Ugu the Shoemaker was a shoemaker in Herku until he discovered the magic recipes of his ancestors. Thereupon, he decided to become a powerful sorcerer and take possession of the Land of Oz as its ruler. He moved away from Herku and built a Wicker Castle in the west of the Winkie Country. After stealing the Magic Dishpan from Cayke, he used it to steal Glinda's Magic Book of Records and the Wizard's Black Bag of Magic. In the process of stealing the Magic Picture he was seen by Princess Ozma, so he kidnapped her and hid her in the form of an Enchanted Peach Pit.