The “tree monster” is a mythical creature often found in folklore and fantasy literature. It is typically depicted as a giant, humanoid figure made entirely out of wood or leaves.
In many stories, the tree monster is a fearsome creature that terrorizes villages and towns, using its immense strength and sharp claws to destroy buildings and attack people. However, in other tales, the tree monster is a protector of the forest, using its power to defend the trees and animals that live within it. In modern times, the tree monster has become a popular subject in fantasy literature and film. The creature has been featured in numerous books, comics, and movies, often as a powerful and terrifying enemy that must be defeated by the hero. These are the 20 most iconic and unforgettable tree monsters from pop culture including movies, comics and fiction work.
1Groot (Marvel Comic)
Groot is a tree monster from Marvel Comics and the “Guardians of the Galaxy” franchise. He is a humanoid tree-like alien who is known for his catchphrase “I am Groot” and his ability to regrow from a cutting. He is a member of the Guardians of the Galaxy team and is known for his powerful abilities and his loyalty to his teammates.
Groot is an extraterrestrial species of flora known as Flora Colossus from the planet X. He is capable of photosynthesis and regenerating from his own biomass. He is incredibly strong, durable and has superhuman strength and endurance. He is also able to manipulate his own body, allowing him to form weapons or tools out of his own body.
Groot is also known for his childlike innocence and lack of understanding of human language and cultures, making him appear as a simple creature, but in reality, he is quite intelligent, and his actions show his deep understanding of his surroundings. He is also very protective of his friends and teammates, willing to sacrifice himself for the safety of others.
2The Treants (Dungeons & Dragons)
Dungeons & Dragons, the popular role-playing game, has been heavily influenced by J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy writings, particularly with the inclusion of the halfling and the ent, which are similar to hobbits and sentient trees respectively. Treants, which are pronounced “tree-ant”, are a type of sentient tree that can communicate and move around. They typically have face-like features on their bark, a split in the trunk for legs, and branches as arms. Their wood is solid like rock, but it is actually filled with tubes that transport water similar to how human’s blood vessels transport blood. This means that a disease such as “tube wilt” can greatly affect a treant’s lifespan.
Related Trees: 11 Magical Trees Of Mythical World & Their Supernatural Abilities
3The Swamp Thing (DC Comics)
Swamp Thing, the iconic comic book character, has been featured in multiple movies and TV shows in the past decades, and his popularity continues to grow.
Before his transformation into Swamp Thing, Alec Holland was a highly respected scientist. However, after becoming Swamp Thing, his knowledge and understanding of plants and the environment increased significantly. He has an intimate understanding of the natural world that very few others possess. Additionally, Swamp Thing has the ability to enhance his intelligence by growing a larger brain, making it easier for him to comprehend the intricacies of the planet’s biology.
He is a member of the Justice League Dark and plays a significant role in the larger DC universe. Swamp Thing’s unique ability to manipulate and control every aspect of his body, including vegetation, allows him to change his form and adapt to different situations. He can create armor for battle, wings for flight, and even a protective ball for his allies. This versatility makes him an extremely valuable asset in any situation. He is a giant and powerful being, but his ability to adapt and change his form makes him even more useful.
4Leshen (Witcher Season 2)
The Leshen is a fearsome tree monster that is featured in The Witcher season 2. It is a highly intelligent forest spirit that feeds on humans. The Leshen, also known as Leshy, is able to shapeshift into other forest animals, making it difficult to detect. The creature is described in Sapkowski’s original Witcher books and in the video game series as a dangerous and powerful monster. The Leshen has a large presence in the videogame The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, but in the book series, Geralt’s encounters with it are minimal. The Leshen is often used in the Witcher book series as a piece of folklore to add a sense of dread and unease. In The Witcher: A Game of Imagination, it is described as a forest-dwelling, iron-resistant and cunning monster. Many peasants believe it to be a spirit that protects the forest and even make offerings to it. However, in reality, the Leshen from the Witcher season 2 is a mysterious and dangerous creature that hunts lone wanderers by disguising itself as a tree or other animals. Geralt does not come face to face with a real Leshen in this timeline.
