Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill Summary, Characters and Themes
Greenteeth by Molly O’Neill is a captivating tale set in a world where folklore intertwines with raw human emotions and magic. At the heart of this dark fantasy is Jenny Greenteeth, a water-dwelling creature who nurtures a deep connection to her lake and its ecosystem.
Jenny’s world is turned upside down when she discovers Temperance Crump, a human witch, near death in the water. As the two form an unlikely bond, they confront external threats from both the magical and human realms, including the malevolent Erl King. Themes of loyalty, morality, and survival echo throughout this story, making it a gripping exploration of human and magical conflict.
Summary
Greenteeth introduces Jenny Greenteeth, a creature that dwells in the depths of a lake, far from human society. She is deeply attuned to the lake’s needs and its inhabitants, including her daughter, Little Jenny, who once lived by her side.
Jenny is not a typical monster, but she is perceived as one due to her appearance and her connection to the water. When Jenny hears a splash in the lake, she initially believes it to be a discarded bag of kittens.
However, to her surprise, it is a human witch named Temperance Crump, who is struggling to survive in the water. Temperance’s iron shackles prevent her from floating, leaving her at the mercy of the lake’s depths.
Jenny, despite her predatory nature, decides to rescue Temperance. She drags the witch to her underwater cave, where she tries to revive her by shaking the water from her body.
As Temperance slowly regains consciousness, Jenny offers her beer and engages in conversation, though her appearance frightens the witch. Temperance tells Jenny her story: she was accused of witchcraft by the villagers, particularly Parson Braddock, who threw her into the lake, believing that witches float.
However, the iron shackles weighing her down made her sink instead. Temperance reveals that her life had been shaped by the fear of witchcraft, especially after the arrival of Parson Braddock, who spread paranoia and fear in the village, ultimately leading to her being ostracized and falsely accused.
Temperance grows emotional as she shares her guilt over abandoning her family in the face of persecution. Jenny listens intently but offers practical advice, suggesting that Temperance leave the village, offering her coins from her treasure hoard to help her escape.
Though hesitant, Temperance agrees to take the money, promising to repay it once she has found a safe place. This marks the beginning of an unusual friendship between Jenny and Temperance, two beings from vastly different worlds who both carry the weight of their past experiences.
As the story progresses, Temperance and Jenny become entangled in a dangerous quest to confront the Erl King, a powerful and malevolent force that threatens the village. Temperance has been attempting to lift a curse on her village using a memory spell, but she discovers that the Erl King is behind the curse.
This dark entity seeks to control the land and its powers, and Temperance realizes that she needs help. She reaches out to the fae, hoping to enlist their aid in the battle against the Erl King.
However, the fae are dismissive and uninterested in mortal affairs. Gwyn ap Nudd, the Lord of the Wild Hunt, is particularly reluctant to help, but his queen, Lady Creiddylad, intervenes on Temperance’s behalf, offering them a challenge to prove their worth.
Gwyn sets three dangerous tasks for Temperance and her companions: the first task involves tracking down the Twrch Trwyth, a wild boar whose bristles contain poison that can be used to defeat the Erl King. The task is perilous, and Gwyn warns them that only the finest trackers can succeed.
As they embark on this daunting journey, Temperance, Jenny, and their ally Brackus must navigate the treacherous fae realm, facing unpredictable dangers along the way. The fae, with their immense power and volatile nature, remain a constant threat.
Despite Gwyn’s indifference to mortal suffering, Lady Creiddylad offers them a glimmer of hope, giving them the chance to prove themselves and take on the Erl King.
Throughout this quest, tensions arise between the characters. Jenny’s distrust of Temperance grows as they face challenges together.
When a group of soldiers attacks them, Jenny’s combat skills are put to the test. Though she narrowly defeats the soldiers, her anger toward Temperance intensifies when Temperance heals them, showing mercy where Jenny believes there should be none.
This marks a growing rift between the two, highlighting their moral differences. Jenny becomes increasingly alienated from Temperance, despite their shared struggle, and is determined to continue their journey on her own.
The group’s journey takes them through a quiet village, where they prepare for the final confrontation with the Erl King. As they make their way to the parsonage where the Erl King’s human form lies in wait, tensions continue to mount.
