The correct spelling of the notorious villain in L. Frank Baum's "The Wizard of Oz" is "the Wicked Witch of the West." The phonetic transcription of this name in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) is /ðə ˈwɪkɪd wɪtʃ əv ðə west/. The initial "th" in "the" is pronounced as the voiced dental fricative, while the "w" in "Wicked" and "West" are pronounced as labial-velar approximants. The "i" in "Wicked" has a short vowel sound, and the "tch" in "Witch" is a combination of a voiceless alveolar plosive and voiceless postalveolar affricate.
The Wicked Witch of the West refers to a fictional character, predominantly showcased in L. Frank Baum's classic novel "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz" published in 1900. This malevolent sorceress is part of the Land of Oz, serving as one of the primary antagonists in Dorothy's journey. The Wicked Witch of the West derives her name from the geographical direction in which she resides within Oz.
Often portrayed as an ugly, old hag, the Wicked Witch of the West epitomizes evil, darkness, and cruelty. She possesses extraordinary magical powers and frequently harnesses them to torment the inhabitants of Oz. Known for her greenish skin and hooked nose, she becomes one of the most recognizable villains in popular culture.
The Wicked Witch of the West is most notably remembered for her intense hatred toward Dorothy and her quest to obtain the magical Ruby Slippers. These slippers inadvertently end up on Dorothy's feet after her house landed on the Witch's sister, the Wicked Witch of the East. Enraged, the Wicked Witch of the West relentlessly pursues Dorothy throughout her journey in Oz, aiming to reclaim the coveted slippers and seek revenge.
Throughout various adaptations and reinterpretations, the Wicked Witch of the West's character has evolved, often exhibiting layers of complexity. Despite her iconic villainy, she has become a symbol of resilience and power for many, and her wickedness has inspired numerous tales that delve into her backstory and motivations.