Ugu the Shoemaker is a most interesting character from L. Frank Baum's 11th book; The Lost Princess of Oz, published in 1917.
The Oz Wikia states the following about Ugu the Shoemaker.
"Ugu the Shoemaker was a shoemaker in Herku until he discovered the magic recipes of his ancestors. Thereupon, he decided to become a powerful sorcerer and take possession of the Land of Oz as its ruler. He moved away from Herku and built a Wicker Castle in the west of the Winkie Country. After stealing the Magic Dishpan from Cayke, he used it to steal Glinda's Magic Book of Records and the Wizard's Black Bag of Magic. In the process of stealing the Magic Picture he was seen by Princess Ozma, so he kidnapped her and hid her in the form of an Enchanted Peach Pit.
He was finally defeated by Dorothy Gale, who used the Nome King's Magic Belt to transform him into a dove. Realizing how much damage he had done, he only asked to remain a peaceful dove and apologized to Dorothy. (The Lost Princess of Oz)."
This particular character of the Royal Historian of Oz now finds himself part of a new story which my wife Amanda (creator of the legendary Potato Soup), and I are working on entitled: The Emerald Slippers of Oz.
It seems that Dorothy Gale wants Ugu to make Princess Ozma a new pair of Emerald Slippers for her upcoming birthday. First things first, she has to transform him back into a person (he's been a gray dove for many years now) following his failed attempt to take over the Land of Oz long ago.
Before long, Ugu the Shoemaker has a new apprentice, a fine young man named Pacifico who never wears shoes but longs to be a shoemaker and the quest to find a perfect pair of emeralds for the new slippers begins.
In time, Ugu completes his task for Dorothy, only to encounter various other former witches and magicians, all of whom long to regain their Evil magic powers. When they discover the Emerald Slippers and the origin of the Gemini Emeralds, now part of the magic footwear, their desire to corrupt the magic footwear takes over.
Then the fun begins and all ends well for all involved.
While thinking about today's posting, I ran across a nice audio recording of Ugu's introductory chapter from the Lost Princess Of Oz.
The Lost Princess of Oz: Chapter 19 -- Ugu the Shoemaker
Here's hoping The Emerald Slippers of Oz will be well recieved when it premiers on the approaching Summer Solstice.
James C. Wallace II
Royal Liaison of Oz
I liked the story of Ugu the shoemaker. It is like my bedtime story which I used to hear from my mother when I was a kid. Thanks James for this article.
ReplyDeleteRegards,
Baker Marine
Thank you for your kind comments. I think you'll really enjoy The Emerald Slippers of Oz when it comes out on the Summer Solstice.
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