Temperance is determined to strike, but when she attempts to do so, her hand freezes, revealing that the Erl King has been manipulating them all along. In a shocking turn of events, the Erl King reveals his true nature, and the group is thrust into a deadly confrontation.
The barn where they have gathered becomes a battleground, with illusions breaking apart and the Erl King mocking their efforts.
In the midst of the chaos, Cavall, a dog, leaps into action to fight the Erl King, but is fatally injured in the process. The group is captured, and Jenny is dragged away to a dark, cold cellar, where she contemplates their hopeless situation.
The Erl King’s true intentions become clear: he seeks to control the land and its magical powers. Jenny is left to reflect on her connection to Avalon, the land where she was born, and the power that lies within her.
As the group faces the reality of their situation, Jenny must decide whether to remain true to her moral compass or succumb to the Erl King’s twisted promises.
The narrative builds to a climactic moment, with Jenny contemplating her choices and the potential sacrifice she may have to make. The stakes grow higher as the group prepares for their final confrontation with the Erl King, with Jenny grappling with the loss of her friends and the looming threat of the Erl King’s power.
The story draws to a tense conclusion, leaving readers eager to see how Jenny will face the challenges ahead and whether she can overcome the malevolent forces that threaten everything she holds dear.
Characters
Jenny Greenteeth
Jenny Greenteeth is the protagonist of Greenteeth, a water-dwelling creature with an intricate connection to the lake she tends. Though her appearance and nature often align with folklore’s portrayal of hags, she is not one by nature, which adds layers of complexity to her character.
Jenny’s bond with the lake is not just a matter of stewardship but a deeper, almost maternal attachment to its ecosystem. She nurtures and protects the water, balancing her existence with that of the creatures within it.
Throughout the story, Jenny grapples with her role as an otherworldly being in a world dominated by human emotions and ethics. While she is capable of great violence, her interactions with others reveal a more nuanced personality, particularly in her relationship with Temperance Crump.
Jenny’s ability to show compassion and curiosity for Temperance, despite her monstrous nature, speaks to her internal conflict and desire to forge connections beyond the usual predatory instincts of her kind. Her relationship with the lake and her role within its ecosystem are central to her identity, and as she navigates the complexities of the human world, Jenny’s character evolves from a solitary figure to one more open to companionship and moral consideration.
Temperance Crump
Temperance Crump, a witch falsely accused of witchcraft, serves as a complex and pivotal character in Greenteeth. She is a woman caught between two worlds—one of magic and one of persecution.
A cunning woman by heritage, Temperance possesses a practical, utilitarian knowledge of magic, which sets her apart from the flashy and often misunderstood forms of sorcery. Her character is defined by a deep sense of guilt and longing, particularly regarding her children and her past life before she was ostracized by the villagers.
Temperance’s vulnerability emerges when she finds herself in need of Jenny’s help after being trapped in the lake. While initially wary of Jenny’s monstrous nature, she forms an unexpected bond with her rescuer.
Temperance’s internal struggle is driven by her desire for escape and her complex feelings toward family and duty. As the story progresses, her sense of moral duty and compassion towards others becomes more pronounced, particularly when she chooses mercy over vengeance, much to Jenny’s dismay.
Temperance’s journey is one of redemption, not just for herself but for her village, and she must reconcile her own sense of self-worth with the expectations placed on her by others, including her own role as a mother.
Brackus
Brackus plays a secondary yet significant role in Greenteeth, providing both physical strength and emotional support to the protagonist and Temperance. His character represents loyalty and grounded wisdom, often acting as a mediator between Jenny and Temperance during moments of tension.
While Brackus lacks the complex magical abilities of Temperance or the supernatural connection to the lake that Jenny possesses, his combat prowess and no-nonsense attitude are indispensable to the group’s survival. Brackus serves as a stabilizing force throughout the journey, even as he grapples with the dangers they face.
His concern for Temperance, particularly during moments when she hesitates or doubts herself, showcases his deep care for her and their shared cause. Brackus’s pragmatism also contrasts with the more mystical and emotional struggles of the other characters, and his straightforward approach often provides clarity in times of confusion.
While he is not a central figure in terms of magic or lore, his role in the team dynamic is crucial, as he provides a sense of balance between the world of the fae and the human realm.
