# Important Arrivals explained — The Road to Oz

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

## What happens

A grand procession of distinguished guests arrives at the Emerald City for Ozma's birthday celebration, including King Dox of Foxville, Queen Zixi of Ix, King Bud of Noland, Princess Fluff, Santa Claus with his Ryls and Knooks, the Queen of Merryland, the Candy Man, the Braided Man, and the royal family of Ev. The chapter highlights the joyous reunions and the growing excitement for the evening's banquet.

## Themes in this chapter

### Community and Celebration

The chapter is centered on Ozma's birthday party, with a steady stream of guests arriving from various kingdoms, emphasizing unity, festivity, and shared joy.

### Hospitality and Generosity

Dorothy and the others warmly welcome each guest, and the visitors bring numerous splendid gifts, highlighting the spirit of generosity and gracious hosting.

### Magic and Wonder

The arrivals include fantastical beings such as Santa Claus, Ryls, Knooks, a wax doll queen, and a candy man, reinforcing the magical and wondrous nature of Oz.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Dorothy welcomes the guests and is thanked by King Dox for securing his invitation. She also interacts with Santa Claus and helps coordinate the arrivals.

### Button-Bright

Button-Bright is recognized by Santa Claus, who knows his home, and he quickly befriends little King Bud of Noland.

### Princess Ozma

Ozma is the host of the birthday celebration, and all the guests have come to honor her. She is mentioned as the reigning Princess of Fairyland.

### Polychrome

Polychrome is present in the Throne-Room and speaks with Santa Claus, who promises to send word to her father, the Rainbow.

### Santa Claus

Santa Claus arrives with Ryls and Knooks, greets Dorothy and Button-Bright warmly, and brings gifts for Ozma. He later rides the Sawhorse around the Emerald City.

### Shaggy Man

The Shaggy Man is present and receives a kind word from Santa Claus.

### Scarecrow

The Scarecrow is among those welcoming guests and converses with the Candy Man and Santa Claus.

### Tin Woodman

The Tin Woodman is present, talking with Santa Claus and the Candy Man, and notes that he always wears the same suit of clothes.

## Key lines

> The next comer proved to be King Renard of Foxville; or King Dox, as he preferred to be called. He was magnificently dressed in a new feather costume and wore white kid mittens over his paws and a flower in his buttonhole and had his hair parted in the middle.

King Dox of Foxville arrived next, wearing an elaborate feather outfit, white mittens, a flower in his buttonhole, and with his hair neatly parted.

_Describes the flamboyant appearance of King Dox._

> The most Mighty and Loyal Friend of Children, His Supreme Highness—Santa Claus!

The High Chamberlain announced Santa Claus as the most mighty and loyal friend of children.

_Santa Claus is formally introduced to the assembly._

> I’ll have to tell your father where you are, Polly, and send him to get you.

Santa Claus promised Polychrome that he would inform her father, the Rainbow, of her location so he could come for her.

_Santa offers to help Polychrome reunite with her father._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters/xxii-important-arrivals
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_road_to_oz_se/chapters