In L. Frank Baum’s original Oz books, we read about those pesky Gnomes as perpetual and relentless adversaries of the Land of Oz. They first appear in the third Oz book, “Ozma of Oz” (1907) in which they are described as small, powerfully built immortals, hoarding jewels and precious metals in their underground caverns. In a subsequent book, “The Emerald City of Oz (1910),” they attempt to conquer Oz by tunneling under the poisonous desert and into the Emerald City, itself.

In “The Lost Wizard of Oz,” my sequel to the classic “Wizard of Oz,” the Gnomes are once again digging their way to Oz. This time, however, they are working for the vile Queen of the Dark Heart. She is pushing them to hurry, but they run into an ancient and powerful creature beneath the desert who does not appreciate their trespassing on his turf.

What do Gnomes do for a Living?

The Gnomes of “The Lost Wizard of Oz” are not just greedy little thieves. Rather, they are highly skilled miners and engineers. Their abilities are well known and are for sale for the right price. The Dark Queen buys their services as part of her nefarious plan to invade the Land of Oz through an underground passage.

Gnomes are consumed by insatiable greed for wealth, particularly emeralds which are common in the Land of Oz. Their deep-rooted obsession with these precious gems has led to a long-standing conflict with the inhabitants of Oz over control of the emerald mines situated beneath the Emerald City.

A Closer Look at Gnomes

These diminutive beings are described as having long powerful arms, short legs, and an angry disposition; always looking for a fight.

Gnomes are cunning and self-serving by nature. “The Lost Wizard of Oz,” expands upon the Gnomes’ internal politics, introducing King Roquat, who harbors plans to betray the Dark Queen and claim the emeralds of Oz for himself. However, there may be those among his own people with plans to betray not only the Dark Queen, but King Roquat, himself.