Gwyn ap Nudd
Gwyn ap Nudd is a fae lord whose indifference to the mortal world adds a layer of complexity to Greenteeth. As the Lord of the Wild Hunt, Gwyn is a figure of immense power, yet his initial reluctance to help Temperance and her group highlights his apathy toward the struggles of mortals.
His character embodies the unpredictable and capricious nature of the fae, often indifferent to the consequences of their actions on the human realm. Though Gwyn’s motivation for helping the group becomes clearer when his queen, Lady Creiddylad, intervenes, his disinterest in the Erl King’s threat underscores the fae’s disconnection from mortal concerns.
However, as the story progresses, Gwyn’s character is slowly revealed to be more layered. The tasks he sets before Temperance and her companions, while perilous, also serve as a way to test their resolve and worthiness, offering a glimpse into his more complex and perhaps even protective side.
Gwyn’s disdain for the mortal realm, contrasted with his occasional assistance, highlights the dangerous and often ambiguous nature of fae politics in the story.
Lady Creiddylad
Lady Creiddylad is a fae queen who plays a pivotal role in the events of Greenteeth by intervening on behalf of Temperance and the others. Though her presence in the narrative is more subdued compared to Gwyn’s, her actions are crucial in shifting the fae’s stance toward the mortal world.
Lady Creiddylad’s character is one of wisdom and diplomacy, using her influence to guide the protagonists through the fae realm’s dangerous politics. Her intervention serves not only as a turning point for the group but also as an embodiment of the fae’s potential for both cruelty and compassion.
She is not merely a figurehead but a strategic player whose decisions have a lasting impact on the protagonists’ chances of success. Her relationship with Gwyn ap Nudd suggests a deep understanding of fae society’s intricacies, as she knows how to maneuver through the power structures that often seem indifferent to mortal struggles.
Lady Creiddylad’s actions illustrate the nuanced nature of fae beings—capable of both apathy and intervention, depending on the circumstances.
Cavall
Cavall, the loyal dog who accompanies the group in Greenteeth, is more than just a pet or a simple companion. His character adds an emotional depth to the story, particularly in his tragic sacrifice during the confrontation with the Erl King.
Cavall’s role in the narrative is symbolic of loyalty, sacrifice, and the deep connection between humans (or mortal creatures) and their animal companions. His courage in the face of danger, despite being a mere animal, highlights the themes of loyalty and duty that permeate the story.
His tragic death at the hands of the Erl King serves as a poignant moment that underscores the stakes of the group’s mission. The loss of Cavall not only affects Jenny but also serves as a reminder of the costs of their quest.
His death fuels Jenny’s determination to protect those she loves and adds an emotional weight to the battle against the Erl King. Cavall’s character may be seen as a reflection of the untold sacrifices made by the lesser creatures who are caught in the crossfire of larger, more powerful forces.
Themes
Morality and Mercy
The theme of morality and mercy is central to the unfolding narrative of Greenteeth. Jenny, the water-dwelling creature, struggles with the moral complexities of her interactions, particularly when it comes to the life-or-death decisions she faces.
Jenny’s instinct to kill the human witch, Temperance, in the opening chapter is tempered by her reluctance to follow through with this impulse. Instead, she shows compassion, opting to save Temperance’s life, though her nature and history make her wary of trusting humans.
This sets the stage for the conflict between Jenny’s ruthless nature and her emerging capacity for mercy. Throughout the book, Jenny’s relationship with Temperance is tested as the two encounter various moral dilemmas, most notably during moments of violence.
In one key scene, Jenny’s anger is triggered when Temperance heals the soldiers after Jenny has successfully incapacitated them. Jenny sees this act as a betrayal, believing the soldiers deserve death for their aggression.
Temperance, however, is guided by a moral compass that leans toward mercy and the preservation of life, even for those who have wronged them. This contrast in perspectives deepens the rift between the two characters, forcing them to reckon with their differing values.
The tension between the characters over what constitutes mercy versus justice underscores the broader moral questions that are at the heart of the story.
The Nature of Power and Corruption
The concept of power and its corrupting influence is explored through various characters, most notably the Erl King. He is portrayed as a malevolent entity who manipulates those around him, using both psychological and magical control to assert dominance over the land.
