Meggyzött

Meggyzött is a lesser-known but intriguing figure in Hungarian folklore, primarily associated with the region of Transylvania and parts of Hungary. The name is derived from the Hungarian words *meggy* (plum) and *zött* (a variant of *zöld*, meaning green), suggesting a connection to plum trees or green foliage. Meggyzött is often described as a mischievous or supernatural entity, sometimes linked to the *Lúdas Matyi* (Hungarian trickster figure) or other folkloric tricksters.

In some local tales, Meggyzött is portrayed as a shapeshifting creature that appears as a green-clad figure or a tree spirit, capable of playing pranks on travelers or farmers. These stories often depict the entity as a guardian of forests or orchards, testing the honesty and intentions of those who enter its domain. Unlike more malevolent folklore figures, Meggyzött is rarely depicted as harmful, though its tricks may include leading people astray or causing minor disturbances.

The origins of Meggyzött are unclear, as it does not appear in widely circulated Hungarian folklore collections like those of János Karácsony or Károly Szathmári. Instead, it seems to be a regional or oral tradition, possibly influenced by broader European folktales of forest spirits or tricksters. Some scholars suggest parallels with Slavic or Romanian folklore figures, such as the *Leshy* or *Zmeu*, though Meggyzött lacks a distinct mythological framework.

Modern references to Meggyzött are scarce, and the figure remains largely obscure outside its traditional storytelling context. Its inclusion in contemporary Hungarian folklore studies is minimal, though it may appear in local oral histories or regional festivals celebrating nature spirits. Overall, Meggyzött serves as an example of how lesser-known entities contribute to the rich tapestry of Hungarian folklore, blending local customs with broader European mythological themes.