Wicked, The Wizard of Oz, and Homer’s Odyssey

Published by Hellenic Moon on November 25, 2024November 25, 2024

As you probably already know, this week the movie Wicked came out in cinemas. And you also probably know that Wicked is based on The Wizard of Oz, but what you probably don’t know is how The Wizard of Oz took some of its inspiration from Homer’s Odyssey. We will cover that here.

The new Wicked movie, directed by Jon M. Chu, is a cinematic adaptation of the beloved Broadway musical and serves as a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba (the Wicked Witch of the West) and Ariana Grande as Glinda (later the Good Witch), the film explores the complex relationship between the two characters, shedding light on how their contrasting paths led them to the roles they play in The Wizard of Oz. The story reimagines the magical land of Oz, delving into its societal struggles and revealing hidden truths about its politics and characters.

L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900), which was the basis for the Oscar-winning 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, is an iconic piece of American literature. While its immediate inspirations were rooted in Baum’s personal experiences and contemporary American culture, it also parallels classical myths, particularly Homer’s Odyssey. Both works share themes of a transformative journey, encounters with mythical creatures, and the hero’s growth through trials.

Heroic Journeys: Dorothy and Odysseus

Both The Odyssey and The Wizard of Oz center on a hero’s arduous journey to return home. Dorothy Gale, a young girl swept from Kansas by a cyclone, seeks to find her way back, much like Odysseus strives to return to Ithaca after the Trojan War. Both characters are displaced by forces beyond their control—Odysseus by the wrath of Poseidon and Dorothy by the cyclone. Their stories focus on navigating strange, magical lands while yearning for the safety of home.

• Purpose of the Journey: Dorothy and Odysseus are motivated by the desire to return to loved ones. Dorothy longs for her Aunt Em and Uncle Henry, while Odysseus is driven by his love for Penelope and his duty to Ithaca.
• Obstacles Along the Way: Both protagonists face numerous trials that test their resilience and intellect. Dorothy must confront the Wicked Witch of the West and solve the riddles of the Wizard. Odysseus battles the Cyclops, navigates the Sirens, and survives the whims of the gods.

Companions and Teamwork

In both stories, the hero is not alone but accompanied by companions who represent different aspects of humanity and provide aid during the journey.

• Dorothy’s Companions: The Scarecrow, Tin Man, and Cowardly Lion represent traits Dorothy needs to develop—intelligence, empathy, and courage. These companions mirror the crew of Odysseus, who embody loyalty, courage, and perseverance, though they often falter due to human weaknesses.
• Symbolic Roles: The Scarecrow’s search for a brain parallels Odysseus’s reliance on wit, as seen when he outsmarts the Cyclops Polyphemus. The Tin Man’s quest for a heart reflects the empathy and humanity that Odysseus must maintain despite the brutal trials he faces. The Cowardly Lion’s journey to find courage resonates with the bravery Odysseus displays in facing monsters and gods.

Encounters with the Supernatural

The worlds of Oz and ancient Greece are teeming with magical creatures and deities, presenting challenges and lessons for the protagonists.

• The Wicked Witch of the West and Circe: The Wicked Witch serves as Dorothy’s primary antagonist, much like Circe in The Odyssey. Both are formidable foes who initially seem unbeatable but are overcome through ingenuity and determination.
• Glinda and Athena: Glinda the Good Witch, who guides Dorothy, parallels Athena, the goddess who assists Odysseus. Both offer wisdom and intervention at critical moments, emphasizing the importance of divine or benevolent aid in heroic quests.
• The Wizard and the Trickster Archetype: The Wizard of Oz, a mere mortal pretending to possess great power, reflects the trickster figures in Greek mythology, such as Hermes. His deception forces Dorothy to confront the idea that true power lies within herself, a lesson Odysseus also learns as he relies on his inner resources rather than external forces.

Trials and Lessons

In both narratives, the journey is not merely physical but also emotional and moral, teaching the hero essential life lessons.

• Self-Discovery: Dorothy’s realization that “there’s no place like home” mirrors Odysseus’s understanding of the value of home and family after years of hardship. Both learn to appreciate the simplicity and love of their origins.
• Transformation through Adversity: Dorothy evolves from a naïve girl into a confident, self-reliant individual. Similarly, Odysseus grows wiser, learning humility and the limits of his strength.
• Conflict Resolution: Dorothy uses kindness and collaboration to solve her problems, such as helping her companions find what they seek. Odysseus relies on cunning and strategy, particularly in scenes like the Trojan Horse and his disguised return to Ithaca.

Mythological Allusions in Oz

The setting of Oz, like the lands Odysseus encounters, is a fantastical realm filled with symbolic significance.

• The Yellow Brick Road and the Journey Home: The Yellow Brick Road is a clear metaphor for the hero’s path. Like Odysseus’s journey, it is winding, fraught with danger, and ultimately leads to self-realization.
• The Emerald City and Ithaca: Both destinations symbolize the culmination of the hero’s efforts and the resolution of their struggles. The Emerald City, with its illusions, echoes the challenges Odysseus faces when he finally reaches Ithaca but must deal with the suitors.
• Magical Beings and Obstacles: The poppy field in The Wizard of Oz, which puts Dorothy and her companions to sleep, recalls the Lotus-Eaters in The Odyssey, who tempt Odysseus’s crew to abandon their journey by eating the lotus plant.

Moral and Philosophical Themes

Both stories explore timeless themes of human experience, often grounded in mythological archetypes.

• The Nature of Leadership: Odysseus and Dorothy both emerge as leaders who inspire and unite others. Dorothy’s leadership is subtle, as she helps her companions discover their potential. Odysseus’s leadership is more overt, commanding his men through perilous situations.
• Deception and Truth: The Wizard’s charade as a powerful being parallels the deceptions Odysseus both encounters and employs. Both narratives underscore the importance of discerning truth from illusion.
• Justice and Retribution: The downfall of the Wicked Witch and the suitors in Ithaca highlight the classical theme of justice, where wrongdoers face consequences.

The Hero’s Archetype

Dorothy and Odysseus fit the archetype of the hero as defined by Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Both embark on a journey that follows the monomyth structure: departure, initiation, and return.

• Call to Adventure: Dorothy’s cyclone and Odysseus’s journey home mark their entry into the unknown.
• Trials and Helpers: Both receive aid from mentors (Glinda and Athena) and companions while facing trials.
• Return and Reintegration: Dorothy’s return to Kansas and Odysseus’s to Ithaca signify the hero’s reintegration into their community, now transformed by their experiences.

The Wizard of Oz and The Odyssey

Both narratives revolve around a hero’s transformative journey, marked by trials, supernatural encounters, and the discovery of inner strength. Baum’s story, rooted in American optimism, adapts these ancient themes to create a tale of courage, friendship, and self-belief. By blending mythological motifs with a distinctly modern sensibility, The Wizard of Oz becomes a timeless epic, echoing the enduring legacy of Homer’s masterpiece. Visit our old blog post about The Odyssey to learn more about it.