In the story, the Wicked Witch of the West commands a troop of winged monkeys, whom she uses to do her bidding.
The flying monkeys were likely inspired by a combination of sources:
* Mythology and folklore: Many cultures have myths and legends about creatures with wings and magical abilities. For example, Greek mythology features the Harpies, winged creatures who could fly and steal.
* Real-world animals: Baum was likely aware of the existence of monkeys, and he could have combined this knowledge with the idea of winged creatures to create the flying monkeys.
* The desire for fantastical elements: The Wizard of Oz is a story filled with fantastical elements, and the flying monkeys add to the sense of wonder and adventure.
While the flying monkeys are a fictional creation, they have become iconic symbols of the Wizard of Oz and have been widely referenced in popular culture.