Who stole the red ruby slippers? This question has been a mystery that has intrigued fans of “The Wizard of Oz” for decades. The iconic ruby slippers, which grant their wearer the power of flight, were stolen from the Wicked Witch of the East, and their whereabouts have been a topic of speculation and debate ever since.
The ruby slippers first appeared in the 1939 film adaptation of L. Frank Baum’s classic novel, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The slippers were crafted from red velvet and adorned with sparkling ruby stones, making them a symbol of both beauty and power. The character of Dorothy Gale, played by Judy Garland, wore the slippers throughout the film, using their magic to escape the witch’s clutches and return home.
After the film’s release, the ruby slippers became a cultural phenomenon, captivating audiences with their enchanting allure. The question of who stole the slippers from the Wicked Witch of the East has been a subject of much discussion, with various theories proposed over the years.
One popular theory suggests that the slippers were stolen by the Scarecrow, who was known for his cunning and resourcefulness. According to this theory, the Scarecrow used his intelligence to outsmart the witch and take the slippers for himself. Another theory posits that the Munchkins, the small, cheerful people of the Munchkinland, may have stolen the slippers to prevent the witch from using them to harm Dorothy.
However, some fans believe that the slippers were never stolen at all. They argue that the Wicked Witch of the East was simply defeated by the combined efforts of Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion, and that the slippers were never taken from her. This theory suggests that the ruby slippers were simply a part of the witch’s costume, and that their magic was never intended to be used for evil purposes.
In recent years, the mystery of the stolen ruby slippers has taken on a new dimension. In 2005, the Smithsonian Institution acquired a pair of ruby slippers from the estate of the late W.W. Roach, who claimed to have found them in the attic of his grandmother’s house. The shoes were authenticated by experts, but their provenance remains a subject of debate. Some believe that these are the actual slippers worn by Judy Garland in the film, while others question their authenticity.
The question of who stole the red ruby slippers will likely continue to be a topic of fascination for fans of “The Wizard of Oz.” Whether the slippers were stolen by the Scarecrow, the Munchkins, or not at all, their significance as a symbol of magic and wonder remains unchanged. The ruby slippers will forever be a cherished part of the film’s legacy, captivating audiences with their timeless appeal.
