Ozma of Oz · Chapter
XV: Billina Frightens the Nome King explained
Billina the hen lays an egg in the Nome King's throne room, terrifying him because eggs are poison to Nomes.
What happens
Billina the hen lays an egg in the Nome King's throne room, terrifying him because eggs are poison to Nomes. She bargains for the right to guess the King's enchantments in the palace, and after Dorothy successfully guesses and rescues Prince Evring, the Scarecrow fails and is turned into a gold card-receiver. Billina then insists on taking her turn, despite Dorothy's warnings.
Themes in this chapter
Resourcefulness and Cleverness
Billina uses her egg-laying to negotiate a chance to guess the enchantments, showing quick thinking.
Courage and Adventure
Billina bravely insists on entering the enchanted palace despite the risks, and Dorothy's successful guess demonstrates her courage.
Characters to notice
- Billina
Lays an egg under the throne, frightening the Nome King, and bargains for the chance to guess the enchantments.
- Nome King
Terrified by the egg, reluctantly allows Billina to guess, and is frustrated by Dorothy's correct guess.
- Scarecrow
Left with the King, learns of Dorothy's success, then fails his guesses and is turned into a gold card-receiver.
- Dorothy Gale
Successfully guesses one enchantment, rescues Prince Evring, and returns to the throne room.
- Prince Evring
Rescued by Dorothy and brought back to the throne room, shy of the Scarecrow.
Key passages
“The machine man. He won’t need to be wound up any more, for he has now become a very neat ornament. Very neat, indeed.”
The Nome King gloats that Tik-Tok has been turned into a decorative ornament, no longer requiring winding.
The King's satisfaction at transforming Tik-Tok.
“I lay eggs wherever I happen to be”
Billina asserts her habit of laying eggs without regard for location.
Billina's defiance of the King's authority.
“Eggs belong only to the outside world—to the world on the earth’s surface, where you came from. Here, in my underground kingdom, they are rank poison”
The Nome King explains that eggs are toxic to Nomes and only exist on the surface.
The King's fear of eggs due to their poisonous nature to Nomes.
“I always keep my promises, no matter how foolish they are.”
The King reluctantly honors his word, even when it seems unwise.
The King's adherence to his promise despite his displeasure.
“I may not be human, but I’m no fool, if I am a chicken.”
Billina asserts her intelligence despite being a fowl.
Billina's confidence in her ability to guess correctly.