Ettin

The Ettin is a creature of monstrous scale and terrifying aspect, appearing in Narnia as part of the White Witch's army. It is listed among the most dreadful beings summoned by the Witch to fight against Aslan and the forces of good, standing alongside Ogres, Werewolves, Ghouls, Boggles, Minotaurs, Cruels, Hags, Spectres, and the People of the Toadstools. The Ettin's presence underscores the sheer variety and depth of evil that the Witch commands, a collection of horrors drawn from the darkest corners of Narnian myth and legend.

Role in the White Witch's Army

The Ettin is one of the many foul creatures that the White Witch calls to her side through her wolf messenger, Fenris Ulf, after she learns that Aslan has returned to Narnia and that her plans are threatened. The Witch commands her servant to summon all her people, including the Ettins, to meet her as speedily as they can. This gathering of monsters takes place in a dark valley overshadowed by fir and yew trees, where they prepare to confront Aslan and the children. The Ettin, like the other summoned horrors, is a creature of pure malice, loyal to the Witch and eager to do her bidding.

Appearance and Nature

Though the text does not describe the Ettin's physical form in detail, its inclusion among the most repulsive and fearsome beings in the Witch's army suggests a creature of immense size and grotesque appearance. The Ettin is grouped with entities that are so horrifying that the narrator declines to describe them fully, lest grown-ups prevent children from reading the book. This places the Ettin in the category of ultimate monstrosity, a being whose very nature is defined by its capacity to inspire revulsion and terror.

Narrative Significance

The Ettin's appearance in the story serves to heighten the stakes of the final confrontation between good and evil. By assembling such a diverse and nightmarish army, the White Witch demonstrates the full extent of her power and the depth of her malice. The Ettin, as one of the most extreme examples of her monstrous allies, contributes to the sense of overwhelming danger that the heroes must face. Its presence also reinforces the theme of the battle as a cosmic struggle between the forces of light and darkness, where the very fabric of Narnia's mythology is at stake.