The Soldier with the Green Whiskers is a citizen of the Emerald City of Oz. He guards the Royal Palace of Oz and is the bodyguard of Princess Ozma, as well as the Royal Army of Oz and the Police Force of the Emerald City.

Description

He is very tall and wears a handsome green and gold uniform and a tall hat with a waving plume. His belt is thickly emcrusted with jewels. His most memorable feature is a long, green beard that falls far below his waist and makes him seem taller than he is. His wife has an unpleasant temper, and when upset tends to pull out his whiskers by the roots. He carries a gun, but does not keep it loaded for fear of accidents. In fact, he doesn't even remember where he hid the powder and shot.

History

During the reign of the Wizard, the soldier was the entire Royal Army of Oz. He never saw "The Great Oz" however; he always spoke to him through a screen. (The Wonderful Wizard of Oz)

When the Scarecrow was made king, General Jinjur led an Army of Revolt which conquered the Emerald City. The Soldier escaped into the Royal Palace to warn the king, and then helped the Scarecrow and his companions escape the city, staying behind to await their return. (The Marvelous Land of Oz)

When the Wizard returned to Oz, the Soldier told him that he had shaved off his whiskers long ago and become the Chief General of the Royal Armies. (Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz)

When Ojo broke the law by picking a six-leaf clover, the Soldier had the duty of arresting him and bringing him to prison. (The Patchwork Girl of Oz)

Later, the Soldier's flowing green beard turns red at a banquet, a symptom of hostile magic being practiced against Oz. (The Wishing Horse of Oz)

In Other Books

In Magic Land the Soldier is named Din Gior. His whiskers are not mentioned, but he does have a very long beard. He really likes to spend time combing it, to the exclusion of all else - this absentmindedness is a running gag in the series. However, it does end the moment there is an actual threat to the safety of the city, and he shows himself to be a capable commander. In the Wizard's times Din Gior has sometimes demonstrated to the public excellent skill with weapons. He carries no gun.

When he serves in the Obsidian City, his long beard is black. (Paradox in Oz)

Appearances

• The Wonderful Wizard of Oz (first appearance)
• The Marvelous Land of Oz
• Dorothy and the Wizard in Oz
• The Patchwork Girl of Oz
• The Wishing Horse of Oz

Non-Canon

• Paradox in Oz

In the Movies

The Patchwork Girl of Oz

The Soldier with the Green Whiskers guards the gate to the Emerald City. He's a very sleepy fellow. (The Patchwork Girl of Oz)