Elphaba And Fiyero With The Lion Cub (deleted Scene)

I like to headcanon that Elphaba kept the poppy flower Fiyero gave her and keeps it under a preservation spell so it never wilts or dies...

Just like her love for him.

I’m thinking about Wicked tonight, specifically why Elphaba ends up with Fiyero instead of Glinda in the musical despite Elphaba and Glinda having the more well-rounded relationship.

You could chalk it up to the writers wanting a heteronormative ending (and I’m certain that’s part of it) or the fact that Elphaba and Fiyero had a love affair in the book. But I think there’s a bit more nuance to it.

The whole point of Glinda’s character is that she upholds the status quo of Oz. No matter how much she loves Elphaba or sympathizes with the plight of the Animals, she will always align herself with the current system and those in power. And as long as that remains the case, a relationship between her and Elphaba is futile because Elphaba will not give up her cause.

Elphaba and Glinda represent to different ends of a spectrum. Elphaba resists the oppressive forces in Oz, while Glinda upholds them. But Fiyero is somewhere in the middle. He starts out privileged and carefree like Glinda, but quickly turns to Elphaba’s side. He does become Captain of the Guard, but only to find Elphaba and help her evade arrest.

And therein lies the difference between Glinda and Fiyero as love interests to Elphaba. Glinda would never sacrifice her title as “the Good Witch” and all her power granted from the Wizard, even if it meant helping Elphaba. Fiyero, on the other hand, does give up his privilege, his title, and even his human form for Elphaba. Glinda clings to what the status quo gives her, while Fiyero ultimately rejects it.

Yes, the writing around Elphaba and Fiyero’s romance is a bit rushed and doesn’t have the same gradual development that Elphaba and Glinda have. And yes, I have no doubt heteronormativity played a role in giving Elphaba a male love interest in the end. But I see a lot of people write off Fiyero and his relationship with Elphaba and I just don’t agree.

Why does Elphaba end up with Fiyero instead of Glinda? Because Fiyero makes the sacrifices that Glinda wasn’t willing to.

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba Thropp and Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero Tigelaar in WICKED (Part One)

What is Elphaba and Fiyero favourite date night activity?

(This made me want to do a quick little sketch 🙈)

Elphaba and Fiyero never really got the chance to have a date night while Fiyero was human. His new straw form makes some (albeit cliché) date night ideas a little impossible. A romantic, candlelight dinner for example. Already being a romantic in every day life makes it even more difficult for him to think of a date night idea that feels truly special.

However, there’s one thing he found that seems to make them both feel the exact intimacy and warmth of their relationship.

Stargazing

Every important, vulnerable moment of their relationship happened under the stars. It’s under the light and watch of the stars that allows them the peace of being themselves - together.

Fiyeraba parallels (7/?) ━ Fiyero pushing people away in Dancing Through Life vs Elphaba pulling him back

His fluidity, ease, and elasticity speak to his ability to maneuver and avoid. He’s quite avoidant. He has these bright, shining moments with everyone but never really allows the other person to land it with him. (...) Elphaba has a calming presence on Fiyero and allows him to be himself. It’s a real privilege to meet someone who sees you for who you really are. - Jonathan Bailey

yo, Fiyero, is the defensiveness a recent development?

Elphaba and Fiyero in the Forest WICKED: PART I (2024) - Deleted Scene

the german version of as long as you’re mine is so much more direct than the english one tho

the english version has some subtle implications whereas the german one is basically like ‘yeah let’s have some hot sex lmao’

Some recent BatB pieces 🥀🥀