A visual representation of Lurline, as seen in the graphic novel adaptation of Wicked
Lurlinism is a religion in Oz that has Lurline as its primary object of worship. It was first presented in Wicked.
The deity Lurline is a pagan fairy-goddess whose story is intertwined with the creation mythos of Oz but is viewed primarily with nostalgia—a fable of interest only to children and the elderly.
Background and beliefs[]
This religion believes that Fairy Queen Lurline created Oz and that her daughter, the Ozma Initiata who would rule the land. The reign of an Ozma is a Lurlinist tradition, as each Ozma is believed to be the Fairy Queen Lurline reincarnated. The religion is practiced by Royalists who insist that only the direct descendant of Lurline should sit on the throne.
Though when the Wizard arrives, the current Ozma goes into hiding as a boy named Tip to keep save from the Wizard who proceeds to overthrow the monarchy.
In the Vinkus, the holiday of Lurlinemas is celebrated among the Arjiki tribe during the winter.
Believers[]
Lurlinism is mainly tied to Nanny. Nanny is the one who raised and cared for Elphaba and Nessarose for much of their lives. She was a firm believer in the ancient religion and believed Ozma would return to take back the throne from the Wizard. Nanny also spread her influence on Melena, Elphaba and Nessa's mother, which puts her in conflict with Frex, Melena's husband and a minister of the Unionist faith.
Notes[]
- Author Gregory Maguire described Lurlinism "as a kind of paganism, a kind of foundational myth. It is ancient, sentimental, and in the world of my story, it is the peasants who adhere most strongly to it."[1]
- In the original Oz novels by L. Frank Baum, Lurline is the ethereal Queen of the Fairies and their creator. She is credited with enchanting the Land of Oz centuries ago so that it became a fairy country. Prior to this, Oz was just an ordinary country shut off from the rest of the world by four impassable deserts. After enchanting the country, Lurline left Princess Ozma to rule the country together with King Pastoria.
See also[]
- Unionism, the worship of the Unnamed God.