The other girl in Return to Oz is Princess Ozma, the rightful ruler of Oz, who was initially encountered by Dorothy Gale as a quiet, withdrawn patient in the sanitarium.
Princess Ozma's True Identity and Fate
In the grim setting of the sanitarium where Dorothy is taken for electrotherapy, she befriends another young girl. This girl, who appears silent and troubled, eventually aids Dorothy in escaping the facility. It is later revealed in the fantastical Land of Oz that this enigmatic girl is none other than Princess Ozma, the true heir to the throne of Oz.
Ozma had been tragically overthrown and imprisoned in a mirror by the malevolent Mombi, the witch who had seized control of the Emerald City and transformed many of its inhabitants into stone. Mombi's tyranny and her collection of interchangeable heads underscored the dark state of Oz under her rule.
Dorothy's perilous journey through a desolate Oz, alongside new companions like Tik-Tok, Jack Pumpkinhead, and the Gump, ultimately leads her to confront Mombi. Through their combined efforts, Dorothy successfully locates the magical mirror holding Ozma captive. Upon her release, Princess Ozma ascends the throne, rightfully reclaiming her position as Oz's benevolent ruler. Her return signifies the restoration of peace, magic, and proper governance to the enchanted land, ending Mombi's reign of terror and beginning the healing process for the Emerald City and its people.
Key Aspects of Princess Ozma's Role in Return to Oz
Princess Ozma's story is central to the film's plot, representing the hope and true spirit of Oz that Dorothy strives to restore.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Initial Appearance | A silent, mysterious girl at the sanitarium whom Dorothy befriends. |
| True Identity | The legitimate ruler of the Land of Oz, hidden from the world. |
| Imprisonment | Held captive within a looking glass by the wicked witch Mombi, who usurped her throne. |
| Liberation | Freed by Dorothy Gale after Mombi's defeat. |
| Resolution | Rightfully ascends the throne of Oz, restoring the kingdom to its former glory and benevolent rule. |
| Symbolism | Represents the hidden magic and potential for restoration within Oz. |
Her liberation marks a pivotal moment, signifying the end of the desolation that had befallen Oz and the resurgence of its inherent magic and goodness.
