Greta was the faithful caretaker of Elva. She was a feeble old woman who loved and watched over Elva, for she had no one else.
While in Farthen Dûr, Greta demanded that Eragon bless her charge, even going so far as to grab his ankle until he agreed to do it. When the Varden left Farthen Dûr to set up camp in Surda, Greta continued to care for Elva there. When Eragon tried to set his blessing-turned-curse right, he failed to remove all of the effects on Elva. After Eragon's attempt, Elva went off on her own and left Greta, who was heartbroken. She pleaded for Eragon and Saphira to watch over Elva, and the dragon and Rider agreed.