The Real History Behind the Witch's Broomstick in 'Wicked'.

This article examines the historical and cultural origins of the Wicked Witch of the West’s broomstick, highlighting that L. Frank Baum’s original 1900 novel, *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*, did not depict the witch with a broom. The broomstick as a symbol of witches emerged from 15th-century European accusations linking broom-riding to female mobility and perceived wickedness, reflecting societal fears of women defying domestic roles. Over time, adaptations—most notably the 1938 MGM film—cemented the broomstick as an icon of the witch’s power and menace, a portrayal later reclaimed by feminist movements as a symbol of liberation and resistance. The article also discusses how the broomstick’s role evolved in Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel *Wicked* and its musical and film adaptations, where it embodies the protagonist Elphaba’s struggle for autonomy and social justice.