# The Queen of the Field Mice explained — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

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

## What happens

The Tin Woodman saves the Queen of the Field Mice from a Wildcat, and in gratitude, the mice help rescue the Cowardly Lion from the deadly poppy field by building a truck and pulling him to safety.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

The mice repay the Tin Woodman's kindness by helping rescue the Cowardly Lion, demonstrating loyalty and cooperation.

### The Value of Ordinary Qualities

The tiny field mice, though small and ordinary, prove essential in saving the Lion, highlighting the power of humble helpers.

## Character check-ins

### Tin Woodman

Saves the Queen of the Field Mice by killing the Wildcat, then builds a truck to rescue the Cowardly Lion.

### Scarecrow

Devises the plan to use the mice to pull the Lion from the poppy field.

### Cowardly Lion

Asleep in the poppy field, rescued by the mice and his friends.

### Dorothy

Wakes from her sleep, meets the Queen of the Field Mice, and thanks the mice for saving the Lion.

### Toto

Awakens and chases the mice, but is restrained by the Tin Woodman.

### Wildcat

Chases the Queen of the Field Mice and is killed by the Tin Woodman.

## Key lines

> I have no heart, you know, so I am careful to help all those who may need a friend, even if it happens to be only a mouse.

The Tin Woodman explains that despite lacking a heart, he makes a point to assist anyone in need, no matter how small.

_Highlights the Woodman's compassionate actions despite his perceived lack of emotion._

> If ever you need us again, come out into the field and call, and we shall hear you and come to your assistance.

The Queen of the Mice promises that she and her subjects will help the group whenever they are called.

_Establishes a bond of future aid between the mice and the travelers._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_wonderful_wizard_of_oz_se/chapters/ix-the-queen-of-the-field-mice
- 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