As we enter June, which is Pride Month for the LGBTQIA+ community, we reflect on the magic of Polychrome, a RAINBOW fairy, who has visited multiple parts of the Land of Oz throughout the various Land of Oz books. From John R. Neill's version in Baum's Road to Oz to the latest iteration in Boomerang's Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz, we will learn and experience all about the The Great Rainbow's daughter's origin, her magical mark on Oz, and how you can bring Polychrome's magical rainbow to your world. Now, before we move forward, I have a little CHALLENGE for you AT HOME. Challenge: Identify the different versions of Polychrome that have been shown in various adaptations. You will need to identify the artist and when it was created. I'll even get started: One of the versions appeared in Disney's Return to Oz in 1985 as imagined by Director Walter Murch. Did you see her at the end of the movie? Either way, have fun with it as you delve into this rainbow wonder! So jumping right into it, Polychrome is first introduced in Baum's The Road to Oz, in which Polychrome's dilemma is told. You see, she got abandoned by her father, The Great Rainbow, which you can read more about in my previous year's post on Rainbows in Oz. In addition to being abandoned by her father, she was left wondering in Oz when she came across the Shaggy Man, Dorothy, and others. Her origin has yet to fully be told in a singular Oz text; but, I have collected clues over the many books I have read to piece together an origin. So, Polychrome was born as one of many daughters of The Great Rainbow and has been alive for thousands of years, possibly as long as the Mother of Oz, Lurline. Might Lurline be Polychrome's mother? That would be fascinating to know. As a side note, I did write a post during my 25th anniversary celebration of Wicked all about Lurline here. Additionally, Polychrome was actually born above Oz in the skies but still visits every once in a while when she accidentally gets separates from her father. Her adventures in Oz are detailed out through many of Baum’s books, starting with The Road to Oz (cover seen above left). To see a full list of all her adventures, check out the list here. Next, since are in our year of magic, we need to address the magical side of Polychrome, being a MAGICAL FAIRY and all. Over the course of Baum's books, we discover multiple magical abilities that are just implied or out right stated. One first noted ability comes from Baum's Road to Oz, when we discover she can walk on both rainbow and on firm ground, which might also being seen as MAGICAL FLOATING. Another noted ability that I have inferred from the texts is her ability to MAGICALLY TELEPORT. In Tik Tok of Oz, she tells the Nome King if he can catch her, she will stay with him and agree to his terms about letting her friends go. In the process of trying to catch her, she basically teleports through a magical prism-like shimmer. It is quite fascinating and hilarious to read. Who knew that Polychrome had such a sense of humor? Finally, in The Tin Woodsman of Oz, she demonstrates that she has the magical ability to WALK THROUGH WALLS, when she helps Nimee Aimee walk through a wall at Jinjur's house. Now, she has a wide assortment of other abilities, but I want to hear from you. What is your favorite Polychrome magical moment? Please let me know in the comments below. Now that we know where Polychrome originated and discussed her magical abilities, we can check out her magical legacy through media adaptations. To start, we go back in time to Walt Disney's Mickey Mouse club (1957) in their attempt to make a larger film about Oz, but it never went through. But, what we do have left from that film experience is this short that was put together as more of an advertising video and its entitled "Rainbow Road to Oz". You will notice Polychrome immediately in the video by the very striped dress. So, please enjoy! Next up, Polychrome as she appears in Boomerang's Dorothy and the Wizard of Oz. Of course, her whole legacy is outlined above in the WIkiTubia video; but, I am highlighting some activities that I enjoy that features the lovely Polychrome. It comes from the episode entitled, "Chasing Rainbows", where Polychrome has fallen from The Great Rainbow and now needs the help of Dorothy and her companions to get home. We also get to see the Tin Man fall in love! Oh, what would Nimee Aimme say? Outside of the media adaptations out there, Polychrome has been in a ton of Oz books, but I will highlight only a few some books that I think should definitely be visited this month, when discussing the RAINBOW fairy. First on the list, of course is the book where she is introduced for the first time, Road to Oz (cover seen below). Also, if you want to see any other books that are not listed below or on the list above, feel free to check out the Royal Timeline of Oz and The Oz Index for more inspiring ideas on our favorite Rainbow Fairy. Now that we have explored Polychrome's origins and her magical legacy, it is time to see how you can bring this wonderful fairy's rainbow magic into your world. First up, check out the rainbow collections at the All Things Oz Museum and Wamego's Oz Museum. Both have a huge collection of rainbow themed items for your to add to your Oz collection. If you click on the pictures below, it will take you to their online stores. Another great option that comes out just in time for Pride Month is from the Oz Shaving Company, who makes the wonderful Polychrome Shave Soap for that rainbow-loving guy in your life. As an added benefit, you can also pair it with the Polychrome After Shave Tonic to get that extra Polychrome touch. So, keep an eye out for those when them "come out" this summer at The Oz Shaving Company. I already use their products and they are wonderful. Also, side note, and confirmed by the company: THEY ARE NOT TESTED ON ANIMALS! HUZZAH! (UPDATE: This company has closed since this post, so if you will have to find it elsewhere). Another great option is to check out the Podcast Production, "Hit the Bricks", that features a relative of Polychrome within the story in the episode, "Rainbow Road". It was surprising when I heard this character mention Polychrome being his relative. I loved it! Well, that covers our magical introduction to one of the most colorful fairies in Oz and now I would love to hear from you. What is your favorite Polychrome book or media adaptation? What is your favorite place to buy Polychrome inspired memorabilia? Let me know how you are planning on celebrating the beautiful rainbow fairy, Polychrome, this June in the comments below and until next time, I'll be seeing you somewhere over the Vinkus.
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AuthorMy name is Vinkus Ken and I have been a long time fan of many things in Oz and how their world truly does emulate much of ours. Did you know that they have a flag of their own? Or did you know that they have a law about only having 9 jurors in their courts? Also, Oz has a court system! I like to introduce facts that seem meaningless and bring meaning to them by comparing them to our world. So, come along on this journey and enjoy the ride. |