Elphaba in Wicked Recites The Grimmerie with Real Languages: “We Wanted to Ensure Authenticity in Our Words”

Attention: The following content contains SPOILERS for Wicked!

The much-anticipated adaptation of Wicked has successfully transported viewers back to the enchanting realm of Oz. However, Cynthia Erivo, who portrays Elphaba in the film, sheds light on an intriguing aspect: the magic depicted in the movie is grounded in reality. Since this year’s musical release only presents the first act of its source material, with “Wicked: For Good”set to continue the story in 2025, the first film concludes with Elphaba uncovering the manipulative intentions of the Wizard (played by Jeff Goldblum) and Madame Morrible (portrayed by Michelle Yeoh). They exploit her to access the secret Grimmerie spellbook in their quest to dominate the Animal population of Oz.

In an interview with Elle, Erivo elaborated on her role in crafting the pivotal scene where her character reads from the Grimmerie, inadvertently empowering the Wizard’s monkey guards with wings. Acknowledging that the original spells are derived from Latin, she creatively proposed incorporating words from various real-world languages, including the Punjabi term for flight, to enrich the auditory experience.

I really wanted to make sure the words we were saying were real. The original spells are based on Latin, and I asked to add words in different languages that have the right rhotic sounds and vowel sounds. You are hearing some Arabic, some Igbo and, I think, some Finnish. I found a word in Punjabi that means “flight” .

Exploring the Language of the Grimmerie in Wicked

The Significance of the Grimmerie in Ozian Heritage

Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba walking through the Oz Dust Ballroom

The Grimmerie, introduced in earlier performances by original cast members Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth, serves as a crucial element of the narrative as Erivo’s Elphaba and Ariana Grande’s Glinda navigate the Emerald City. The book’s rich history is intertwined with the Wizard’s constructed legend. While the Grimmerie is indeed authentic, the Wizard’s claimed ability to harness its powers is ultimately a deception. Notably, Elphaba emerges as the first individual in generations capable of accurately reciting its spells.

Erivo’s decision to infuse these incantations with diverse linguistic elements not only elevates the phonetic experience for viewers but also echoes the mythical origins of the Grimmerie.

Analyzing the Grimmerie’s Real-World Connections

Exploring the Grimmerie’s Earthly Roots

The Wizard and Madame Morrible converse closely in Wicked — Image via Universal Pictures

While the “Wizomania”musical scene hints that the Grimmerie was created by Oz’s Magical Wise Ones, it intriguingly originates from Gregory Maguire’s 1995 novel, Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West. This narrative implies that the Grimmerie may initially have been crafted on Earth before its journey to Oz in ancient times. By incorporating actual languages, Erivo’s proposal reinforces this speculative background.

In a cinematic experience lauded for its meticulous detail and outstanding performances, such nuanced additions may seem minor at first glance. Nevertheless, it is precisely these thoughtful touches that contribute to Wicked‘s box office triumph, cementing its status as one of the most successful adaptations of a Broadway musical.

Source: Elle

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