# The Royal Chariot Arrives explained — The Road to Oz

> Chapter companion for The Road to Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

As the travelers approach the Emerald City, they pass through the prosperous Winkie Country and cross the boundary river. The Tin Woodman recounts the story of the Powder of Life and its unintended consequences, including a live bear rug. At a bridge, Dorothy reunites with the Cowardly Lion and the Hungry Tiger, who have come to greet her, and introduces Polychrome to them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Dorothy's joyful reunion with the Cowardly Lion and Hungry Tiger highlights the enduring bonds between the characters.

### Magic and Wonder

The Tin Woodman's tale of the Powder of Life and the live bear rug, along with the rainbow-hued trees, emphasizes the magical nature of Oz.

### Home and Belonging

The travelers' approach to the Emerald City and the warm reception from old friends reinforce the theme of finding a place of belonging.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Reunites with the Cowardly Lion and Hungry Tiger, introduces Polychrome to them.

### Polychrome

Admires the rainbow-hued trees, is frightened by the Lion and Tiger, then introduced by Dorothy.

### Cowardly Lion

Greets Dorothy warmly and compliments Polychrome.

### Hungry Tiger

Jokes about eating babies but is ruled by his Conscience.

### Tin Woodman

Tells the story of the Powder of Life and the live bear rug, and explains the geography of the region.

### Shaggy Man

Listens to the Tin Woodman's story and expresses awe at the Emerald City.

### Button-Bright

Present in the group traveling toward the Emerald City.

### Toto

Implied to be with Dorothy on the journey.

## Key lines

> The queerness doesn’t matter so long as they’re friends.

The oddness of someone is unimportant as long as they are a friend.

_Dorothy explains to Polychrome that friendship transcends appearances._

> It isn’t what we are, but what folks think we are, that counts in this world.

What matters is not our true nature, but the perception others have of us.

_The Hungry Tiger humorously remarks on the importance of reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters/xvii-the-royal-chariot-arrives
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters