# Old Mombi Indulges in Witchcraft explained — The Marvelous Land of Oz

> Chapter companion for The Marvelous Land of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, Tip, Jack Pumpkinhead, Sawhorse, and Woggle-Bug continue their journey to the Emerald City, aided by the Queen of the Field Mice. They overcome a series of magical illusions sent by Mombi—a phantom river, a granite wall, whirling roads, and a sheet of flame—by following the mouse queen, who reveals them as deceptions. Along the way, the Woggle-Bug's pedantic punning causes friction, but the party restores harmony. Upon reaching the city gates, the mouse queen bids them farewell.

## Themes in this chapter

### Wisdom vs. Knowledge

The Woggle-Bug's pedantic education is contrasted with the Scarecrow's practical wisdom in navigating Mombi's illusions.

### Friendship and Loyalty

The Queen of the Field Mice selflessly guides the party, and the group's mutual support helps them overcome magical deceptions.

### Transformation and Change

The Sawhorse's broken leg is repaired, and the travelers repeatedly adapt to shifting, illusory landscapes.

## Character check-ins

### Scarecrow

Leads the group, carries twelve field mice hidden in his straw, and wisely interprets Mombi's illusions.

### Tin Woodman

Calls the Queen of the Field Mice with his silver whistle, reassures the party about the fire, and threatens the Woggle-Bug with his axe.

### Tip

Rests frequently as the only one who tires; defends the Sawhorse and Jack against the Woggle-Bug's pun.

### Jack Pumpkinhead

Fears being baked by the fire, and is puzzled by the Woggle-Bug's wordplay.

### Sawhorse

Limping after his leg is chopped down; snorts in derision at the Woggle-Bug's pun.

### Mr. H. M. Woggle-Bug

Makes a pun about 'broken' horses, boasts about his education, and is rebuked by the Scarecrow and Tin Woodman.

### Mombi

Indulges in witchcraft, sending a series of deceptive obstacles to hinder the travelers.

## Key lines

> All magic is unnatural, and for that reason is to be feared and avoided.

Magic defies the natural order and should be treated with caution.

_The Scarecrow's pragmatic view of magic as deceptive and dangerous._

> I have heard, my dear friend, that a person can become over-educated; and although I have a high respect for brains, no matter how they may be arranged or classified, I begin to suspect that yours are slightly tangled.

Too much learning can muddle one's thinking; your brains seem disordered.

_The Scarecrow gently criticizes the Woggle-Bug's pretentiousness._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_marvelous_land_of_oz_se/chapters/old-mombi-indulges-in-witchcraft
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_marvelous_land_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_marvelous_land_of_oz_se/chapters