First Appearance: Thor I#377 (March, 1987)

Powers/Abilities: Grendell stood over twice as tall than 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 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 unnamed mother lived among the marshes and lakes of Denmark, devouring those they came across. Grendel preyed on the sleeping men of King Hrothgar, king 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 upon 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.

Comments: Created by Walter Simonson (writer), Sal Buscema (penciler & inker).

So what happened to him? Was he no longer protected by his mother's magic and died, or, as centuries before, has he survived an otherwise mortal wound and is recuperating, waiting to rise up once more?

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.

A short but quite engaging synopsis of the Grendel/Beowulf myth can be found here.

Wikipedia gives a short and interesting history, plus possible origins of the name (e.g. potentially linked to Freyr or the Green Knight)

Profile by Grendel Prime

Clarifications:

Grendell has no known connections to:

• Grendel (Hunter Rose) (Comico character by Matt Wagner) - debonair thief, battled Batman of the JLA (which later crossed over with the Avengers @ JLA/Avengers#1).
• Grendel Prime (Dark Horse character by Matt Wagner) - formidable cyborg, battled and almost destroyed by Batman of the JLA (which later crossed over with the Avengers @ JLA/Avengers#1).
• Any other "Grendell" characters