Locasta The Good Witch Of The North Guide

In L. Frank Baum’s classic 1900 novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz , Dorothy’s first magical encounter isn’t with a floating bubble or a pink gown. It’s with a small, elderly woman wearing a white robe and a pointed hat. She introduces herself simply as the .

Next time you watch The Wizard of Oz , remember: that woman in the bubble? She’s wonderful. But before the ruby slippers and the Emerald City, there was Locasta—the quiet, forgotten good witch of the north.

Let’s bring her back into the conversation. locasta the good witch of the north

She’s the one who kisses Dorothy on the forehead, gives her the Silver Shoes (yes, silver—not ruby), and tells her to follow the Yellow Brick Road to the Emerald City. Her name? In later Oz books, Baum christens her .

In a world obsessed with glamour and power, maybe it’s time to appreciate the humble, wise figure who doesn’t need a bubble or a throne. She introduces herself simply as the

She’s the witch who shows up first, does the small but essential magic (a protective kiss, a pair of enchanted shoes), and points you in the right direction. She’s the first responder of Oz.

Blame the 1939 MGM film. In the movie, Glinda (played by Billie Burke) floats down in a bubble and absorbs both roles: she greets Dorothy, defeats the Wicked Witch of the East’s magic, and sends Dorothy off to see the Wizard. The Witch of the North? Written out entirely. But before the ruby slippers and the Emerald

Locasta represents something different from Glinda. She’s not the grand, all-powerful sorceress; she’s the practical, compassionate neighbor. She doesn’t rule a kingdom—she watches over the northern quadrant of Oz, home to the Gillikin Country.