One of the most meaningful moments of Wicked is when Fiyero turns into the Scarecrow. It is when the complexity of Elphaba's magic and her feelings are shown. In the second half of the musical, Elphaba casts a spell to protect Fiyero from the Wizard's guards who have captured and tortured him.
Although she has good intent, the spell turns unexpectedly: Fiyero becomes the Scarecrow. Through this change, Wicked develops a common idea: magical things can be unpredictable; Elphaba's spells try to shelter Fiyero from various dangers, but her unsuccessful magic causes him to become the Scarecrow.
This twist makes the feelings between Elphaba and Fiyero stronger, showing how close they are while also showing the personal and political problems in their lives. Moreover, Fiyero's change connects the stories of Wicked and The Wizard of Oz, making him an important character in both of them.
Magic is unpredictable with power and results
Elphaba has a hard time with magic in Wicked. Initially, she uses her power for good, but these spells have unpredictable results mostly. For instance, if she wanted to help monkeys belonging to the Wizard in one of her spells, she inadvertently gave them wings.
This unpredictability is important to understand when she turns Fiyero into a Scarecrow during the scary song "No Good Deed." During this song, Elphaba turns to the Grimmerie, casting a spell that prevents Fiyero from dying.
She says:
"Let his flesh not be torn / Let his blood leave no stain / Though they beat him / Let him feel no pain...Let him never die.”
While she reaches her goal of saving him, the spell changes Fiyero's body into that of a Scarecrow. This change, although unintended, portrays the risks of power and the hard choices those wielding it face.
According to The Direct, this moment shows both sides of Elphaba's character, this is a kind person, restrained by not-so-perfect skills in magic.
Elphaba and Fiyero's love story is tested by sacrifice
Elphaba and Fiyero’s relationship faces many challenges, like his engagement with Glinda, pressure from society, and their different political views. Fiyero starts as a carefree prince who doesn’t care about politics, but his relationship with Elphaba changes him into a rebel who is ready to risk everything for her.
When Fiyero saves Elphaba from being caught and is then taken by the Wizard's guards, it makes her strive hard to save him. This shows how much she cares about him and is ready to use her powers, despite them being unpredictable.
As Screen Rant observed,
“Fiyero’s transformation into the Scarecrow underscores Elphaba’s sacrifices, showing her enduring humanity despite being labeled the ‘Wicked Witch.’”
Their bond goes beyond this typical love; they demonstrate themes related to loyalty and strength. She forms an important part of their storyline, impacting Part Two and even herself within The Wizard of Oz.
Fiyero's new role connects Wicked to The Wizard of Oz
Fiyero's change in the story serves not only as a surprise to the tale but also as a way of linking Wicked to its sequel, The Wizard of Oz. Secretly remaining loyal to Elphaba, Fiyero plays an important part as the Scarecrow in Dorothy's journey.
This duality strengthens the idea that things are not always what they seem—a main theme in both stories. Furthermore, Fiyero's change shows Wicked's message about power and its unexpected effects.
Magic, though a means of doing good, hurts Elphaba and her loved ones. According to Cosmopolitan, the story of Elphaba reveals how society's view of power can twist even the best intentions.
Wicked Part One is now in theaters, and Part Two will be released on November 21, 2025.
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You can also watch the Broadway show or go back to the OG musical.
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