This Oztember, we learn about a country in Oz that is not explored much: The Winkie Country, also known as the Vinkus Country in the Wicked saga. We will hit the books and learn all there is to know about this yellow, dusty and barren country. In this post, we will discuss the origins of the country, its notable locales and residents, its legacy in media adaptations and how you can enjoy the country near you. In terms of origins, this country has been around as long as the rest of Oz (c. 7th century) but is not as developed as other parts of Oz. It does not have a yellow brick road, its main color is yellow, and it has very minimal locations of notable interest unlike the Munchkin or Quadling Countries. Although, as the Oz saga grew through subsequent books by different authors, this region seemed to grow exponentially with many different regions and denizens unknown before. So, below you will see the various and notable areas and residents of this yellow country, according to the Baum, Thompson, and Maguire books.
Next, we will discuss the legacy that the Winkie Country has left within media adaptations. Of course, the Winkie or Vinkus country makes its appearance in movies like Disney's Oz the Great and Powerful and Anima Studios' Guardians of Oz, but there are definitely other adaptations that showcase villages and life in this desolate area. In the Cinar anime, when Dorothy and her friends are going to deal with the Wicked Witch of the West, they walk through a Winkie village located at the foot of the hill where the castle resides. The village and surrounding areas are featuring initially in Episode 7 and are featured subsequently until Episode 13. In the game, Emerald City Confidential, the protagonist and detective, Petra, visits Winkie Country and a worn-down western-type version of Winkie Country. Here the Tin resides along with other residents like the Frogman. Winkie Country also appears in other games such as Oz: Broken Kingdom, The Christmas Spirit: Trouble in Oz and Escape from Oz: Bridge to Another World. Can you spot them all? Let me know the comments. In books, the Winkie Country is shown through a wide variety of illustrated texts such as The Wizard of Oz (2015) illustrated by Charles Santore, The Wizard of Oz (1985) illustrated by Greg Hildebrant, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900) illustrated by W.W. Denslow, and Marvel's The Wonderful Wizard of Oz comic. What.a legacy! So, now lastly, we will address how you can bring this section of Oz to where you are. Of course, you can always check out one of the adaptations or play one of the games listed in this post, but some other options include exploring the audio versions of the Wicked series to hear about Elphaba's experience as she traverses the Vinkus country or the sights that Oatsie Manglehand's Grasstrail Train sees. Of course, you can check out the Crossover Adventure Productions audio drama of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or The Marvelous Land of Oz to hear about the protagonists journey through the Winkie Country. Additionally, Colonial Radio Theatre did an audio drama that features the journey through the Winkie Country in The Marvelous Land of Oz and The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, which you can get here. Boomerang's Dorothy and the Wizard also features The Wicked Witch's castle frequently, which is located in the Winkie Country. Can you spot other instances of the Winkie Country in Boomerang's TV show? Let me know in the comments below.
Well, that will do it for our tour of the West of Oz. For more information about the Winkie (or Vinkus) country, click here. Also, Let me know in the comments what was your favorite part of our tour of the Winkie or the Vinkus Country; and, until next time, we'll be seeing you somewhere into the Oz-verse.
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May 2024
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. |