Britannica Sources used in this answer

What trials do Dorothy and her friends face on the road to the Emerald City?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Illustration by W.W. Denslow showing Dorothy comforting the Cowardly Lion on a yellow brick road, with Toto, the Tin Woodsman, and the Scarecrow nearby in a forest. — The Wonderful Wizard of Oz An illustrated page by W.W. Denslow in L. Frank Baum's *The Wonderful Wizard of Oz*.

In The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy and her companions—the Scarecrow, the Tin Woodman, and the Cowardly Lion—encounter numerous trials while traveling to the Emerald City and beyond.

Early in the journey, the group faces various obstacles that they overcome through their collective strengths, such as the Scarecrow’s intelligence, the Tin Woodman’s kindness, and the Lion’s bravery. Specific challenges include:1

Environmental and Physical Hazards: The Tin Woodman, for instance, is found rusted and immobile in a forest, requiring the others to oil his joints so he can continue the journey.2
Hostile Forces: While traveling to the land of the Winkies to confront the Wicked Witch of the West, the group is attacked by wolves, crows, bees, and armed Winkies.1
The Winged Monkeys: The Wicked Witch of the West uses her Golden Cap to summon the Winged Monkeys, who destroy the Scarecrow and the Tin Woodman and cage the Cowardly Lion.12

Despite these trials, the companions successfully navigate their path, eventually reaching the Emerald City and later the castle of Glinda the Good Witch.12