When it comes to finding your way around the Emerald City, especially if you do not have a map, like the one above, it can get tricky. Thank goodness, we have a map and know our way to the City of Emeralds, as told from Elphaba and Galinda's journey from Shiz (Pages 169 through 170, Wicked). So, in honor of our 25 anniversary of the first Wicked book, we reflect on not only Elphaba and Galinda's journey; but, another heroine's journey to the City of Emeralds: Dorothy (and her friends). We are all familiar with their journey to the Emerald City from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz book (and movies); but, now our heroes need your help again. They need help to find their way to the Emerald City! Find the correct pathway for each character on the printable.
As we reflect on Elphaba and Galinda's journey (in the map above), you can create a colorful pathway with the map above by highlighting Elphaba's experience through the City of Emeralds, according to the book. In the pathway, feel free to show all the places where Elphaba visited or just color in the different places that are mentioned in the City of Emeralds section. As a start, we know that she visited the palace of Oz to visit the Wizard of Oz (from the Gillkin section of the book). So, however you choose to interact with this activity, have fun and be creative on your journey to (and through) the City of Emeralds. Oh, and don't forget to post what creative ways you interacted with this activity in the comments below and until next time, we'll be seeing you somewhere over the Vinkus.
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Happy Lurlinemas! As we move through the third section of the book, The City of Emeralds, of the Wicked book, we are introduced to something very new in the Land of Oz: the holiday, Lurlinemas. Now, what is Lurlinemas (pronounced ler-lean-mass), you may ask? Well, the holiday, based in Maguire's world, is a traditional holiday that comes during the winter season and stems from the religion of Lurlinism, where practitioners worship the fairy queen, Lurline (as illustrated below), as though she is like Santa Claus. She has an assistant, Preenella, who is seen a co-star to Queen Lurline. Lurlinemas has a prequel night called Lurlinemas Eve, which also happens to be the night that Fiyero died from the Gale Force. Now, before moving deeper into the holiday itself, let us first look at the figure behind Lurlinemas, Queen Lurline, such as who she is, what she did, and how the religion was formed around her. Queen Lurline is a character that is first mentioned in the Baum series in the book, The Tin Woodman of Oz and Glinda of Oz. She was the entity responsible for the creation of the Land of Oz. Now, Queen Lurline is continually mentioned in further books by other authors but was never fully portrayed and illustrated until the book, The Magical Mimics of Oz, written by Jack Snow and illustrated by Frank Kramer in 1946. So, now, Queen Lurline, in Maguire's world is a very similar character to the one in Baum’s world; but, this Lurline is treated as a deity, which she technically is, and has followers, which were the good citizens of Oz. Unfortunately, there are no images or media created even by Maguire that show his version of Lurline; however, she is described in one of his fairy tale stories from Tales Told in Oz (pictured below) called ""Skelleybones Fir-Cloak", as an omniscient being who creates Oz and settles a dispute amongst actual trolls. Also, in the book, the stores in downtown Emerald City had papier-mâché figures of Queen Lurline in a winged chariot, as if she is delivering presents. So, with those inspirations there, how do you envision Queen Lurline in either Maguire’s world or Baum’s world? Feel free to post in the comments below. Also, if you would like to learn more about Queen Lurline, click here. So as Oz began to grow, the religions of Oz did too and thus Lurlinism was created. The religion started when Queen Lurline first came to Oz and magically constructed The Land of Oz, which led to many believing in her power and what she can do. As the religion grew, it was discovered that Lurlinism also concerns the lineage of Ozma and their lineage to Lurline, as described from Millikin University student Amy Fehr (2013) on her website: Lurlinism is centered around the Fairy Queen Lurline being the “God” of the Royalists. In this religion, Lurline was the creator of Oz and she left her daughter, the first Ozma to rule over Oz. Due to the fact that each subsequent Ozma is a direct descendent of the Fairy Queen and their “God,” the Royalists believe that the throne should be kept in the hands of Lurline’s descent." (Wicked Casebook, "Lurlinism") Lurlinism was discussed inconsistently throughout the book, but not a lot was really discovered outside what the Millikin University site discusses. I personally found this religion truly fascinating as I would have never thought of religion in Oz before; but, as the book unfolded, it made more sense. So, if you would like to learn more about Lurlinism and its background (as well as the other religions in Maguire’s Oz), fee free to check out more at this website. But, what I am really curious about Lurlinemas is how do we celebrate Lurlinemas or how do Lurlinists celebrate the holiday in the book? Well, in the first book, Fiyero is the one that introduces Elphaba to this holiday and it says that one way