The little boy Tip first appears in L. Frank Baum’s second Oz book, “The Marvelous Land of Oz.” Tip has been in Mombi’s service for as long as he can remember. In fact, that is all he can remember. The boy’s past is shrouded in mystery, piquing our curiosity. What circumstances led him to become Mombi’s servant, and what secrets might he harbor?
One can’t help but wonder about Tip’s relationship with the sinister Mombi. Is he merely a dutiful, if somewhat reluctant, helper, or is there something more going on?
Peculiar Turn of Events
As it turns out, Tip is not really a boy at all. He is really Princess Ozma, the rightful ruler of all the Land of Oz. She has been bewitched by Mombi at the insistence of the “Great and Powerful” Wizard of Oz. Of course, Glinda the Good Witch of the South helps rescue Tip/Ozma and restores her memory and original form.
The new book, “The Lost Wizard of Oz,” is set between the events described in the first and second Oz books. This new book describes Glinda’s first meeting with Tip. Glinda is looking for the little wizard who has flown away with a powerful talisman. She needs to find him and get it back. She reluctantly visits Mombi’s miserable little hovel, seeking information, which she gets.
Little Tip answers the door and greets the Good Witch. Glinda is taken aback by the child’s delicate and almost “girlish” appearance. How could such a child come to be living with crude, wicked old Mombi? She will have to investigate this later. First, she has to find the Wizard.
The Character of a Worthy “Princess”
A person’s character is shown by the way they handle the problems life throws at them. Tip really Ozma shows many excellent character traits we would like to see in a leader.
Resilient: Despite his difficult circumstances and the harsh treatment he receives from Mombi, Tip remains strong.
Curious: Tip is inquisitive, always exploring and seeking to understand the world around him.
Resourceful: He is clever and quick-thinking, often finding ways to navigate challenges and tricky situations.
Loyal: Despite his hardships, Tip shows a sense of loyalty, which is especially evident in his interactions and concern for others like Glinda.
Courageous: Tip demonstrates bravery, particularly in standing up to Mombi and facing the unknown.
Kind-hearted: He possesses a good heart, often showing compassion and empathy towards others.
Independent: Tip has a strong sense of independence, surviving and adapting to a harsh environment.
Determined: His determination is evident in his actions and decisions, driving him to seek a better life and understand his past.
