The Green Man of Knowledge is a villainous character found in the Scottish folk tale "The Green Man of Knowledge", the most popular version of which was collected in 1954 (though not published until 1958), in the academic journal Scottish Studies.
The Green Man of Knowledge is himself based on even older mythology, such as the Green Man (a type of nature spirit found in many world folklore) and the fairies (who traditionally wore the color green in Celtic mythology), while his origins are often blurred he has at times been narrowed down to a Bodach, a type of Bogeyman.
History[]
The Green Man of Knowledge was a mysterious figure from a magical land known as the Land of Enchantment and was known by its residents for his cunning.
The 21-year-old hero of the story (who was described as a fool seeking his fortune for the first time) came across the Green Man when he was visting a village inn and played a game of cards with him, winning and thus was invited by the old man to visit him in a place "east o' the moon and west o' the stars", despite warnings by the inn-owner that the Green Man will try to lead him to his death the hero decides to take up the invitation regardless.
Upon arrival at the Green Man's castle the hero managed to win the heart of the Green Man's youngest daughter, who was also a talented shape-shifter.
She thus helped the hero to survive via transforming into various items and animals in order for him to win a number of exceptionally dangerous tasks set by the Green Man (seemingly for his own amusement).
Eventually the Green Man grew tired of the hero constantly outwitting him and opted to kill him off regardless.
The youngest daughter once again came to her lovers' aid in disguise, this time as a magical mule, who the hero rode (despite it also being lame).
Via magic the hero produced a number of fantastical items by which to slow down the pursuing Green Man, forming a lake, then mountains and finally a fire by which to ultimately burn the villain and end his reign of terror.
While the hero would then go on to forget about the daughter who saved his life, years later they would be reunited and with his memories restored he would wed her (while her murderous father had long since ceased to be).