Who killed Elphaba in Wicked? The Truth About the Wicked Witch's Fate
The question of who killed Elphaba, the famously "wicked" witch of the West in the beloved story of Wicked, is a common one for fans of the musical and the book series. However, the answer is far more nuanced and, for many, surprising than a simple "who." In both the musical and the original novel, Elphaba does not die in the way most people assume.
Elphaba's Fate in the Musical: A Twist on Tradition
The popular Broadway musical Wicked, based on Gregory Maguire's novel Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, offers a significantly different perspective on Elphaba's story. In the musical, Elphaba's journey is one of defying expectations and exposing the corruption of the Wizard of Oz. Her supposed demise at the hands of Dorothy Gale is presented as a propaganda tool of the Wizard's regime.
The iconic scene where Dorothy "melts" the Wicked Witch with a bucket of water is portrayed in the musical as a fabrication. Instead, Elphaba orchestrates her own disappearance. She fakes her own death to escape the clutches of the Wizard and his regime, who are determined to silence her and control Oz. She does this by pouring water on herself, creating a dramatic show of melting, while actually escaping to live a life in hiding.
The "Melting" Explained
The musical cleverly subverts the traditional narrative. When Dorothy throws water at Elphaba in a moment of desperation and misunderstanding, Elphaba appears to melt away. However, this is a deliberate act on Elphaba's part. She has learned that water, which is thought to be her weakness, can actually be manipulated. She uses it as a cover to disappear, intending to continue her fight for the rights of the "unfavrits" of Oz from the shadows. Her sister, Nessarose (the Wicked Witch of the East), is the one who met her end earlier in the story, killed by a house falling on her in Kansas.
Elphaba's Fate in the Novel: A Different Kind of End
Gregory Maguire's novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West, presents an even more complex and philosophical end for Elphaba. While she doesn't "die" in a conventional sense during the events of the story in the same way she does in the musical's retelling of the Dorothy encounter, her ultimate fate is also far from a simple killing.
In the novel, Elphaba is a much more cynical and morally gray character. After a tumultuous life, she eventually becomes a recluse, living in the wilds of Oz. Her ultimate end is implied rather than explicitly shown in a dramatic confrontation. She is last seen wandering away from the center of Oz, heading towards the vast, uncharted territories. It's suggested that she eventually succumbs to the elements or the harshness of her chosen exile, or perhaps finds a different kind of peace or oblivion.
The novel focuses heavily on themes of perception, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil. Elphaba's "wickedness" is largely a construct of Oz's society and the propaganda spread about her. Her disappearance into the wilderness is a rejection of that society and its judgments.
The True "Killers" of Elphaba's Reputation
Instead of focusing on a physical killer, the story of Elphaba, in both its forms, highlights those who contributed to her downfall and the perception of her wickedness:
- The Wizard of Oz: He actively manipulates public opinion and uses propaganda to demonize Elphaba and consolidate his own power.
- Madame Morrible: As Elphaba's former headmistress, she becomes a willing accomplice to the Wizard's schemes, further cementing Elphaba's villainous image.
- The Society of Oz: The fearful and prejudiced citizens of Oz, quick to believe the worst and ostracize those who are different, are complicit in creating the "wicked" witch.
- Dorothy Gale: While not intentionally malicious in the musical, Dorothy's actions, fueled by the Wizard's narrative, are what *appear* to lead to Elphaba's demise.
So, to answer the question "Who killed Elphaba in Wicked?" directly:
In the musical Wicked, no one kills Elphaba. She fakes her own death to escape. In Gregory Maguire's novel, she is not killed by a specific person, but rather disappears into exile and her ultimate fate is left ambiguous, likely succumbing to the harshness of her environment or finding a different form of oblivion.
The enduring power of the Wicked story lies in its reinterpretation of a classic villain, revealing the complexities behind the label and the true nature of the "wickedness" we perceive.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How did Elphaba survive the water in the musical?
In the musical, Elphaba intentionally uses the water as a diversion. She knows that while water is supposedly her weakness, it can also be used as a cover. By seemingly melting, she creates the perfect opportunity to escape the Wizard's pursuit and live out her life away from the spotlight.
Why is Elphaba considered "wicked" if she didn't die?
Elphaba is labeled "wicked" primarily due to propaganda spread by the Wizard of Oz and Madame Morrible. They need a scapegoat to distract from their own corrupt actions and to maintain control over Oz. Elphaba's defiance and her green skin make her an easy target for public fear and suspicion.
What happened to Elphaba after she faked her death?
In the musical, after faking her death, Elphaba goes into hiding with Fiyero. They choose to live a life away from the political machinations and judgment of Oz, disappearing from public life to find peace together.
Does Dorothy ever find out the truth about Elphaba?
While Dorothy is a central figure in the events, the musical implies that she eventually learns the truth or at least begins to question the official narrative. Her own journey in Oz involves questioning authority and understanding the complexities of good and evil, suggesting a dawning realization about Elphaba's true character.
