Jawnomicon

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.

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.