Riddle Challenge (Part 1)

Here is the first puzzle you must solve.
Use this entire page to find the clues (some are hidden).

The answer is a single word, you will need this word to advance to the next challenge.

Good luck. (no caps - all lowercase for this puzzle)

I think I have solved the this riddle

Riddle Index

It's been years since I made this original set of riddles (2004 or 2005, I think). And, although when I created them I meant for them to be done in a series -- I realize some folks may want to just try individual riddles rather than spending hours getting through the whole set.

Here are links to the individual puzzles in this set:

Riddle 1 - (you are already here).

Riddle 2 - No One is Free 'cept Me

Riddle 3