Title: Regina vs. Zelena: Who Was Truly Wicked in Once Upon a Time?

Regina Mills, the Evil Queen, and Zelena, the Wicked Witch of the West, are two of Once Upon a Time‘s most compelling characters. Their tumultuous sibling rivalry, combined with their individual journeys of redemption, raises a fascinating question: Who was truly “wicked”? Both sisters have walked dark paths, but their motivations, actions, and growth provide insight into what it really means to be “wicked.”

Regina Mills: The Evil Queen

From the moment we meet Regina Mills, she embodies the archetypal villain: manipulative, vengeful, and ruthless. But as her story unfolds, we see that her evil deeds stem from profound heartbreak and a desperate desire for control in a world that has often betrayed her.

The Case for Wickedness

• Revenge-Driven Actions: Regina’s vendetta against Snow White for the betrayal of her secret love leads to years of suffering for entire kingdoms. Her single-minded quest for vengeance blinds her to the damage she inflicts on others.
• The Dark Curse: Regina’s most infamous act of wickedness is enacting the Dark Curse, uprooting countless lives and erasing memories to create a reality where she holds all the power.
• Manipulation and Cruelty: From betraying alliances to heartlessly tearing apart families, Regina’s early reign as the Evil Queen is a masterclass in manipulation.

Redemption and Growth

Regina’s arc, however, is defined by her capacity for change. Her love for Henry softens her heart, and her friendship with Emma Swan and the other heroes pushes her toward redemption. By the end of the series, Regina proves that no one is beyond saving—not even the Evil Queen. Her transition from villain to a beloved leader solidifies her complexity as a character, showing that her “wickedness” was a product of pain, not inherent evil.

Zelena: The Wicked Witch of the West

Zelena, on the other hand, embodies the essence of envy and bitterness. Abandoned as a baby and later discovering she was denied the life Regina enjoyed, Zelena’s wickedness is fueled by resentment and a need to prove her worth.

The Case for Wickedness

• Jealousy as a Driving Force: Zelena’s envy of Regina leads her to sabotage and manipulate those around her. Her belief that she deserved Regina’s life feeds her cruelty.
• Time Travel Plot: Zelena’s plan to rewrite history and erase Regina’s existence demonstrates the lengths she’s willing to go to satisfy her jealousy.
• Killing Neal (Baelfire): One of Zelena’s most heartless acts was the death of Neal Cassidy, using him as a pawn in her quest to cast the time-travel spell. This act of cold-blooded murder adds weight to her wicked reputation.

Redemption and Growth

Like Regina, Zelena’s story is one of redemption. Her love for her daughter, Robin, becomes a turning point, forcing her to confront her past mistakes. While she struggles more than Regina to embrace her better nature, Zelena ultimately finds a place among the heroes, proving that even the wicked can find a path to light.

Comparing Their Wickedness

When evaluating Regina and Zelena’s wickedness, their motivations and circumstances reveal crucial differences:

• Root Cause of Evil: Regina’s wickedness stems from heartbreak and betrayal, while Zelena’s is driven by envy and insecurity. Both are tragic, but Zelena’s actions often feel more personal, stemming from her own sense of inadequacy rather than external betrayal.
• Impact on Others: Regina’s actions as the Evil Queen have a broader, kingdom-wide impact, while Zelena’s wickedness often targets individuals. However, the personal nature of Zelena’s vendettas makes her cruelty feel sharper and more intimate.
• Willingness to Change: Regina actively seeks redemption and works tirelessly to earn forgiveness. Zelena’s journey is slower, and her redemption often feels reluctant, though no less meaningful.

Who Was Truly Wicked?

Labeling one sister as “more wicked” than the other depends on perspective. Regina’s wickedness affected entire kingdoms, yet her redemption arc is one of the most inspiring in the series. Zelena’s actions, while less far-reaching, often feel more malicious due to the personal nature of her vendettas.

Ultimately, Once Upon a Time teaches us that wickedness is not an inherent trait but a response to pain, envy, and a longing for love. Both Regina and Zelena prove that even the most flawed individuals can find redemption, making their journeys a testament to the power of forgiveness and personal growth.

So, who was truly wicked? Perhaps the answer lies not in their darkest moments but in how they chose to rise above them.