Changes: Guardian of the Gates

Revision as of 06:45, 24 October 2014

"Before them stood a little man about the same size as the Munchkins. He was clothed all in green, from his head to his feet, and even his skin was of a greenish tint. At his side was a large green box. When he saw Dorothy and her companions the man asked, "What do you wish in the Emerald City?" "We came here to see the Great Oz," said Dorothy. The man was so surprised at this answer that he sat down to think it over. "It has been many years since anyone asked me to see Oz," he said, shaking his head in perplexity. "He is powerful and terrible, and if you come on an idle or foolish errand to bother the wise reflections of the Great Wizard, he might be angry and destroy you all in an instant!"

―The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

The Guardian of the Gates is a fictional character who lives in the magical Land of Oz. He is jolly and friendly little man who guards the emerald studded gates of Oz's imperial capital known as the Emerald City. He appears in L. Frank Baum's first Oz book titled 'The Wonderful Wizard of Oz' in chapter 10 titled The Guardian of the Gates.

No one in the land of Oz who visits Oz's capital city can pass into the streets of the city without the Guardian of the Gates locking green tinted spectacles on them first to protect their eyes from being blinded by all the beautiful sparkling emeralds which decorate the entire city.

Baums' Description

"...the Wizard rules the Emerald City wisely and well. But to those who are not honest, or who approach him from curiosity, he is most terrible, and few have ever dared ask to see his face. I am the Guardian of the Gates, and since you demand to see the Great Oz I must take you to his Palace. But first you must put on the spectacles." "Why?" asked Dorothy. "Because if you did not wear spectacles the brightness and glory of the Emerald City would blind you. Even those who live in the City must wear spectacles night and day. They are all locked on, for Oz so ordered it when the City was first built, and I have the only key that will unlock them. "

―The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (1900)

In Baums' original book he is described as rather short, being the same height as a Munchkin, even though it does not clarify if he is of Munchkin blood or a native Munchkin who came from the eastern quadrant known as the Munchkin Country in Oz, to work in the Emerald City which stands in the exact center of the Land of Oz. In appearance he is very jolly and round, with a fat face that seems remarkably good-natured and is always smiling. He always wears all green garments and clothes of silk, satin and velvet with real emeralds embroidered into the hems for decorations and buttons. He also usually is seen to wear a high peaked green hat of velvet with gold trim and green feathers. He always has large green glass spectacles on that are locked with two bands that reach to the back of his head and can only be taken off with a gaint sized key that he wears around his neck on thick gold chain that also has numerous other keys of different sizes hanging from it as well. Even his slightly wrinkled skin is said to be of a light green tint.

History

Book-7-290000005804 — *Patchwork Girl of Oz*

During the long reign of the Wizard as "the Great Oz," it was the Guardian's duty to ensure that everyone (including animals and creatures) who entered the city was fitted with green spectacles, ostensibly to protect their eyes from the brightness and glory of the city. The green glasses were locked in place with a key on a chain worn around the Guardian's neck. (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)

Later, after the city was conquered by General Jinjur and her Army of Revolt, the use the green spectacles was forgotten, but the Guardian continued to keep watch at the gates. (The Marvelous Land of Oz)

When the Patchwork Girl arrived in the Emerald City for the first time, the Guardian of the Gates composed a song on his mouth organ for her called "The Speckled Alligator". (The Patchwork Girl of Oz)

The Guardian was invited to a party by the Wizard celebrating Dorothy's original adventure in Oz, as he had a small part in that adventure. However, he refused to attend, saying he hadn't abandoned his post in 40 years and he wouldn't do so now. (Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz)

Appearances

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (first appearance)
The Marvelous Land of Oz
The Road to Oz
The Patchwork Girl of Oz
Ozoplaning with the Wizard of Oz

Background

In Magic Land the Guardian is named Faramant. He hardly ever removes his glasses, faithful to the edict to the extent of refusing to do so even during a temporary edict which allowed people to do so.

Wizard of Oz 1939

In the classic MGM movie, the Guardian of the Gates is referred to as the Doorman.

Return to Oz

In Walt Disney's 1985 Cult Classic film Return to Oz. The Guardian of the Gates can be seen in the Emerald City towards the end of the film in the Coronation scene.

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 The '''Guardian of the Gates''' is a fictional character who lives in the magical [[Land of Oz]]. He is jolly and friendly little man who guards the emerald studded gates of Oz's imperial capital known as the [[Emerald City]]. He appears in [[L. Frank Baum]]'s first Oz book titled '[[The Wonderful Wizard of Oz]]' in chapter 10 titled ''The Guardian of the Gates''.
+[[File:IMG_20141023_233135.jpg|thumb|Green Spectacles. ]]
 No one in the land of Oz who visits Oz's capital city can pass into the streets of the city without the Guardian of the Gates locking green tinted spectacles on them first to protect their eyes from being blinded by all the beautiful sparkling emeralds which decorate the entire city.