the holiday can be celebrated, besides going to church, is decorating with green and gold decorations like green and gold candles, lights, or centerpieces, as I attempted to do with my artwork at the top of this post (even though I accidentally forget the gold candles, but its an attempt through inspiration). Additionally, other notable decorations mentioned in the book and used by Ozians included golden gongs, greenberry wreaths, green and gold baubles and toys, and gilded fruit. Sounds like a lot of fun decorations. But, what type of Lurlinemas decorations would you make? Feel free to comment below. Another way to celebrate is through Fan Art galleries that include such art work like the one above by Ozian fan, Jef Alford. Let's see what other artists have done and enjoy our very own Lurlinemas-inspired Fan Art Gallery. For more work by these astounding artists, check out their galleries below: Sleepin2407 lnsaneular hriviel Other fan art can come in the form of literature called "Fan Fiction" (or fanfic for short). It is a story made up entirely by the fans and uses their own interpretative understanding of the material in a new and creative way.This fan wrote a story about Lurlinemas and you can check it out here. Another fan combined the characters from Wicked and SyFy's Tin Man miniseries in their own interpretative story. Aside from decorations is the food of Lurlinemas, which is something that does not get mentioned that much, except a few items like hot cocoa, baked caramel sweets, or gilded fruit (pictured above right, but those are more for decorations). So, since there is not a lot of food discussed, what other type of food would you like included at the feasts of Lurlinemas? I am totally thinking some kind of roast meat and mashed potatoes. Oh, that sounds good. A good recipe cookbook for Ozian sweet treats is "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Cookbook" by Monica Bayley (pictured below left). It has some good ideas for baked sweets (where you can add caramel, of course), for sure! Or try the Wizard of Oz themed cookbook based on the movie (pictured below right). Once you have created your fabulous Lurlinemas-inspired feast item, post a picture of the item in the comments below to share with others. Of course, what would this lovely holiday be without gifts, like the gray potholders that were given to Elphaba or other fancy outfits from the downtown Emerald city in Merchant Row; and, with all these gifts we get for others (and from others), we will need to have a Lurlinemas-inspired tree just for the occasion, just like the one that this Ozian fan put together (video below). So, however you choose to celebrate this holiday season, just be sure that there is always more to be done out there for Lurlinemas. So, feel free to showcase what you plan on doing this Lurlinemas in the comments below and until then, we’ll be seeing you somewhere over the Vinkus. Answers to the City of Emeralds Quiz (from previous post): 1. Three days; 2. It was pretentious; 3. It had NO animals; 4. To see the wizard as scheduled by Madame Morrible; 5. A towering luminescent skeleton; 6. Fiyero; 7. Lurlinemas; 8. Gale Force; 9. Shell (eventually revealed as short for Shellstrop); and 10. Malky.
Greetings fellow Wicked fans! Today's activity brings us finally to the Emerald City, or The City of Emeralds, as it is referred in the book! Before I begin, I have to note that what was super great about this book series is that it was the first book to ever identify a map of the entire Emerald City and the buildings, districts, and neighborhoods within the city. Obviously from Baum's books, we knew that there was a palace, the home guard offices, the jail, the apartments, and a fountain; but, no map was ever created. I was ecstatic when I saw the map but how did you feel about it? Anyways, let us begin our quiz on the CITY OF EMERALDS section of the book. **************************************** |
As we get to Shiz University, from Galinda's perspective, we get to meet her nanny, Ama Clutch (pictured right). Apparently wealthier students at this college have nannies that speak for them to get them into proper dormitories; however, since Galinda caused her nanny to be injured, her nanny could not help her and she ended up getting roomed with Elphaba, as instructed by Madame Morrible. The notable headmistress makes an appearance in the musical; however, let's see some fun interpretations of this unique and new character in Maguire's Oz as pictured below. |
As we move through the chapter, we meet many other notable students that are attending Shiz University. One group of friends surrounding Elphaba and Galinda eventually become known as the "Charmed Circle". The members of this "circle" are listed here, but below are some inspired works of art on the various characters at Shiz. Side note: many of the characters from The Charmed Circle actually made it into the musical such as Avaric, Pfannee and ShenShen. Its great and enjoy the fan art below of our glorious Charmed Circle members!
Also, in this Gillikin section, we are introduced to the Tik-Tok equivalent called "The Grommetik", a mechanical device that ends up being a suspect in the murder of Dr. Dillamond and is also spying on Elphaba at Lake Chorge. It is weird because it is like we get to see Tik-Tok before Ozma of Oz. He is awkward and without personality but still under the control of Madame Morrible.
