Jenny Greenteeth
A river hag with green skin and sharp teeth who lurks beneath the surface of stagnant pools. She drags down children who wander too close to the water's edge. Her hair is like duckweed.
Jenny Greenteeth is a river hag from English folklore, used to warn children away from dangerous water.
The Legend
According to documented folklore, Jenny Greenteeth lurks in stagnant pools with green skin and teeth. She grabs children at the water’s edge and pulls them under to drown. Her hair resembles pond weed.
Appearance
She appears as a green-skinned old woman with long green hair like weeds, sharp green teeth, and long arms. She lurks just beneath the surface.
Behavior
Jenny Greenteeth waits in still water under duckweed that hides her. She grabs the ankles of the curious, pulls victims under, and drowns them slowly.
Purpose
The legend served to keep children from dangerous water, explain drowning deaths, warn of stagnant pools, embody parental fears, and personify water dangers.
Regional Names
Known elsewhere as Grindylow (Yorkshire), Peg Powler (River Tees), Nelly Longarms (Shropshire), Ginny Greenteeth, and various water hags.
Modern Influence
Jenny Greenteeth appears in Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, various horror fiction, video games, folklore collections, and cautionary tales.