Over the Garden Wall is an American animated television miniseries created by Patrick McHale. The show features a scarecrow that appears in the Countryside area of the Unknown. This intriguing character has captured the imagination of many fans. In this article we’ll take a closer look at the scarecrow from Over the Garden Wall and why it has become so iconic.
Appearance and Purpose
The scarecrow is located in a wheat field along a dirt road in the Countryside It has a round pumpkin for a head with triangular eye and mouth holes carved into it. Its body is made of bundled hay and sticks with a flannel shirt and blue jeans The scarecrow’s arms are outstretched to the sides.
The main purpose of any scarecrow is to frighten birds and other animals away from crops. This particular scarecrow was placed in the wheat field to protect the crops from crows flying to the nearby Big City. While a functional character, the creepy design of the Over the Garden Wall scarecrow gives it an air of mystery.
Origins and Fan Theories
Little is known about the origins of the Countryside scarecrow. Some fans theorize that it may be possessed or have supernatural qualities. Its carved pumpkin head and humanoid shape resemble some creatures encountered by Wirt, Greg, and Beatrice on their journey. The scarecrow’s limited screen time leaves much open to interpretation.
Some of the more intriguing fan theories include
- The scarecrow is a lost soul stuck in the Unknown.
- It can come alive at night and roams the countryside.
- The scarecrow warns travelers away from dangerous areas.
- It keeps watch over the garden woods and protects lost children.
While never confirmed, these creative theories speak to how striking the simple scarecrow design is. The lack of details about its background and purpose add to its mystique.
Symbolism and Memorable Moments
The Countryside scarecrow takes on greater meaning through subtle symbolism and memorable scenes. A few things that stand out include:
- The scarecrow’s outstretched arms mimicking a cross shape suggests sacrifice and guidance.
- Its permanent grin and stoic watch over the land imply optimism and dedication.
- When Greg waves enthusiastically at the scarecrow, it hints at friendship and seeing the good in everyone.
- The scarecrow blending into the background scenery implies the character is more than meets the eye.
For a character seen only briefly, the Countryside scarecrow leaves a lasting impression on viewers. It adds an eerie yet whimsical element to the Unknown. The scarecrow’s continued popularity is a testament to how much fans love a good mystery.
Lasting Appeal
For a miniseries that only ran for 10 episodes, Over the Garden Wall has cultivated an enthusiastic fandom. The Countryside scarecrow is one of the more iconic supporting characters from the show. Its simple but memorable design and aura of mystery appeal to the imagination.
Online discussions, fan art, cosplay, and theories related to the scarecrow show its lasting appeal. The character takes on new life through the creativity of fans. This allows the scarecrow’s story to continue beyond its limited screen time.
The Over the Garden Wall scarecrow has clearly captured people’s interest. It joins the ranks of famous scarecrows from The Wizard of Oz and Batman as a character that transcends its original purpose. For fans of the show, the Countryside scarecrow will likely remain a source of inspiration and speculation for years to come.
So, what is Over the Garden Wall?
It’s a story about two brothers, Wirt (voiced by Elijah Wood) and Greg (voiced by Collin Dean). They find themselves lost in a mysterious place called the Unknown. There they meet many characters who seem to have stepped straight out of folklore and history, from the grumpy bluebird Beatrice (voiced by Melanie Lynskey) to the strange Woodsman (voiced by Christopher Lloyd) to the fearsome Beast. As the boys try to get home, they discover many of the Unknown’s odd little communities. They learn the truth behind some of the stories they fall into.
The series takes much of its inspiration from older art and musical styles. It includes bluegrass and jazz, early animation, and vintage art.
Over the Garden Wall focuses on main themes of brotherhood, responsibility, and growth. In the first episode, the Woodsman chastises Wirt as the older brother to take responsibility for Greg’s safety. Later in the final arc, both Wirt and Greg place themselves in danger to save the other. All along, this story is focused on choosing to be responsible for those in your care and to take responsibility for your actions.
This theme also carries out in the arcs of Beatrice and the Woodsman. Beatrice spends most of the series serving as a cantankerous foil to Wirt. But midway through the series, she reveals herself to be a human cursed to take the form of a bluebird—along with her entire family. It is the restoration of her family, and the guilt of being responsible for the curse, that drives Beatrice. The Woodsman similarly is driven by his sense of guilt and penance in his work of grinding up Edelwood trees to keep lit the dark lantern, which contains his daughter’s soul.
Episode 2, “Hard Times at the Huskin’ Bee”
In this story, a strange town of talking pumpkins seems to condemn Wirt and Greg for trespassing, only to have the sentence be community service. This work leads to them digging up a skeleton, which causes Wirt to believe they are digging their own graves, only to bring about the final twist: the town is populated by skeletons who dress themselves in pumpkins and scarecrow-like apparel.
Turning PUMPKINS into SCARECROW FOLK *OVER THE GARDEN WALL STYLE* (CHARACTER DESIGN CHALLENGE)
FAQ
Why is HBO removing Over the Garden Wall?
But on Aug. 31, 2023, the series was pulled from HBO Max – now known as “Max” – presumably for cost-cutting reasons. In a just world, removing such a beloved piece of fall entertainment this close to the start of the season would be considered distasteful.
What is the lantern in Over the Garden Wall?
The Dark Lantern is an important object throughout Over the Garden Wall. It is carried around by the Woodsman, who keeps it burning with oil from the Edelwood trees. It is revealed that the Woodsman believes it contains his daughter’s soul, which is why he is so devoted to keeping it lit.
Is Over the Garden Wall a metaphor for Dante’s Inferno?
The most fundamental commonality between Dante’s Inferno and Over the Garden Wall is that both of our characters take a spiritual, emotional, and life changing journey through some kind of hell, or purgatory. Both of these are tailored to their own unique visions, fears, insecurities, and seen through their lens.