Killyjoy was a wolf-dog familiar and companion of Elphaba during her stay in The Vinkus when she was known as the “Wicked Witch of the West”. He only appears in the first novel of the series.

History

On her journey to Kiamo Ko, Elphaba encounters Killyjoy, a wolf-dog initially owned by a chef in the Vinkus. It is strongly implied that this chef abused Killyjoy. Enraged by Killyjoy’s torture, Elphaba would go on to murder the chef by using her powers to "speak" to a swarm of bees, instructing them to fly to his campsite in the dead of night and sting him to death, which they do. The next morning, his corpse is discovered, covered in bee stings to the point he is barely recognizable, and Elphaba adopts Killyjoy, as well as the bees, whom decide to come along with her to Kiamo Ko. Killyjoy would become Elphaba's dearest companion and one of her familiars.

After years at Kiamo Ko at Elphaba’s side, Killyjoy would tragically be killed; Elphaba had believed the Scarecrow to be the long dead Fiyero in a costume, coming back to her in a disguise. To find out if Fiyero is indeed still alive, rather in body or by spirit by any miracle, Elphaba sent out Killyjoy to try to lead Dorothy and her companions to Kiamo Ko. However, Elphabla's attempt backfires and all her pets, including Killyjoy, are killed by the Tin Man, Scarecrow, and Cowardly Lion, however in their self-defense.