The Marvelous Land of Oz · Chapter
The Transformation of Old Mombi explained
Mombi, transformed into a rose, hides in the Tin Woodman's buttonhole but is discovered by Glinda.
What happens
Mombi, transformed into a rose, hides in the Tin Woodman's buttonhole but is discovered by Glinda. She attempts to escape through a series of transformations—first into a shadow, then a black ant, and finally a griffin—but Glinda pursues her on the Sawhorse. After a long chase across the desert, the griffin collapses, and Glinda captures Mombi, restoring her to her original form.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Change
Mombi's rapid transformations—rose, shadow, ant, griffin—highlight the theme of change as a means of escape and survival.
Power and Legitimacy
Glinda's superior magic and authority contrast with Mombi's cunning, underscoring the struggle for legitimate power in Oz.
Wisdom vs. Knowledge
Glinda's experience and wisdom allow her to see through Mombi's transformations, while Mombi's magical knowledge alone proves insufficient.
Characters to notice
- Mombi
Transforms into a rose, a shadow, a black ant, and a griffin in an attempt to escape Glinda, but is ultimately captured.
- Glinda
Discovers Mombi's disguise and pursues her relentlessly on the Sawhorse, finally capturing her with a golden thread.
- Tin Woodman
Unknowingly carries Mombi in the form of a rose in his buttonhole and offers hospitality to the group.
- Sawhorse
Proves its endurance by running tirelessly after the griffin, enabling Glinda to capture Mombi.
- Scarecrow
Suggests conquering the Emerald City for Ozma and later urges the group to follow Glinda and Mombi.
- Tip
Commands the Gump to fly after Glinda and Mombi, showing leadership and concern.
- Gump
Flies the group in pursuit of Glinda and Mombi, though it cannot match the speed of the Sawhorse and griffin.
- Jack Pumpkinhead
Encourages the group not to give up and suggests doing something else to find Mombi.
Key passages
“The Witch was at first frightened at finding herself captured by the enemy; but soon she decided that she was exactly as safe in the Tin Woodman’s buttonhole as growing upon the bush.”
Mombi initially panicked when captured, but then realized she was just as hidden in the Tin Woodman's buttonhole as she had been on the bush.
Mombi's cunning and adaptability are evident as she rationalizes her situation.
“While the Woodman was speaking Glinda’s eyes had been noting the rose in his buttonhole, and now she imagined she saw the big red leaves of the flower tremble slightly.”
As the Tin Woodman talked, Glinda noticed the rose in his buttonhole and thought she saw its leaves quiver.
Glinda's keen observation leads to the discovery of Mombi's disguise.
“The Sawhorse ran. Like a flash he followed the Griffin, his wooden legs moving so fast that they twinkled like the rays of a star.”
The Sawhorse dashed after the griffin with incredible speed, its wooden legs blurring like starlight.
The Sawhorse's remarkable endurance and speed are emphasized.
“For the animal, with one fierce shudder, disappeared from view, while in its place was discovered the form of the old Witch, glaring savagely at the serene and beautiful face of the Sorceress.”
The griffin shuddered violently and vanished, revealing Mombi in her true form, glaring angrily at the calm and beautiful Glinda.
Mombi's defeat is complete as her magical transformation is undone.
