Elphaba is born to Melena Thropp, who is the grand-daughter of the Eminent Thropp of Munchkinland, and is the wife of Frexspar, an itinerant unionist minister. Frex is the seventh son of a seventh son, all ministers. Because Melena is bored and outcast, she takes comfort in strangers and is known for the favors she gives. Melena is at some point approached by a mysterious stranger, who gives her a potion called "Miracle Elixir" from a green bottle. The elixir turns out to be some sort of drug; the stranger rapes Melena. Nine months later, Elphaba is born, a green-skinned girl.