History:
Real Name: Grendell
Identity/Class: Part mystical being, part Dark Elf
Occupation: Warrior/assassin
Group Membership: None
Affiliations: Clan of Cain (see comments), Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, Malekith
Enemies: Beowulf, Hercules, Thor, Zeus
Known Relatives: Big Mother (mother)
Aliases: Grendel
Base of Operations: Denmark
(historical);
First Appearance: Thor I#377 (March, 1987)
Powers/Abilities: Grendell stood over twice as tall as Thor, making him about 13', but was missing his left arm, an injury sustained in a much earlier battle. His strength was close to a weakened Thor, putting him around superhuman class 25-50. His stamina was at least superhuman, as was his durability, although he could still be injured and dismembered, and could not regenerate missing limbs. Grendell also had light green blood. He wielded a war club that was over 3' long, and he wore colored body-armor that was similar in design to the Dark Elves' warriors. He had excellent combat skills, although this was not part of professional training. His mother mystically safeguarded Grendell from death, which permitted him to survive otherwise mortal injuries, as well as a strong resistance to iron, a material with potentially deadly effects for Elves. Because of this, he was at least semi-immortal and able to survive at least limited dismemberment, although his recovery seemed to take a very long time. Grendell was carnivorous and had a taste for human flesh. He also seemed to have quite a surly disposition with very good night-vision given his initial Danish attacks.
History:
(Thor I#377 (fb) BTS) - Grendel's mother placed enchantments on him to protect him from death and the dire effects of iron.
(Historical) - Circa 500 AD, Grendel and his unidentified mother lived among the marshes and lakes of Denmark, devouring those they came across. Grendel preyed on the sleeping men of King Hrothgar of the Danes, after they had dined in the King's great hall called Heorot. Having heard of the scourge of Grendel, the mighty warrior Beowulf (possibly an alias of Gilgamesh or Ulysses Bloodstone) traveled to the Hall and tackled Grendel during one his raids. The two wrestled fiercely until Beowulf was able to rip off Grendel's left arm. Badly wounded, Grendel went back to his swamp lair, where it was alleged he died. Grendel's mother later sought revenge and battled Beowulf.
(Thor I#377) - Thor's forging of Asgardian steel to make a suit of personal armor in Pittsburgh reverberated to the Dark Elves' realm of Svartalfheim, smashing portals there. Wormwood, leader of the Dark Elves, recognizing the deadly effect that Asgardian steel had upon his kind, decided to release Grendell, summoning the creature from a deep pit that was its lair. Grendell emerged from his lair and was made ready to attack Thor.
Clad completely in armor, the Dark Warriors of Svartalfheim attacked the foundry where Thor was working. Thor drove off the Elves with a blast from his hammer, Mjolnir, but was suddenly confronted by Grendell and his massive war club. Grendell swung his club at Thor, but was countered by Mjolnir. However, this injured the weakened Thor, shattering his hand. Seeing Thor drop his hammer, the Elves sought to attack the thunder god, but he caused the molten steel to rain down them; as they fled, they called out to Grendell to help them. Grendell renewed his attack and Thor was soon overcome by hordes of Dark Elves and Grendell's blows. However, Thor summoned Mjolnir, which struck Grendell in the back as it flew back to the thunder god. The injured Thor then broke off a nearby iron pole and pierced Grendell's armor. Bleeding green, Grendell ordered the Dark Elves to hold Thor down so he could be clubbed to death, but first saluted Thor's valor. However, Loki teleported Thor away at that point, leaving Grendell crying out for vengeance.
(Incredible Hercules#136) - Malekith, furious that Thor and Hercules had managed to thwart his plans of invading Asgard, unleashed Grendell against the pair, who were already tired from fighting each other. Grendell's club scattered the heroes, but Zeus, still in his reborn child-like form, blasted Grendell from behind with a massive bolt of lightning.
Comments: Created by Walter Simonson (writer), Sal Buscema (penciler & inker).
Grendell's name had become legend; Thor knew of Grendell and some of the Dark Elves cautioned Wormwood from summoning Grendell.
The Appendix profile on Grendel's mum details some more information on the Beowulf-Grendel-Grendel's mother myth.
Grendel's mother's entry in OHotMU Horror 2005 confirmed her to be a member of Cain's Clan, so, logically, her son would also be a member.
Wikipedia gives a short and interesting history, plus possible origins of the name (e.g. potentially linked to Freyr or the Green Knight)
Profileby Grendel Prime.
CLARIFICATIONS:
Grendell has no known connections to:
images:
Incredible Hercules#136, p18, pan2
Thor I#377, p17, panel 2 (head)
Thor I#377 (March, 1987) - Walter Simonson
(writer& cover art), Sal Buscema (pencils & inks), Ralph
Macchio (editor)
Incredible Hercules#136 (December, 2009) - Greg Pak & Fred Van
Lente (writers), Reilly Brown (pencils), Nelson DeCastro (inks), Mark
Paniccia (editor)
First Posted: 11/21/2006
Last updated:
10/17/2009
Any Additions/Corrections? please let me know.
Non-Marvel
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