Teeth
Teeth denote the capacity to seize, bite and hold, bared in threat or defence, and dreamt falling when the power to grasp life feels compromised.
Our paraphrase of what the sources say it carries.
At a glance
- Type
- Image
- Group
- Human World / Human Body
- Borne by
- 28 figures
- Traditions
- Greek mythology (3)Australian Aboriginal folklore (2)European folklore (general) (2)French folklore (2) and 17 more
- Borne with
- Claw/ Nail (7 figures)Legs (5 figures)Hand (3 figures)Iron (3 figures)Dragon (2 figures) and 2 more
- Same group
- BoneBreastClaw/ NailFootHair and 6 more
Figures that bear it
A model judged each figure against its own description, one term at a time. Is: the figure is, or is partly, this thing. Bears: it carries the thing or is marked by it. What a figure does is filed under motifs and powers. Open "why" for the sentence the judgement rests on.
- Abaasy bears Yakut folklore
why
The Abaasy are often depicted as grotesque, with their most distinguishing feature being their iron teeth, symbolizing their unyielding nature and capacity for destruction.
- Ahuizotl bears Aztec mythology
why
Its face bears a resemblance to that of a dog, with sharp teeth and keen eyes adapted for hunting in low-light conditions.
- Asin bears Native American folklore
why
Reference works give her a hair-covered body, hands that end in claws, and a mouthful of wolfish teeth, and note that she is classed among nursery-bogie figures used to warn children away from wandering too far from home.
- Baba Yaga bears Slavic folklore
why
She is typically depicted as an ancient, wizened crone with iron teeth and a nose so long it touches the ceiling when she lies down.
- Bakunawa bears Philippine folklore
why
The Bakunawa's maw is large enough to engulf entire islands, and its teeth are sharper than the keenest blades forged by man.
- Batsquatch bears American folklore
why
The Batsquatch's face is often described as a mix between a bat and a great ape, with glowing red eyes that pierce through the darkness, and a mouth filled with sharp, pointed teeth.
- Beast of Bray Road bears Modern cryptid (North American)
why
Witnesses report seeing glowing red or yellow eyes that pierce through the night, accompanied by a muzzle filled with sharp, menacing teeth.
- Beast of Gévaudan bears French folklore
why
Described as a wolf-like creature of enormous size, the Beast was said to be larger than any known wolf, with reddish-brown fur, a large head, and a mouth full of razor-sharp teeth.
- Burrunjor bears Australian Aboriginal folklore
why
Reports from Indigenous Australians and occasional sightings by explorers describe the Burrunjor as having a large head with razor-sharp teeth, ideal for tearing through flesh.
- Cerberus bears Greek mythology
why
Its fierce growls and razor-sharp teeth serve as a deterrent to any soul considering an escape attempt.
- Cetus bears Greek mythology
why
The beast's head is a nightmarish fusion of whale and serpent, featuring a gaping maw lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, each the size of a man.
- Dobhar-chú bears Irish folklore
why
The creature's most distinctive features are its razor-sharp teeth and claws, capable of tearing through flesh with ease.
and 16 more
- Goblin bears European folklore (general)
why
These small, humanoid beings are typically portrayed as having green or grayish skin, pointed ears, and sharp, often crooked teeth.
- Gulon bears Norse mythology
why
The Gulon's most distinctive feature is its unnaturally large mouth, filled with razor-sharp teeth capable of tearing through flesh and bone with ease.
- Hisa-Me bears Japanese folklore
why
Description survives in the later accounts: bloodshot eyes and sharp, jagged teeth, a savagery the sources call barbaric and sadistic.
- Huallepén bears Mapuche mythology
why
The creature's mouth is often depicted as twisted into a permanent grimace, revealing sharp, jagged teeth that hint at its potentially predatory nature.
- Hydrus bears European folklore (general)
why
Once inside, the Hydrus begins its grisly work, using its sharp teeth and powerful digestive abilities to consume the crocodile from within, eventually emerging victorious from the hollowed-out husk of its formidable prey.
- Leviathan bears Biblical folklore
why
Its massive jaws are said to be lined with multiple rows of razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing the strongest ships as if they were mere twigs.
- Lusca bears Caribbean folklore
why
Its powerful tentacles ensnare victims, dragging them down into the abyss, while its razor-sharp teeth deliver a fatal blow.
- Mapinguari bears South American folklore (general)
why
The creature's main mouth is typically described as being filled with sharp teeth, capable of crushing bones and vegetation alike.
- Mušḫuššu bears Mesopotamian mythology
why
The Mushusshu's loyalty is unwavering, and it will defend its charges with relentless determination, using its powerful claws, razor-sharp teeth, and in some accounts, the ability to breathe fire or poison.
- Ngürüvilu bears Mapuche mythology
why
Its fox-like head, complete with keen eyes and sharp teeth, hints at its predatory instincts and intelligence.
- Nuckelavee bears Scottish folklore
why
Its mouth is described as impossibly wide, filled with sharp teeth and capable of devouring entire humans whole.
- Ratatoskr bears Norse mythology
why
With its sharp teeth and quick wit, Ratatoskr gnaws not just at the bark of Yggdrasil but also at the peace and harmony of the divine realm.
- Redcap bears English folklore
why
Accounts describe it as a squat, wizened old man with long, wiry hair, taloned hands tipped with claws, teeth like fangs, and eyes that burn with a fierce red light; it is said to wear iron boots and carry a pikestaff or similar weapon, and in some tellings it possesses unnatural strength despite its small stature.
- Scylla bears Greek mythology
why
Originating from Greek mythology, Scylla is a sea monster of terror, with multiple heads each bearing sharp teeth, poised to strike.
- Tarasque bears French folklore
why
Its body resembles that of an ox or bear, covered in impenetrable scales, with a leonine head adorned with razor-sharp teeth.
- Whowie bears Australian Aboriginal folklore
why
The Whowie's most striking features are its massive jaws, lined with rows of razor-sharp teeth, capable of crushing boulders and devouring prey whole.