Tag Archives: nox the ox

The Offbeat Officials of Oz

The Oz books have a lot of small royal courts with unusually-titled officials. This is something we see much more often in Ruth Plumly Thompson, but L. Frank Baum did have a few examples. In John Dough and the Cherub, … Continue reading

Posted in Authors, C.S. Lewis, Characters, Chronicles of Narnia, Humor, L. Frank Baum, Magic Items, Names, Oz, Oz Authors, Places, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Companimals

Animal companions are a recurring theme in the Oz books, starting with Dorothy’s dog Toto. Kids reading the books were likely used to pets, so it makes sense. Since animals talk in Oz, however, some animal characters are more equal … Continue reading

Posted in Animals, Characters, L. Frank Baum, Oz, Oz Authors, Places, Rachel Cosgrove Payes, Relationships, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Magic of the Written Word

Last week, I discussed signs that appear in the Oz series. This time, I’m going to look at a related topic, that of magical items or characters producing printed (or written; I don’t think it’s generally specified) messages, or accepting … Continue reading

Posted in Characters, Eloise Jarvis McGraw, L. Frank Baum, Magic, Magic Items, Oz, Oz Authors, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Oz and Uz

While L. Frank Baum claimed that he took the name “Oz” from a filing cabinet drawer, there’s some doubt as to whether this is actually true or just something he thought was more interesting than the truth, I couldn’t say. … Continue reading

Posted in Christianity, Etymology, Judaism, L. Frank Baum, Language, Oz, Oz Authors, Places, Ray Powell, Religion, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Mystery, Ancient and Modern

I remember someone on the old Nonestica mailing list asking why it seems that no Ozites knew the history of their country, and it’s definitely a valid point. In The Lost King of Oz, we read, “Snip knew the names … Continue reading

Posted in Characters, L. Frank Baum, Oz, Oz Authors, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 20 Comments

The Roots of Language in Oz

My recent post on language in the Oz books has led to some interesting discussion on this topic. Many of the names of native Ozites are either descriptive of the characters or puns, if not both. There are also frequently … Continue reading

Posted in Etymology, L. Frank Baum, Language, Magic Items, Oz, Oz Authors, Places, Ruth Plumly Thompson | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 10 Comments

Mandy, Merry Maiden of Mount Mern

Today, I’m going to feature another personal favorite Oz character, Handy Mandy from the book that bears her name. She’s a fun character, impulsive but also quick-thinking when necessary, with a distinct speech pattern. Oh, and she also has seven … Continue reading

Posted in Characters, Oz | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments