Character Analysis
The Old Ones in Swampsea represent both allies and enemies to Briony. She initially thinks all of the swamp spirits are dangerous to her survival, but the realization that she is in fact a chime child—and not a witch—helps Briony see that Brownie, Mucky Face, and many of the swamp creatures that call her mistress are pretty harmless. Instead of seeing these spirits as threatening, we now see that modern humans are the real threat. Go figure.
If it wasn't for the original Chime Child and now Briony Larkin, these spirits of nature might have no hope for survival. Even Boggy Mun, who kills many children with swamp cough and threatens Rose and Tiddy Rex, has good reason to be angry. Wouldn't you be angry at people draining your life to build a railroad? We sure would be.
The only truly threatening Old One, it turns out, is Eldric's love interest (Briony's least favorite person ever), Leanne. For those of us on team Briony, it's pretty great that Leanne turns out to be a soul sucking Dark Muse. And of course, it is helping Eldric understand this about Leanne that ultimately also helps Briony understand it about Stepmother—so in a sort of twisted way, even Leanne has her merits.