SynapTale

Talking animal in The Oz Series

the nine tiny piglets

Also known as my piglets, the little pigs from the Island of Teenty-Weent, his nine piglets, one of the piglets, the nine tiny ones, his pets, those little rascals, the fat little piglets, those little balls of pork, my piggy-wees, a tiny white piglet, the little squealer.

Originally nine tiny talking piglets from the Island of Teenty-Weent, carried by the Wizard in his inside coat pocket; the one Ozma had adopted as a pet is recovered alive from a vase and returned to her, so all nine survive.

Appears in 10 chapters, first in chapter 74, last in chapter 89.

This encyclopedia covers chapters 1 to 100 of the story and shows the world as it stands at chapter 100, so it contains spoilers up to that point. To read it spoiler free, one chapter at a time, open the interactive codex.

What the story establishes

AffiliationEight of the piglets still belong to and travel with the Wizard, who keeps them in his inside coat pocket and shows them as a trick; the ninth was given to Princess Ozma in the Emerald City to keep as her personal pet, wearing an emerald collar. (as of ch. 86)
Agenewly created, infant-like (as of ch. 72)
Animal kindpiglet (pig)
AppearanceNine tiny piglets, all exactly alike and each small enough to fit inside the Wizard's coat pocket; the lost one is recovered alive, restoring the full count. (as of ch. 88)
Being natureSmall living pigs with the power of human speech, native to the Island of Teenty-Weent.
Body conditionsRendered invisible after eating the dama-fruit, though still physically present and tangible to the touch.
ConflictResolved: the white pet was never eaten. It tumbled off the table into a vase during Eureka's attempt and is recovered alive, and Eureka is proved innocent, so all nine piglets survive unharmed. (as of ch. 88)
Current goalTo avoid being eaten by the kitten Eureka and to get food, such as grass or crackers. (as of ch. 74)
Dialogue styleSpeak in short, plucky, matter-of-fact exclamations, unafraid even in danger and often chorusing together in unison; they confidently press the Wizard to save them and bluntly reject his self-deprecation. (as of ch. 83)
EquipmentOzma's adopted white piglet wore an emerald collar. (as of ch. 88)
Health conditionHungry, eagerly nibbling grass and later devouring crackers offered by Dorothy. (as of ch. 74)
Is aliveyes (as of ch. 74)
Maturation stagePiglet
MotiveTo eat whatever appealing food they find, such as the fragrant dama-fruit, driven by appetite rather than caution. (as of ch. 77)
PersonalityTimid and easily frightened, especially of the kitten, but cheerful and eager when given food. (as of ch. 74)
QuirksScamper underfoot grunting and squealing when frightened; enjoy playing and frisking with the kitten Eureka despite the danger. (as of ch. 75)
Referential profileungendered (as of ch. 74)
SkillsAble to walk through open air in the dome as easily as the kitten Eureka, despite their tiny size. (as of ch. 75)
Social statusAll nine piglets survive; Ozma's adopted royal pet is recovered alive from the vase and returned to her, so none were eaten. (as of ch. 88)
Special capabilitiesAble to become invisible to human and animal sight after eating the dama-fruit.
StatusAll nine piglets survive. The white pet thought eaten by Eureka is found alive at the bottom of a vase, freed by the Tin Woodman's axe, and returned to Ozma; the Wizard's substitute piglet is handed back to him. (as of ch. 88)

Relationships

From the text

"Be careful!" said the piglet, with a squeal, "you're squeezing me!"Chapter 74
"Cats are dreadful creatures!" said one of them.Chapter 74
"Why, right beside you," spoke a tiny voice. "Can't you see us?"Chapter 77
"Why, we can see each other again!" cried one, joyfully.Chapter 80

See the nine tiny piglets chapter by chapter in the interactive codex →

All entries in The Oz Series