In writing The Lord of The Rings Tolkien drew extensively on the old mythology of western Europe for his characters and the Green Man was no exception. After the fellowship, at this stage consisting only of the hobbits, leave Buckland they enter the old forest. This is dangerous because many old and malevolent things exist in there. Merry is caught by a wicked old willow tree and is only saved when Tom Bombadil wanders by and commands the willow to free him. They accompany Tom back to his home and question both Tom and his wife, Goldberry, as to who Tom is. Goldberry answers "He is master of wood, water and hill. ... all things growing or living in the land belong each to themselves. Tom is the Master."

Later Frodo asks "Who are you master?"

Tom answers "Don't you know my name yet? That is the only answer. ... But you are young and I am old. Eldest that's what I am. ... Tom was here before the river and trees; Tom remembers the first raindrop and the first acorn. .... When the Elves passed westward Tom was already here, before the seas were bent. He knew the dark under the starts when it was fearless."

Tom has no concern of the comings and goings of men and the ring of power has no power over him. It does not make him invisible. He is the one person in the realm that is not affected by it. His concern is the old forest, this is his world and he never ventures from it.