Discovery Series Wicked – Emerald City
Discovery Series Wicked Emerald City is a mug for the magnificent capital of Oz that represents both the allure and illusion of dreams. Known for its striking green glow, the city initially appears as a place of ultimate wisdom and power, where Dorothy and her friends hope to find solutions to their deepest desires. However, it ultimately reveals that their journey and the traits they sought—courage, heart, brains—were within them all along. The city’s grandeur and the illusion of the Wizard highlight the theme that appearances can be deceiving and that true strength comes from self-discovery rather than external validation. Emerald City serves as both a destination and a lesson in self-realization.
We can see the depiction of the city with tall towers and buildings that seem to shimmer in shades of green in the design of the mug. The city is surrounded by walls made of sparkling emerald stones, casting a brilliant glow across its streets and plazas. Everything from the fountains to the pathways reflects an otherworldly green sheen, making it feel like a place of enchantment and magic.
To enter Emerald City, visitors must wear green spectacles, which enhance the city’s green glow and immerse them fully in its mystical ambiance. These glasses are more than just an accessory—they symbolize the power of perception, as they create an illusion of the city’s splendor, reminding travelers that not everything may be as it appears.
The flying monkeys in The Wizard of Oz serve the Wicked Witch of the West, not the Emerald City directly. However, they become significant in the story when Dorothy and her friends approach Emerald City to ask for the Wizard’s help. The Wicked Witch, knowing Dorothy seeks refuge and assistance from the Wizard, and sends her flying monkeys to capture Dorothy and stop her journey.
We can also see the Wizard’s mask, which is a powerful facade, creating the illusion of a mighty, imposing ruler. It conceals his true identity as an ordinary man, symbolizing the theme that appearances can deceive and power often lies in perception rather than reality.
Further to the back of the mug are Glinda and Elphaba figures during their first visit to the Emerald City, which is a pivotal moment that captures both excitement and complexity. The city dazzles them with its grandeur and promises of opportunity, representing a world far beyond their experiences at Shiz University. However, the visit also marks the beginning of their diverging paths, as Elphaba’s growing awareness of the Wizard’s corruption begins to clash with Glinda’s desire for acceptance and status. This visit sets the stage for their eventual roles in Oz, with Elphaba embracing a rebellious fight for justice and Glinda seeking a path within the existing power structure.
In The Wizard of Oz, the hot air balloon is how the Wizard originally arrived in the Emerald City, leading the people to mistakenly believe he was a powerful wizard descending from the sky. Later, the balloon becomes a symbol of hope for Dorothy, as the Wizard plans to use it to take her back to Kansas.
