The Prince of Puzzles:
The Riddler, or Edward E. Nigma, created in the December of 1948. He first starred in the detectives series of Batman comics, as a supervillian of the Dynamic Duo. The Riddler, like many of Batman's foes has a preferred way of committing crimes. His method involves leaving riddles before the scene of the crime for police to try and solve. His character is known for his use of complex puzzles, riddles, and elaborate deathtraps that Batman usually defeats by 'cheating' or using some method that the Riddler had not previously thought of. Though originally a 'gimmick' character, his back story has been reinvented many times to create a villain appropriate for Batman's rogue gallery. At first, he was a rebellious teen forced to tell the truth, causing him to go insane. But in a non-canon storyline by Alex Ross, it was hinted at possible child abuse. Creators said he was not used much because he made storylines too long or complex.

"My first, tho' water, cures no thirst,
My next alone has soul,
And when he lives upon my first,
He then is called my whole."

The Average Villain?:
The Riddler is one of the most complex villain in the DC universe. He presents villains in a way that is often not thought about when you think of bad guys. This is so because, he does not simply kill to kill or commit a crime for the sake of it. He does not commit a crime to gain anything. He does it simply for the truth. This is evident in the fact that he leaves riddles before striking. He also cannot kill while he has the upper hand on a foe. He feels the need to see if he can beat them in an intellectual manner, of course by riddles or puzzles. Therefore, he is somewhat of a more chivalrous villain in the sense of him needing to beat his opponent in a fair challenge to feel satisfied. It is also evident when he obtains the truth about Batman's identity, but does not tell the other villains because he realizes that there is no point to a riddle if everyone knows the answer. Even though Batman takes advantage of his obvious weaknesses, The Riddler's wit, and  flexibility will create an eternal challenge for The Dark Knight, and perhaps even his other foes.

A look at the times:
The Riddler had become a mainstay villain after the success of Frank Gorshin playing him in the 1960's television series. His over-the-top insane portrayal of The Prince of Puzzles won an academy award and created a kind of cult following and demand for the intellectual villain. In the movie Batman Forever, Jim Carrey played The Riddler with Gorshin as his inspiration, and although the movie failed to make a box-office hit, this failed to diminish the popularity of The Riddler. The Riddler failed to make many appearance in the 1990 animated series, but his episodes are often times hailed as the best of the series. He made two cameos in the continuation of the animated series, but was nothing more. In the current incarnation, 'The Batman', he has a more industrial look and is often compared to Marilyn Manson, he is voiced by Robert Englund, the actor who played Freddy Krueger. Although he has failed to make many appearances thus far, his background will be explored in the upcoming fourth season.

When my first is a task to a young girl of spirit,
And my second confines her to finish the piece,
How hard is her fate! but how great is her merit
If by taking my whole she effects her release!

My first is in tea but not in leaf
My second is in teapot and also in teeth
My third is in caddy but not in cosy
My fourth is in cup but not in rosy
My fifth is in herbal and also in health
My sixth is in peppermint and always in wealth
My last is in drink, so what can I be?
I'm there in a classroom, do you listen to me?