Fall asleep to WICKED Life & times of the wicked witch of the west, book 1, Munchkinlanders

the Munchkinlanders are one of the key groups within the Land of Oz, and their region plays a significant role in the story. The Munchkinland area is depicted as a rural, somewhat impoverished region in the eastern part of Oz, known for its small stature inhabitants, the Munchkins.

The novel begins with Elphaba, who later becomes known as the Wicked Witch of the West, being born in Munchkinland to Frex, a devout unionist minister, and his wife Melena. Elphaba is born with green skin, which sets her apart from others and causes her to be viewed as an outcast from the beginning. Her childhood in Munchkinland is marked by her father’s strict religious beliefs and her mother’s neglect, contributing to Elphaba’s complex personality and sense of alienation.

Munchkinland is portrayed as a place with a strong sense of regional identity, often resistant to the central authority of the Emerald City. The region is also characterized by political unrest and social tensions, especially between the local population and the ruling powers in Oz. These tensions are exacerbated by the rise of the Wizard and his oppressive regime, which seeks to consolidate power and suppress dissent, particularly in places like Munchkinland.

Throughout the novel, Munchkinland’s resistance to the Wizard’s rule is a recurring theme, with various characters from the region, including Elphaba, becoming involved in the political struggles of Oz. Elphaba’s experiences in Munchkinland, her encounters with its people, and her evolving views on power and justice are central to her development as a character.

Overall, Munchkinland in “Wicked” is depicted as a symbol of resistance against tyranny, as well as a place that profoundly shapes Elphaba’s identity and her eventual transformation into the so-called Wicked Witch of the West.