The Erl King’s ability to deceive the protagonists, including the way he toys with their expectations and uses illusions to undermine their efforts, reveals the seductive and destructive nature of power. His true intentions—seeking total control over the land—expose the dangers of unchecked ambition and the lengths one will go to in order to obtain power.
This theme is also reflected in the characters’ interactions with fae beings, such as Gwyn, the Lord of the Wild Hunt. While Gwyn initially dismisses the plight of mortals, his involvement in the quest to defeat the Erl King highlights the transactional nature of faerie power.
Gwyn’s indifference to the struggles of humans emphasizes the way in which power can dehumanize those who wield it, making them view mortal suffering as insignificant. In contrast, Jenny’s power, deeply tied to her connection with the lake and Avalon, is more rooted in a sense of responsibility and stewardship, highlighting the potential for power to be used for both creation and destruction depending on the wielder’s intentions.
Loyalty and Betrayal
Loyalty and betrayal are recurring themes throughout Greenteeth, particularly in the relationships between the main characters. Jenny’s bond with Temperance is complex, shaped by both affection and mistrust.
Jenny, who is used to isolation and a certain level of cruelty, finds herself increasingly conflicted about her loyalty to Temperance. The witch’s actions—such as healing the soldiers—challenge Jenny’s sense of justice and loyalty, leading to an emotional rift.
Jenny feels betrayed by Temperance’s decision to show mercy to their enemies, interpreting it as a weakness, but also questioning whether her own violent impulses are justified. This inner conflict intensifies as the story progresses, particularly during the tense moments leading up to the confrontation with the Erl King.
The theme of loyalty is also explored through the characters’ struggle to remain true to their companions amidst the pressures of the quest. Brackus, Temperance, and Jenny each grapple with their respective fears and doubts, but they continue to support one another out of a sense of duty or shared goal, despite the emotional and ideological divides between them.
The potential for betrayal looms large as the characters face life-or-death situations, forcing them to constantly assess where their true loyalties lie. This sense of uncertainty, coupled with moments of steadfast support, creates a dynamic interplay between loyalty and betrayal that fuels much of the emotional tension in the narrative.
Identity and Transformation
Identity and transformation play significant roles in Greenteeth, particularly with regard to the protagonist, Jenny, and her evolving understanding of herself. As a water-dwelling creature tied to the lake, Jenny initially perceives herself through the lens of her monstrous nature, often associating herself with the negative qualities attributed to beings like hags in folklore.
However, her interactions with Temperance and other characters force her to reconsider her identity. Jenny’s initial hesitation to rescue Temperance stems from her belief that her monstrous nature makes her incapable of compassion or care.
Yet, as the narrative unfolds, Jenny begins to redefine herself, acknowledging her potential for change. This theme of transformation is mirrored in the characters’ journeys, particularly Temperance, who seeks to shed the labels of witchcraft and escape the stifling confines of the village that once ostracized her.
The personal growth of both Jenny and Temperance is intertwined with their mutual struggle to forge new identities—one that challenges the expectations placed upon them by society and the roles they are forced to play in a world that often sees them as outcasts. Jenny’s transformation also reflects a broader theme of environmental and social change, as she contemplates her deep connection to the land and the responsibilities it entails.
In this way, identity and transformation are explored not just as personal processes but as crucial elements of the story’s larger ecological and moral landscape.
The Struggle Between Good and Evil
The struggle between good and evil is a central theme that runs throughout Greenteeth, though it is not depicted as a clear-cut dichotomy. Characters are constantly forced to navigate the gray areas between these extremes, as they wrestle with moral dilemmas and the consequences of their actions.
Jenny, for example, is often caught between her instinct to protect her domain and her evolving desire to show kindness to those she encounters. Her relationship with Temperance, a woman accused of witchcraft, further complicates this dynamic.
Temperance is initially seen as an outcast, yet her own story reveals her innocence and the injustice done to her. This blurring of the lines between good and evil is also evident in the portrayal of the Erl King, whose actions are both malevolent and methodical.
His pursuit of power, while undeniably harmful, also highlights the complexity of his character—he is not simply evil for the sake of evil but is driven by desires that have their own internal logic, even if that logic leads to destruction. This nuanced approach to good and evil challenges the characters to reconsider their perceptions of morality and forces readers to confront the uncomfortable truth that good and evil are often intertwined, with individuals often caught between the two.