| Nickodemus the Mule | |
|---|---|
 | |
|
Real Name |
Nickodemus |
|
First Appearance |
The Magic Cloak of Oz (1914) |
|
Original Publisher |
Oz Film |
|
Created by |
L. Frank Baum |
Origin[]
Nickodemus is a mule with a strong personality and a knack for adventure.
He is generally a tame creature and a children's pet: he lives with Fluff and Bud and Aunt Rivette, and gives the boy rides on his back. Yet, he has a powerful kick and does not hesitate to employ it against suitable targets.
Once Bud becomes king of Noland, Nickodemus wanders off on his own; he is captured by bandits, but escapes. In the forests of Noland, he encounters other animals. His habit of scratching and rubbing his hindquarters, on trees and other bodies, leads him into difficulties with the Zoop, and he also confronts a local "lazy lion." He is clever enough the let the Zoop and lion fight each other while he slips away.
A compassionate fellow, Nickodemus takes a liking to Mary, a young girl kidnapped by the bandits. He organizes a gang of animals, including the Woozy, the formerly hostile Zoop, and the lazy lion, to attack the bandits and rescue Mary. Nickodemus returns Mary to her parents, and wins their gratitutde. Nickodemus also leads the animals in an attack on the Roly-Rogues after they invade the city of Nole.
Public Domain Appearances[]
- The Magic Cloak of Oz
Notes[]
Nickodemus the Mule is a character L. Frank Baum added to the plot of Queen Zixi of Ix when it was made into a film (and re-named The Magic Cloak of Oz). He never appeared in the book.