# Purple, Green, and Gold explained — Ozma of Oz

> Chapter companion for Ozma of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

Billina, the yellow hen, uses her knowledge of the Nome King's transformations to restore the Queen of Ev and her children, as well as the people of Oz, by correctly identifying the purple and green ornaments. She frees Ozma, the Scarecrow, and Tik-Tok, but the Tin Woodman remains missing. The group confronts the Nome King, who has assembled his army in anger.

## Themes in this chapter

### Resourcefulness and Cleverness

Billina's sharp observation and memory of the Nome King's secret allow her to reverse the enchantments and free the captives.

### Good Versus Evil

The Nome King's deceitful trap is overcome by the cleverness of the yellow hen, highlighting the triumph of good over malicious magic.

### Identity and Transformation

Multiple characters are transformed into ornaments and grasshoppers, then restored to their true forms, emphasizing the theme of hidden identity.

## Character check-ins

### Billina

Cleverly disenchants the royal family of Ev and the Ozians by identifying the transformed ornaments.

### Queen of Ev

Restored from a purple footstool; joyfully reunited with her children.

### Ozma

Found as a green grasshopper and restored; assists in searching for the Tin Woodman.

### Scarecrow

Transformed into a solid gold ornament; restored and joins the group.

### Tik-Tok

Also transformed into a gold ornament; restored and comments on the King's dishonesty.

### Nome King

Sits on his throne surrounded by his army, enraged at the group's escape.

### Tin Woodman

Missing; cannot be found among the ornaments, prompting a search.

### Prince Evring

Mentioned as having been rescued earlier by Dorothy; his siblings are now restored.

## Key lines

> I guess!” Then she disenchanted another girl, whom the Queen addressed as Evrose, and afterwards a boy named Evardo, who was older than his brother Evring.

Billina successfully restored another princess and then a prince named Evardo, who was older than Evring.

_Billina continues to reverse the Nome King's enchantments on the royal children._

> “Now,” said Billina, “I must find Ozma. She is sure to be here, somewhere, and of course she is green, being from Oz. So look around, you stupid soldiers, and help me in my search.”

Billina declares that Ozma must be among the green ornaments and orders the soldiers to help find her.

_Billina uses logic to locate Ozma based on her origin._

> “Only one thing can be done,” said Ozma, at last, “and that is to return to the Nome King and oblige him to tell us what has become of our friend.”

Ozma decides they must confront the Nome King to learn the Tin Woodman's fate.

_Ozma takes charge of the search for the missing Tin Woodman._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters/xvi-purple-green-and-gold
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/ozma_of_oz_se/chapters