Now, there are tons of pieces of artwork out there with just Elphaba and Galinda at Shiz University, so I am leaving it up to you to comment your favorite work of fan art that really speaks to you. If nothing speaks to you, create something yourself and share below! Either way, Shiz introduced to a side of Oz that really was wonderful, grand, spectacular, and enjoyable, but definitely not for kids (especially the Philosophy Club). I sure hope you enjoyed our art galley of Shiz (and its residents inside the local university). Furthermore, feel free to comment and post your own favorites of characters from Shiz (and its university residents) that were not included here. I love seeing new interpretations out there of such an intriguing, complex, and fascinating world. Below, I have included art gallery links to the artists that contributed to this gallery and until next time, we'll be seeing somewhere over the Vinkus when we enter the CITY OF EMERALDS!
Further gallery explorations of artists here:
Vimfuego
Swaggertoes
Ribbon-Wren
davidgazo
elphaba-vs-glinda
adam430k
Cor104
Saphari
Gelphie
heimloss
Vimfuego
Swaggertoes
Ribbon-Wren
davidgazo
elphaba-vs-glinda
adam430k
Cor104
Saphari
Gelphie
heimloss
As we continue our weekly activities in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West and looking at the Gillikin section of the book, we get to experience Elphaba's university years and what that entails. So, below I have put together a video playlist about Elphaba's experience in the Gillikin Country, specifically at Shiz University (side Note: the book details a lot about the different shopping districts but we never see that in the musical or anywhere else). So, without further ado, let's start with when Galinda and Elphaba find out they have to share a dorm. So, in the book, this happens because both girls do not have a nanny to speak for them in these matters, as the rooms are selected by the nannies in a special meeting. So, its hilarious that Galinda ends up with Elphaba and the tantrum that she throws in the book. Furthermore, it is even better to a musical soundtrack!
Too MUCH! They are crazy! Anywho, when things mellow down and they get into the dormitory, Galinda definitely throws a fit when she finds out that she has to dorm with Elphaba, so much so that she meets with the head and complains that her nanny is not right in the head and therefore cannot see clearly or be a nanny to both people. She also complains to her friends and gets snarky with Elphaba, but eventually they become okay with each other. This is also the part in the book where Galinda gives Elphaba one of her old pointed black hats that she does not want. So, that's why Popular makes sense in the musical.
Oh Galinda, what will we do with you? Goodness me! Also, at Shiz, we get to meet some characters like Madame Morrible, Doctor Dillamond, Nessarose, and Boq. Now, there is always so much out there, its always hard to choose what actually is interesting, but I have chosen a video that is part of a series from an actress who played Madame Morrible on Broadway. Madame Morrible was always interesting to me because she was so complex and such a new character from the Baum stories that it truly awesome to experience her character in the book and the controversy that she stirred up.
Here's another exceptional video on Madame Morrible's influence over Elphaba.
We also get to experience a few classes with Elphaba in the book, but she is really fascinated with her Life Sciences class with Dr. Dillamond, especially after something insidious happens to him. So, it makes sense why Dr. Dillamond was always worried about "Something Bad" (name of the song) happening in Oz. Oh, and make sure to sing-along too!
Now, after something happens to Dr. Dillamond, Professor Nikkidik appears and begins showing the class a machine that transforms a talking Animal to a non-talking animal, as Animals who talk are quite problematic in Maguire's Oz. The book becomes quite political in this section and highly fascinating as its definitely not the children-friendly Oz that Baum painted. What was your favorite part of Shiz (and its university residents) as described in the book? Please comment below.
Anywho, that concludes our visit to the town of Shiz through video memories as the rest of the Gillikin section follows Elphaba and Galinda to the City of Emeralds, which is where we will go next in a few weeks. But, I personally enjoyed every part of Shiz as described in the book, especially the weirder parts like the Philosophy Club and the downtown shopping districts. It was great! Also, feel free to share your videos that inspired by Shiz and the Gillikin country below.
Anywho, that concludes our visit to the town of Shiz through video memories as the rest of the Gillikin section follows Elphaba and Galinda to the City of Emeralds, which is where we will go next in a few weeks. But, I personally enjoyed every part of Shiz as described in the book, especially the weirder parts like the Philosophy Club and the downtown shopping districts. It was great! Also, feel free to share your videos that inspired by Shiz and the Gillikin country below.