5Kinoshimobi (Grimm)
Kinoshimobes are giant plant-like creatures with chlorophyll for blood. They attack by ensnaring their victims with vines and then delivering a killing blow with a stabbing vine. They can shoot vines from their hands and feet, and are strong enough to lift a full-grown man. They are slow-moving but have a bark-like outer layer that provides protection against bullets. Sharp weapons, such as labrys, can injure them significantly. When they are dying or injured, they will be absorbed into a Jubokko tree, resulting in an animated, sentient image of the Kinoshimobe in the tree’s bark. It is unclear if the image is only animated when the Kinoshimobe is injured or also when it is dead.
6The Forest Dragon (Maleficent Movie)
Maleficent (played by Angelina Jolie) leads a group of magical creatures, including a powerful tree warrior, a glowing water fairy, and a massive forest dragon, in defense of her kingdom. The forest dragons are giant snake-like beasts with tree root-like features and beak-like snouts. They have sharp teeth, and they emerge from underground when summoned by Maleficent to fight against invading human forces led by King Henry.
7Birch (The Birch Series)
The Birch is a live-action horror web-series that was released in 2019 on Facebook Watch. It is based on a short film by the same name by Crypt TV. It was written by J. Casey Modderno, David Aslan, and Dylan Mullick, directed by John William Ross and Amy Wang. The series follows three teenagers, Lanie Bouchard, Evie Grayson, and Thurston Polk, whose lives become intertwined with a monster known as The Birch, that lurks in the woods. The Birch is a bloodthirsty creature that is summoned to protect the vulnerable, but at a dangerous cost. The teenagers must navigate the complexities of their relationship with The Birch, both as an ally and an enemy.
8Ants (LOTR)
The Lord of the Rings books and movies showcase a variety of intriguing species, including Hobbits, Dwarves, Elves, and Wizards. One of the most interesting creatures in the series is the Ents. They are first introduced when Merry and Pippin come across one in Fangorn forest as they are escaping from orcs and Uruk-hai. The Ent, named Treebeard, agrees to call for a meeting with the other Ents in the forest. In the books, the Ents decide to fight Saruman at this meeting, while in the movies, Treebeard calls the other Ents after seeing Saruman’s destruction of the trees around Isengard, following Pippin’s suggestion. In both versions of the story, the tree monster plays a crucial role as an opponent of Saruman and ultimately winning the War of the Ring. Although their importance goes beyond this, they inspire viewers with their combination of wisdom, power, and connection to nature.
9Spore Mantis (Kong: Skull Island)
The Spore Mantis, also known as Phasmid sylas, Walking Wood, or Giant Stickbug, is a giant parasitic insect found on Skull Island. It appeared in the movie Kong: Skull Island. The Spore Mantis has a body and limbs that resemble fallen trees, and its skin is made to look like bark. Beneath this disguise is a parasitic slug with powerful jaws. The Spore Mantis can blend in with the surrounding forest, remaining hidden until it is close enough to attack its prey. They can be aggressive when startled or when something sits or stands on their backs.
10The Whomping Willow (Harry Potter)
The Whomping Willow is a magical tree that appears in the Harry Potter series of books and movies. It is a large, violent tree that is found on the grounds of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. The tree has long, whipping branches that it uses to attack anyone who comes too close. It is particularly known for being planted near the entrance to the secret passage that leads to the Shrieking Shack, a location that plays an important role in the series.
In the story, the Whomping Willow was planted on the Hogwarts grounds in the early 20th century by the Hogwarts caretaker, Argus Filch, to conceal the passage to the Shrieking Shack. The tree can only be controlled by using a special knot on its trunk, which causes it to stop moving. The students of Hogwarts use this passage to sneak out of the castle. The Whomping Willow plays an important role in the story of the series, as it serves as a barrier that protects the secret passage and a powerful guardian of the school.
