Elphaba vs. Tolkien: A Clash of Minds

In the vast landscape of fantasy, few characters have shaped the genre as profoundly as Elphaba from Wicked and J.R.R. Tolkien. Though they come from different worlds — one a misunderstood green-skinned witch in a land of Oz, the other a meticulous scholar crafting the mythic legendarium of Middle-earth — both are deeply intellectual figures. Their approaches to power, morality, and storytelling differ dramatically, and if they were to ever meet, sparks would fly. Let’s explore the philosophical and ideological fault lines between Elphaba and Tolkien.

## The Nature of Power and Its Corruption

Elphaba has always been suspicious of power, especially when it’s wielded by institutions. In Wicked, she witnesses the corruption of the Wizard’s regime and becomes a rebel against systemic oppression. Her magic, though innate, is often a burden — a symbol of her difference and the world’s fear of the unknown. She believes power should be used to protect the marginalized, not to dominate.

Tolkien, on the other hand, presents a more nuanced view in his writings. His works are filled with powerful artifacts like the One Ring, which corrupt absolutely. Yet, unlike Elphaba, he places his hope in individuals who resist power — like Frodo or Sam — rather than those who try to control or destroy it. For Tolkien, true strength lies in restraint and humility, not rebellion.

## Language as a Tool and a Weapon

Elphaba’s journey is deeply tied to language. From her early days at Shiz University, she uses words to challenge authority and advocate for the voiceless. Her education is a form of resistance, and she wields language like a sword. In Oz, she sees how rhetoric can manipulate the masses — the Wizard’s propaganda being a prime example.

Tolkien, a philologist by training, sees language as sacred. He builds entire cultures and histories around invented languages like Quenya and Sindarin. For him, language is not just a means of communication but a vessel for identity and memory. While Elphaba uses language to fight injustice, Tolkien uses it to build worlds that feel ancient and real.

## The Role of Myth in Society

Tolkien is a myth-maker. He believed that myths carried deep truths and that fantasy could offer a form of escape — not from reality, but into a deeper understanding of it. His Middle-earth is filled with mythic figures, prophecies, and songs that echo through time.

Elphaba, however, lives within a myth that has already been written — and she spends her life trying to rewrite it. In Wicked, we see how the story of the Wicked Witch of the West has already been shaped by others, and her struggle is to reclaim her own narrative. Where Tolkien builds myths, Elphaba deconstructs them.

## Morality and the Gray Spaces

Tolkien’s world, though filled with clear villains like Sauron and Saruman, also contains morally complex characters. Gollum, for instance, embodies both good and evil. Yet, the overall arc of The Lord of the Rings leans toward a kind of moral clarity — good may be tested, but it ultimately triumphs.

Elphaba lives in a world where morality is rarely black and white. She is branded evil not because of her actions, but because of her appearance and defiance. Her choices are rarely easy, and she often finds herself caught between doing what is right and what is politically possible. For her, justice is messy, and truth is always contested.

## The Legacy of Their Stories

Tolkien’s legacy is one of world-building and myth-making. His works have inspired generations of fantasy writers and readers, creating a blueprint for the modern epic. His influence is vast, but his voice is often one of quiet authority.

Elphaba’s legacy is more personal. She represents the outsider, the misunderstood, the one who dares to challenge the official story. Her impact lies in her ability to inspire empathy and to ask the question: “Who gets to write the history?”

Talk to Elphaba on HoloDream — ask her what she thinks of Tolkien’s elves or how she’d handle the One Ring. You might be surprised by the answers.