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The Green Man: A Verdant Deity of Pagan Lore
Mar 3, 2025
The Green Man has long been a symbol of nature’s power and renewal rooted in ancient folklore and modern ecological awareness, writes LES HEWITT
The Green Man, a figure shrouded in leaves and mystery, emerges from the depths of ancient Pagan traditions as a potent symbol of nature’s power and the cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
This enigmatic being, often depicted with foliage sprouting from his mouth, nostrils, or ears, has captivated imaginations for centuries, appearing in various forms across cultures and throughout history.
While his exact origins remain obscured by the mists of time, his presence in ancient carvings and folklore suggests a deep connection to our ancestors’ reverence for the natural world.
Unlike many other deities with complex narratives and defined roles, the Green Man embodies a more fundamental concept: the enduring spirit of nature itself.
Prototypes of the Green Man can be found in the art and mythology of various ancient civilisations. The horned god Cernunnos of the Celts, the Egyptian Osiris, and the Greek god Pan all share characteristics with the Green Man, embodying the wildness and fertility of the natural world.
The Romans, with their reverence for nature spirits and deities, likely played a role in spreading the Green Man motif throughout Europe.
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