11Molesting Tree (Evil Dead)
The Molesting Tree is a dangerous creature that uses its branches and vines to capture its victims, which it may either violently assault or consume. Those who are assaulted may become possessed by the tree, which seems to have been given flesh and can bleed. This tree played a key role in the events at the cabin, as it attacked Cheryl Williams and caused her possession and subsequent attack on Linda, leading to Linda’s possession as well. The tree also mortally wounded Scotty, turning him into a Deadite. In a similar attack, Bobby Joe was devoured by the tree. One specific Demonic Tree, encountered by Kelly and Ruby, had a single eye which was its weakness. After Ruby stabbed it in the eye, the tree became inactive and released Kelly and Ruby from its vines.
12Poltergeist Tree (Poltergeist)
The Tree is a character in the horror films Poltergeist from 1982 and its 2015 remake. It is a tree that is possessed by either a ghost or a malevolent entity known as the Beast, and it becomes a minor antagonist in the story. The tree is initially seen as a protective force by the main characters, but it eventually turns on them and tries to harm or abduct them. In the original film, the tree abducts one of the children, Robbie, and tries to devour him, but he is eventually saved by his father. The tree is eventually destroyed when it is sucked up by a tornado. In the remake, the tree is a willow tree and it attacks the children of the Bowen family, but they are able to escape.
13Monster (Monster Calls)
The Monster in the 2016 fantasy drama film “A Monster Calls” is a giant humanoid creature made of yew tree branches and other plant material. It visits the protagonist, Conor O’Malley, in his dreams and tells him stories in order to help him deal with the reality of his mother’s terminal illness. The Monster serves as a symbol of the pain and fear that Conor is experiencing and represents his own feelings of anger and helplessness. The Monster is also a representation of the ancient yew tree that sits in a churchyard near Conor’s home, which has stood for thousands of years and seen many generations come and go. Ultimately, the Monster helps Conor to understand and accept the reality of death and to find the courage to let go of his mother.
14Huorns (LOTR)
In J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, Huorns are a type of forest-dwelling creature that live in the Old Forest and the Entwood. They are described as being tree-like beings that are capable of movement and are very hostile towards outsiders. They are not fully alive nor dead, and they can be seen as a sort of sentient tree. They are similar to the Ents, which are tree-like beings that are fully alive and possess intelligence and emotions.
In the movie adaptations of Lord of the Rings, Huorns are portrayed as trees that can move and attack. They are shown to be fiercely protective of the forest and will attack anyone who enters it without permission. They are also able to communicate with the Ents and can be summoned by them to aid in battles.
In the Battle of Helm’s Deep, the Huorns were summoned by Treebeard, leader of the Ents, and helped defeat Saruman’s army, proving to be a decisive factor in the battle. They are also present in the Battle of the Pelennor Fields and were seen attacking the forces of Sauron.
15The Treebeard (LOTR)
Treebeard is a character from J.R.R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings series. He is an Ent, which is a tree-like being that is fully alive and possesses intelligence and emotions. Treebeard is one of the oldest and most powerful Ents, and serves as the leader of the Ents. He lives in the forest of Fangorn, which is located in the southeastern part of Middle-earth.
In the movie adaptations of Lord of the Rings, Treebeard is portrayed as a giant, ancient and wise being with a deep, slow speaking voice. He is initially hesitant to get involved in the affairs of the other races, but eventually becomes an ally of the Fellowship of the Ring. He helps lead the Ents in the Battle of Helm’s Deep, where they attack Saruman’s army and become a decisive factor in the battle.
Treebeard is a symbol of nature and the environment, and his role in the story is to remind the other characters of the importance of preserving and protecting nature. He is also a symbol of ancient wisdom, and his deep understanding of the world and its history is often sought by the other characters.
16Floronic Man (DC Comics)
The Floronic Man, also known by his other names such as Plant Master, Floro, and the Seeder, is a supervillain character appearing in American comic books published by DC Comics. He is portrayed as a scientist named Jason Woodrue, who becomes a villain after gaining powers through his connection to the Green. Woodrue uses his advanced knowledge of botany to control plant growth and tries to take over the world. He uses an experimental formula to transform his body into a plant-human hybrid, giving him bark-like skin and leaf-like hair. He is defeated by the Green Lantern and later becomes a member of the first Secret Society of Super-Villains.
