# The Council with the Munchkins explained — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

> Chapter companion for The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum.

## What happens

Dorothy awakens in the Land of Oz after her house lands on and kills the Wicked Witch of the East. She meets the Munchkins and the Witch of the North, who explains the nature of witches in Oz and gives Dorothy the silver shoes. Dorothy expresses her desire to return to Kansas, and the Witch of the North advises her to seek help from the Great Wizard Oz in the Emerald City. The Witch gives Dorothy a protective kiss and directs her to follow the yellow brick road.

## Themes in this chapter

### Home and Belonging

Dorothy's immediate desire to return to her aunt and uncle in Kansas highlights her longing for home and belonging in a strange new land.

### Good Versus Evil

The distinction between good and wicked witches is established, with the Witch of the North explaining that Oz has both good and evil witches, unlike civilized countries.

### The Journey as Growth

Dorothy is directed to embark on a journey to the Emerald City, setting the stage for her growth through the challenges ahead.

## Character check-ins

### Dorothy

Dorothy awakens in Oz, learns of the Wicked Witch's death, receives the silver shoes, and is advised to seek Oz's help to return home.

### Munchkins

The Munchkins greet Dorothy, express gratitude for freeing them from bondage, and weep at her sadness.

### Wicked Witch of the West

Mentioned as the remaining wicked witch who rules the West and would enslave Dorothy if she passed her way.

### Toto

Toto barks at the Witch of the North after she disappears, having been afraid to growl while she was present.

### Aunt Em

Dorothy mentions Aunt Em, who told her that witches were all dead, and whom Dorothy is anxious to return to.

## Key lines

> Your house did, anyway, and that is the same thing.

The little woman laughed and said that Dorothy's house had killed the witch, so it amounted to the same thing.

_The Witch of the North explains to Dorothy that her house killed the Wicked Witch of the East._

> Let Dorothy go to the City of Emeralds

The Witch of the North's cap transformed into a slate with the message that Dorothy should go to the City of Emeralds.

_The Witch uses magic to receive guidance that Dorothy should seek Oz in the Emerald City._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/ii-the-council-with-the-munchkins
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters