or attending a show. It sparks interesting conversations about good versus evil, friendship, and perspective. For the dedicated Oz hobbyist, diving into the timeline offers a deeper appreciation for the intricate world-building and the clever ways different storytellers have interpreted L. Frank Baum's original works.
The core of the timeline debate usually revolves around Wicked, which tells the story of Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Glinda (the Good Witch) before Dorothy's ruby slippers ever touched the yellow brick road. It explains Elphaba's green skin, her troubled past, and her complicated relationship with Glinda, offering a sympathetic portrayal of a character often misunderstood. The Wizard of Oz, on the other hand, focuses on Dorothy's journey to find her way home, encountering the Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion along the way, and ultimately facing off against the "wicked" witch.
So, how do they align? Think of Wicked as the prequel. Everything that happens in Wicked – Elphaba's time at Shiz University, her initial encounter with the Wizard, and her developing rivalry with Glinda – happens before Dorothy's tornado whisks her away to Oz. When Dorothy arrives, the characters are already established, and the events of Wicked have shaped their personalities and the political landscape of Oz. This means that the "wicked" witch Dorothy encounters is the very same Elphaba whose story we see unfold in Wicked, just viewed from a different, and perhaps more empathetic, angle.
Getting started with exploring this timeline is super easy! If you've seen the Wizard of Oz movie, start by watching the Wicked musical (or reading the book it's based on!). You'll immediately begin to see the connections. You can also find many fan-made timelines online that visually map out the events of both stories. It’s a fun way to see how the timelines overlap and diverge. Don't feel pressured to get every detail perfect; the joy is in the discovery!
Ultimately, understanding the timeline of The Wizard of Oz and Wicked isn't about rigid rules; it's about enriching your experience. It adds layers of depth and understanding to these beloved stories, making both the familiar and the new even more enjoyable. So, grab your ruby slippers and your broomstick, and enjoy the journey through the magical, and sometimes surprising, timelines of Oz!