The Wicked Witch of the West is the main antagonist of the 1939 classic fantasy film The Wizard of Oz and its crossover, Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz. She is an evil witch and the archenemy of Dorothy Gale, driven by a desire for revenge against Dorothy for the house that fell on her sister. Additionally, she seeks to obtain the powerful Ruby Slippers, which Dorothy received from her late sister, the Wicked Witch of the East. The Witch commands a legion of minions, including the Flying Monkeys and the Winkie Guards.
In the original 1939 film, the character was famously portrayed by Margaret Hamilton, who also played her "Kansas" counterpart, Miss Almira Gulch. In the Tom and Jerry version, the Wicked Witch of the West was voiced by Laraine Newman.
History[]
The Wizard of Oz[]
In the original 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West is one of the central antagonists, portrayed by Margaret Hamilton. Her story begins after the death of her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East, whose demise is caused by Dorothy Gale’s house landing on her during a tornado. This event ignites the Witch's fierce desire for revenge against Dorothy, whom she blames for her sister’s death.
The Wicked Witch seeks out the powerful Ruby Slippers that Dorothy (played by Judy Garland) inherited from her late sister. The Witch understands that the slippers grant significant magical power and serve as the key to her dominion over Oz. Throughout the film, she employs various nefarious schemes to retrieve the slippers and eliminate Dorothy. The Witch commands an army of Flying Monkeys and the Winkie Guards, using them to chase down Dorothy while she navigates her way through the magical land of Oz with her companions: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion.
Her unforgettable confrontation with Dorothy occurs in the Castle of the Wicked Witch, where she attempts to steal the slippers from Dorothy’s feet. Despite her frightening demeanor and formidable powers, the Witch ultimately meets her end when Dorothy splashes her with water, causing her to melt away, famously declaring, "I'm melting!" This moment underscores her vulnerability and the classic fairy tale trope of the evil witch being defeated by an innocent character.
Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz[]
In the animated film Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz, the Wicked Witch of the West reappears as an antagonist but with a more comedic twist to her character. Voiced by Laraine Newman, the Witch’s motivation remains consistent with her desire for revenge against Dorothy for the loss of her sister and for control of the Ruby Slippers.
In this iteration, the Wicked Witch is portrayed in a lighter tone compared to the original film. She interacts with the iconic duo of Tom and Jerry, who find themselves in the fantastical world of Oz and inadvertently get involved in the Witch’s schemes. While she retains her role as the main antagonist, her antics often lead to humorous situations, showcasing a blend of classic slapstick comedy typical of the Tom and Jerry franchise.
Throughout the film, the Wicked Witch employs her minions—the Flying Monkeys—to capture Dorothy and her friends, but thanks to Tom and Jerry’s antics, her plans frequently go awry. Despite her attempts to hold on to her power and achieve her goals, the comedic nature of the film prevents her from being truly menacing, making her character more accessible to a younger audience. Ultimately, like the original story, the Witch is thwarted, reinforcing the themes of good triumphing over evil.
Description[]
Bio[]
The Wicked Witch of the West is a notorious antagonist in L. Frank Baum’s The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and its adaptations. Her full name remains unknown, and she hails from the fantastical Land of Oz. In the iconic 1939 film The Wizard of Oz, she seeks revenge against Dorothy Gale for the death of her sister, the Wicked Witch of the East. This demise occurs when Dorothy’s house lands on her during a tornado. Blaming Dorothy for her sister’s fate, the Wicked Witch is determined to reclaim the Ruby Slippers that were magically transferred to Dorothy's feet.
As she marshals her forces, which include an army of Flying Monkeys and Winkie Guards, she stops at nothing to retrieve the slippers and eliminate Dorothy along with her friends. The Witch’s dark schemes ultimately culminate in a confrontation with Dorothy in her castle. In a dramatic twist, her plans fail when Dorothy splashes her with water, leading to her infamous melting scene.
In the 2011 animated film Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz, her character takes on a more comedic twist. Although still serving as the primary antagonist, the Wicked Witch displays a lighter side through her interactions with the characters Tom and Jerry. These interactions lead to humorous scenarios that ultimately foil her plans. Despite the comedic elements, her underlying motivation remains the same: to gain control of the Ruby Slippers and exact vengeance on Dorothy.
Apperance[]
Visually, the Wicked Witch is iconic, characterized by her bright green skin, long black hair typically styled in a bun, and a flowing black gown adorned with a high collar and cape. She is often seen wearing a black pointed hat, a symbol synonymous with her character. The Witch carries a broomstick, representing her powers of witchcraft. In various depictions, she may also wield a magical orb or scepter, which reflects her authority and intent to dominate.
Personality[]
Her personality is marked by malevolence; she embodies deep-seated hatred and a fierce desire for revenge, representing the quintessential villain in fairy tales. She is cunning and manipulative, employing trickery to outwit and trap Dorothy and her companions. This dark and foreboding demeanor instills fear in those around her, particularly the inhabitants of Oz. However, in Tom and Jerry & The Wizard of Oz, there emerges a more absurd and comedic side to her character. While she retains her villainous nature, her interactions often lead to humorous predicaments, showcasing moments of both menace and folly. The Wicked Witch's obsessive determination to possess the Ruby Slippers reveals an underlying desperation and jealousy that fuels her wrath against Dorothy.