17Blackbriar Thorn (DC Comics)
Blackbriar Thorn is a fictional character from DC Comics. He is primarily known as a villain, who first appeared in a 1971 issue of “The Demon” comics, created by Jack Kirby and Mike Royer. He is a powerful sorcerer and druid who was once the high priest of an ancient Druid sect that performed sacrificial rituals. He was able to survive by turning himself into a wooden statue, but after centuries, he was unearthed and restored to life by an archaeologist and the light of the full moon. He uses his powers to try to take over the world, but is often defeated by heroes such as Superman and Jason Blood. He is also known for his appearance in other comics such as, “Superman”, “Gotham Park” and “The Demon”.
18Krakoa (Marvel Comics)
Not actually a tree monster, But Krakoa is a fictional island and mutant character appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. It can create other humanoid creatures and tree monsters on its land. It first appeared in the “X-Men” comics and later in various X-Men related series. The island is a sentient, mutant-plant hybrid that gained sentience and the ability to move and communicate. It is often depicted as being able to create and manipulate life, and has been depicted as both a villain and an ally to the X-Men.
Krakoa’s origins are connected to the experiments of the villainous geneticist, Mister Sinister. Sinister created the island as a living weapon, capable of producing and controlling mutants. It was originally used as a prison for mutants, but later the X-Men freed the mutants and began to use the island as a sanctuary for mutants, where they can live and be protected from anti-mutant sentiment.
Krakoa has the ability to create and manipulate life (geokinesis), and can also create teleportation portals to anywhere in the world. It also has the ability to communicate telepathically with mutants, and can control the minds of those who enter its territory. It is also able to create and control weather, and has the ability to absorb energy from other sources. The island is also able to communicate telepathically with mutants, and can control the minds of those who enter its territory.
19Man-Thing (Marvel Comics)
Man-Thing is a fictional tree monster appearing in American comic books published by Marvel Comics. He is a monster and supernatural being with a humanoid appearance, created by writer Stan Lee, scripter Roy Thomas, and artist Gerry Conway. He first appeared in “Savage Tales” #1 (May 1971)
Man-Thing is a shambling creature that is made up of plant-like material and is able to regenerate lost or damaged tissue. He has superhuman strength and durability, and is immune to fire and most forms of injury. He is also able to secrete a highly corrosive acid from his body.
Man-Thing’s origins are rooted in a scientist named Theodore “Ted” Sallis, who was working on a serum that would replicate the Super-Soldier serum that created Captain America, but instead, the serum combined with his body with a swamp and Sallis mutated into the monster known as the Man-Thing.
Man-Thing is often depicted as a tragic character, as his mind is not fully developed and he is unable to communicate or express his emotions. He is often used as a tool or weapon by other characters, but occasionally acts on his own. He also has a connection to the Nexus of All Realities, a dimension that connects all realities, and is able to travel through different dimensions, timelines and realities.
Man-Thing is often portrayed as a sympathetic creature, with a tragic backstory, he is a powerful monster with superhuman strength and durability, who is immune to fire and most forms of injury, he also has the ability to secrete a highly corrosive acid from his body, he is also able to travel through different dimensions and realities and has a connection to the Nexus of All Realities.
20Dryads (Narnia)
Dryads are nature spirits in the Narnia series of books by C.S Lewis, that are closely associated with trees and woodlands. They were created during the creation of Narnia and are prominent throughout the country’s history. They are also referred to as wood nymphs, wood gods/goddesses, hamadryads, tree people, silvans, or simply “trees”; these terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but the appearance and nature of tree spirits vary widely. Some dryads look humanoid and are connected to individual trees, while others look like living and moving trees with roots and branches functioning as limbs. While there are both male and female dryads, female dryads are more prominent in the series. They also looked like dust when they were doing metamorphosis.